New York, 1895
Assemblyman Vacheron on Monday evening had the House adopt a resolution directing the Committee on Privileges and Elections to investigate THE FARMER and bring its Editor before the bar of the Assembly to be punished for contempt.
THE FARMER welcomes the action of the Assembly, and stands ready to respond to its call. THE FARMER knows how well it is forfeited with facts, and knows its legal rights, too, and asks no favors.
Ready!
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, April 12, 1895, p. 2.
Monday, June 30, 2008
The Income Tax Decision
New York, 1895
The income tax law turns out to be a tax that only the poor must pay. Senator Hill said it would be so in his opposition to the bill. The Supreme Court of the United States has decided that rents from real estate and the interest on state and municipal bonds are not subject to taxation. Thus the millions of the Astors, Vanderbilts and Goulds will go free of taxation, while every person who has an income of over $4,000 from his labor must settle with the revenue collector. It makes the odious law more odious still. The next Congress should repeal it.
Boss Youngs
Boss Youngs seems to have joined the Guerilla Gang at Albany. Is George Wallace working with the gang? He is not at the Capital attending to the county's business, for the Supervisors have never given him that authority.
Abuse of Supervisors
The Standard continues to misrepresent and malign the board of Supervisors. The reason for the Standard's malignant abuse of these honest officers is that they refused to let the Standard swindle the county out of $255. The people understand the situation perfectly.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, April 12, 1895, p. 2.
The income tax law turns out to be a tax that only the poor must pay. Senator Hill said it would be so in his opposition to the bill. The Supreme Court of the United States has decided that rents from real estate and the interest on state and municipal bonds are not subject to taxation. Thus the millions of the Astors, Vanderbilts and Goulds will go free of taxation, while every person who has an income of over $4,000 from his labor must settle with the revenue collector. It makes the odious law more odious still. The next Congress should repeal it.
Boss Youngs
Boss Youngs seems to have joined the Guerilla Gang at Albany. Is George Wallace working with the gang? He is not at the Capital attending to the county's business, for the Supervisors have never given him that authority.
Abuse of Supervisors
The Standard continues to misrepresent and malign the board of Supervisors. The reason for the Standard's malignant abuse of these honest officers is that they refused to let the Standard swindle the county out of $255. The people understand the situation perfectly.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, April 12, 1895, p. 2.
The Boss's Mighty Fall
New York, 1895
So Boss Youngs has all the time been clerk of an Assembly committee at $5 a day!
The New York Sun says so, and names the committee. It has been kept a profound secret.
The people have thought that the Boss was only engaged in lobbying. Whether lobbying is profitable or not, the Boss was cunning enough to lay hold on the state treasury for a sure thing, small, but enough to pay expenses.
Who'd have thought that the Boss would condescend to accept so mean a thing! Last year he wanted to be Chief Clerk of the Assembly. This year the petty place of servant to an unimportant committee gratifies him!
And he worth $100,000! How are the mighty fallen. How mean a pretentious person can be when he can hide it.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, April 12, 1895, p. 2.
So Boss Youngs has all the time been clerk of an Assembly committee at $5 a day!
The New York Sun says so, and names the committee. It has been kept a profound secret.
The people have thought that the Boss was only engaged in lobbying. Whether lobbying is profitable or not, the Boss was cunning enough to lay hold on the state treasury for a sure thing, small, but enough to pay expenses.
Who'd have thought that the Boss would condescend to accept so mean a thing! Last year he wanted to be Chief Clerk of the Assembly. This year the petty place of servant to an unimportant committee gratifies him!
And he worth $100,000! How are the mighty fallen. How mean a pretentious person can be when he can hide it.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, April 12, 1895, p. 2.
New Methods In Bond Selling
New York, 1895
The board of education of the village of Jamaica will once more try to dispose of $70,000 of school bonds. The advertiSement of the board is published in THE FARMER, and any one who reads it will be struck by its peculiarity. Bids will be received until the 7th day of May, but on April 23rd and 30th the board will meet and publicly open such bids as are in then and award the bonds bid for. We confess that we never before heard of such a method of selling bonds, and it is so unfair a method that bond buyers might well be suspicious of it. How can the board tell, until after the bidding has been finally closed, which bid is the most advantageous? Suppose that on April 23rd some person should bid to take the bonds at par, and on April 30th some other person should bid to take the bonds at 105, how could the board award bonds to the higher bidder after they had been awarded to the lower bidder? The way of selling bonds the world over is to fix a day and an hour when bids will be received and opened, putting all financiers on a level in the competition. Under the system proposed by the board of education it is possible to do the village a serious wrong. The complication is made worse by the advertisement in the Standard stating that bids will be received and opened on April 16th, and the bonds then bid for awarded. It puts everybody at sea.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, April 12, 1895, p. 2.
The board of education of the village of Jamaica will once more try to dispose of $70,000 of school bonds. The advertiSement of the board is published in THE FARMER, and any one who reads it will be struck by its peculiarity. Bids will be received until the 7th day of May, but on April 23rd and 30th the board will meet and publicly open such bids as are in then and award the bonds bid for. We confess that we never before heard of such a method of selling bonds, and it is so unfair a method that bond buyers might well be suspicious of it. How can the board tell, until after the bidding has been finally closed, which bid is the most advantageous? Suppose that on April 23rd some person should bid to take the bonds at par, and on April 30th some other person should bid to take the bonds at 105, how could the board award bonds to the higher bidder after they had been awarded to the lower bidder? The way of selling bonds the world over is to fix a day and an hour when bids will be received and opened, putting all financiers on a level in the competition. Under the system proposed by the board of education it is possible to do the village a serious wrong. The complication is made worse by the advertisement in the Standard stating that bids will be received and opened on April 16th, and the bonds then bid for awarded. It puts everybody at sea.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, April 12, 1895, p. 2.
Spoils! Spoils! Spoils!
New York, 1895
Assemblyman Vacheron is likely to prove a very expensive representative of the people of Queens County. His interpretation of public duty is apparently the creation of offices and devising of schemes to put money into the pockets of individuals at the expense of the tax-payers. His latest move in this direction is the introduction of a bill to provide for the appointment of a commissioner of jurors in Queens County at a salary of $3,000 per annum. His bill vests the appointing power in a board consisting of the County Judge. Sheriff and District Attorney, and provides that the concurrent act of any two shall be a legal appointment.
The County Judge and the Sheriff are Republicans, and this means that another office is to be created for the poverty stricken members of the Republican party, whereby the spoils-man can be taken care of and allowed to feed at the public crib. From the Republican point of view, this is no doubt highly commendable, but the cry on the part of such organs as the Standard, that never loses an opportunity to blackguard the honest and economical members of the board of Supervisors, and to blackguard the Democratic public officials who audit honest bills, in view of the action of such men as Vacheron savors largely of hypocrisy.
There is no need in Queens County for a commissioner of jurors. For years past and at the present time, the County Clerk has drawn the list of names for pettit and grand juries, and there never has been a claim, or charge, or hint, or suggestion, that the County Clerk has not faithfully performed such duty. The list of grand jurors is made up by the board of Supervisors, and the list of pettit jurors is made by the various town boards. While it is true that in some instances men have been summoned as jurors who were not among those most competent to serve, still, if there were any criticism to be made on such account, such criticism should be made against the person charged with the duty of preparing the list from which such jurors are drawn. It is possible that Vacheron hoped to create an office for himself, although we do not believe that County Judge Garretson would lend himself to any such scheme.
The bill provides that the commissioner of jurors to be appointed shall prepare the list of names of the jurors. If a Republican is appointed, as undoubtedly a Republican would be, and the same partisanship should characterize his action as has characterized the Republican party since they have been in power in this county, it would mean substantially that Republicans could violate the criminal law with the absolute assurance that the jury would acquit, and it would further mean that a tremendous power would be placed in the hands of one man to wreak political vengeance upon his opponents. On the score of economy alone, however, the bill is a bad bill and should be killed, but we frankly say that the only hope of defeating this vicious measure is in Senator Childs. It is possible that the party whip will be cracked, and Senator Childs be induced to allow this bill to pass the Senate, but we earnestly hope that in this instance he will show the independence that has so far characterized his action in the present legislature, and refuse to sacrifice the interest of the tax-payers at the dictate of party managers. The Republican party has many sins to answer for, and when the tax-payers get their bills in the fall, and wonder why it is that their taxes are largely increased, they can obtain a sufficient answer by examining the records of the present legislature. For the first time in the history of the county the people have been cursed by representatives, some of whom are apparently unable to distinguish between duty to their constituents and self aggrandizement. Mr. Vacheron's capacity for mischief is apparently unlimited, but we believe that with the expiration of his present term his public career will end in the oblivion it so richly deserves.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, April 12, 1895, p. 2.
Assemblyman Vacheron is likely to prove a very expensive representative of the people of Queens County. His interpretation of public duty is apparently the creation of offices and devising of schemes to put money into the pockets of individuals at the expense of the tax-payers. His latest move in this direction is the introduction of a bill to provide for the appointment of a commissioner of jurors in Queens County at a salary of $3,000 per annum. His bill vests the appointing power in a board consisting of the County Judge. Sheriff and District Attorney, and provides that the concurrent act of any two shall be a legal appointment.
The County Judge and the Sheriff are Republicans, and this means that another office is to be created for the poverty stricken members of the Republican party, whereby the spoils-man can be taken care of and allowed to feed at the public crib. From the Republican point of view, this is no doubt highly commendable, but the cry on the part of such organs as the Standard, that never loses an opportunity to blackguard the honest and economical members of the board of Supervisors, and to blackguard the Democratic public officials who audit honest bills, in view of the action of such men as Vacheron savors largely of hypocrisy.
There is no need in Queens County for a commissioner of jurors. For years past and at the present time, the County Clerk has drawn the list of names for pettit and grand juries, and there never has been a claim, or charge, or hint, or suggestion, that the County Clerk has not faithfully performed such duty. The list of grand jurors is made up by the board of Supervisors, and the list of pettit jurors is made by the various town boards. While it is true that in some instances men have been summoned as jurors who were not among those most competent to serve, still, if there were any criticism to be made on such account, such criticism should be made against the person charged with the duty of preparing the list from which such jurors are drawn. It is possible that Vacheron hoped to create an office for himself, although we do not believe that County Judge Garretson would lend himself to any such scheme.
The bill provides that the commissioner of jurors to be appointed shall prepare the list of names of the jurors. If a Republican is appointed, as undoubtedly a Republican would be, and the same partisanship should characterize his action as has characterized the Republican party since they have been in power in this county, it would mean substantially that Republicans could violate the criminal law with the absolute assurance that the jury would acquit, and it would further mean that a tremendous power would be placed in the hands of one man to wreak political vengeance upon his opponents. On the score of economy alone, however, the bill is a bad bill and should be killed, but we frankly say that the only hope of defeating this vicious measure is in Senator Childs. It is possible that the party whip will be cracked, and Senator Childs be induced to allow this bill to pass the Senate, but we earnestly hope that in this instance he will show the independence that has so far characterized his action in the present legislature, and refuse to sacrifice the interest of the tax-payers at the dictate of party managers. The Republican party has many sins to answer for, and when the tax-payers get their bills in the fall, and wonder why it is that their taxes are largely increased, they can obtain a sufficient answer by examining the records of the present legislature. For the first time in the history of the county the people have been cursed by representatives, some of whom are apparently unable to distinguish between duty to their constituents and self aggrandizement. Mr. Vacheron's capacity for mischief is apparently unlimited, but we believe that with the expiration of his present term his public career will end in the oblivion it so richly deserves.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, April 12, 1895, p. 2.
News in Brief
New York, 1895
Miss Julia H. Farwell, principal of St. Mary's school, Garden City, has resigned.
Richard Fleet, of Centreport, died on Sunday of apoplexy. His ago was 80 years.
The Long Beach hotel will be opened June 20, under the management of Thomas H. Brush.
Work is to be commenced immediately on the new Catholic church at Northport. The edifice is to cost $15,000.
The Long Island railroad company has compromised the suit for damages begun by the heirs of John McGoey of Aquebogue, who was killed last August, by payment of $2,500.
A Trolley Line Sold
The plant of the Flushing and College Point electric railroad was sold Thursday to Cravath & Houston, representing the reorganized company. The property brought only $25,000. It cost the original company nearly $100,000 more than the amount received.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, April 12, 1895, p. 2.
Miss Julia H. Farwell, principal of St. Mary's school, Garden City, has resigned.
Richard Fleet, of Centreport, died on Sunday of apoplexy. His ago was 80 years.
The Long Beach hotel will be opened June 20, under the management of Thomas H. Brush.
Work is to be commenced immediately on the new Catholic church at Northport. The edifice is to cost $15,000.
The Long Island railroad company has compromised the suit for damages begun by the heirs of John McGoey of Aquebogue, who was killed last August, by payment of $2,500.
A Trolley Line Sold
The plant of the Flushing and College Point electric railroad was sold Thursday to Cravath & Houston, representing the reorganized company. The property brought only $25,000. It cost the original company nearly $100,000 more than the amount received.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, April 12, 1895, p. 2.
A Rich Treat for the Public
New York, 1895
A grand lecture and entertainment, under the auspices of Division No. 4, Ancient Order of Hibernians, of Jamaica, will be given on Wednesday evening next at 8 o'clock at the Opera House, by Messrs. Finerty and Murphy. Judging from the program, it is bound to prove a musical as well as a literary treat. Mr. Finerty divides his review into six epochs each representing an important period in Irish history. He reviews the important political events of the period, and the works of the bards. In illustration of his text, Mr. Murphy will sing one of his famous songs in each period. There is no country richer in melody and folk-song than Ireland, and given by a famous artist like Mr. Murphy, they will most certainly be heard at the best. They will be doubly interesting in connection with a historical lecture, as the bards wielded marvelous influence in the politics of the country, and their works were no small factor in forming the national character of the Irish people.
Mr. Finerty, aside from being an orator of the first class, is an able historian and those who wish to hear a masterly review of Irish history and military glory should not fail to attend.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, April 12, 1895, p. 2.
A grand lecture and entertainment, under the auspices of Division No. 4, Ancient Order of Hibernians, of Jamaica, will be given on Wednesday evening next at 8 o'clock at the Opera House, by Messrs. Finerty and Murphy. Judging from the program, it is bound to prove a musical as well as a literary treat. Mr. Finerty divides his review into six epochs each representing an important period in Irish history. He reviews the important political events of the period, and the works of the bards. In illustration of his text, Mr. Murphy will sing one of his famous songs in each period. There is no country richer in melody and folk-song than Ireland, and given by a famous artist like Mr. Murphy, they will most certainly be heard at the best. They will be doubly interesting in connection with a historical lecture, as the bards wielded marvelous influence in the politics of the country, and their works were no small factor in forming the national character of the Irish people.
Mr. Finerty, aside from being an orator of the first class, is an able historian and those who wish to hear a masterly review of Irish history and military glory should not fail to attend.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, April 12, 1895, p. 2.
Correspondence
New York, 1895
The Proposed Geological Survey of Long Island.
To the Editor of the Long Island Farmer:
Since my first communication to the director of the U. S. geological survey in regard to the investigation of the subterranean currents of fresh water beneath the surface of Long Island, I have ascertained that the geological survey proposes to make a more extensive investigation in order to locate the various subterranean currents of the entire Island, including both the north side and the south side, from Brooklyn to Orient Point and Montauk Point. Already the geological survey has completed its survey of Connecticut and the other New England states; also of that part of the state of New York which joins Connecticut. The geological survey of Long Island naturally supplements that work. The theory of the geological survey in regard to Long Island is that beside the currents near the surface, which have their origin in the rainfall upon Long Island, there are also currents below which have their origin in the State of Connecticut and in the bottom of Long Island Sound. These latter currents are believed to flow beneath wide areas of the Island passing out into the Atlantic ocean a considerable distance at sea. It is also believed that these deep down currents contain a large supply of pure water. If this be true it seems that it would be the proper thing to compel the city of Brooklyn to secure its main supply from the lower currents, the water from which would probably rise in driven wells pretty nearly to the surface. Thus the surface currents might be left for the use of the people on Long Island. The importance of this is evident from the fact that even during long periods of drought vegetation on Long Island draws its substance largely faom the evaporation of water twenty and even thirty feet below the surface and perhaps from even greater depths. Besides, as it is well known, the supply of surface fresh water is necessary for the maintenance of our oystering interests.
This whole matter has been a subject of speculation long enough. It is high time that the people of Long Island shall have a full knowledge of the Island down to bed rock, and especially a knowledge of its water currents, a matter of immediate and pressing importance. The work at first will be confined to a topographical survey, and information in regard to wells — especially deep wells. This will constitute the basis of a thorough geological survey which will require for its completion probably two or three years and depend upon adequate appropriations.
Washington, D. C, April 6th, 1895.
JOSEPH NIMNO, JR.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, April 12, 1895, p. 2.
The Proposed Geological Survey of Long Island.
To the Editor of the Long Island Farmer:
Since my first communication to the director of the U. S. geological survey in regard to the investigation of the subterranean currents of fresh water beneath the surface of Long Island, I have ascertained that the geological survey proposes to make a more extensive investigation in order to locate the various subterranean currents of the entire Island, including both the north side and the south side, from Brooklyn to Orient Point and Montauk Point. Already the geological survey has completed its survey of Connecticut and the other New England states; also of that part of the state of New York which joins Connecticut. The geological survey of Long Island naturally supplements that work. The theory of the geological survey in regard to Long Island is that beside the currents near the surface, which have their origin in the rainfall upon Long Island, there are also currents below which have their origin in the State of Connecticut and in the bottom of Long Island Sound. These latter currents are believed to flow beneath wide areas of the Island passing out into the Atlantic ocean a considerable distance at sea. It is also believed that these deep down currents contain a large supply of pure water. If this be true it seems that it would be the proper thing to compel the city of Brooklyn to secure its main supply from the lower currents, the water from which would probably rise in driven wells pretty nearly to the surface. Thus the surface currents might be left for the use of the people on Long Island. The importance of this is evident from the fact that even during long periods of drought vegetation on Long Island draws its substance largely faom the evaporation of water twenty and even thirty feet below the surface and perhaps from even greater depths. Besides, as it is well known, the supply of surface fresh water is necessary for the maintenance of our oystering interests.
This whole matter has been a subject of speculation long enough. It is high time that the people of Long Island shall have a full knowledge of the Island down to bed rock, and especially a knowledge of its water currents, a matter of immediate and pressing importance. The work at first will be confined to a topographical survey, and information in regard to wells — especially deep wells. This will constitute the basis of a thorough geological survey which will require for its completion probably two or three years and depend upon adequate appropriations.
Washington, D. C, April 6th, 1895.
JOSEPH NIMNO, JR.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, April 12, 1895, p. 2.
So It Was Boss Youngs' Job!
New York, 1895
Why Assemblyman Vacheron Wanted Five Arrears Commissioners.
The Long Island City Herald, the leading Republican newspaper of the county, throws some new light on Assemblyman Vacheron's job to increase the number of tax arrears commissioners to five. The Herald says it was Boss Youngs' job to make a place for a Flushing henchman named John Doty Van Nostrand, which would cost the tax-payers just $4,500. Boss Youngs does not think of the taxpayers. All he cares about is to perpetuate his political machine and go on bossing. What the Herald says on the subject follows:
"We are informed that Mr. Vacheron insists upon increasing the membership of that commission to five, in order to make a place for one of the Hon. William J. Youngs' friends in Flushing. There is not the slightest excuse or justification for enlarging the membership of the commission. It will only exist three years and the value of the property to be investigated by it, and the ownership established, will not probably exceed half a million dollars. In the three years they are to serve their salaries will amount to $13,500. A fifth member of the commission would be like the fifth wheel of a coach, for which there is no necessity whatever, and his appointment would cost the taxpayers of the county $4,500. We can dispense with this luxury and no one will suffer except the gentleman who is seeking the appointment. Governor Morton has insisted upon retrenchment and has defined his views in a manner so clear and statesmanlike that even the Democratic papers have given him his full meed of praise. The tax arrears commission bill is a good measure, but it must not be made unpopular by loading it down with more salaried officers than are absolutely necessary."
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, April 12, 1895, p. 2.
Why Assemblyman Vacheron Wanted Five Arrears Commissioners.
The Long Island City Herald, the leading Republican newspaper of the county, throws some new light on Assemblyman Vacheron's job to increase the number of tax arrears commissioners to five. The Herald says it was Boss Youngs' job to make a place for a Flushing henchman named John Doty Van Nostrand, which would cost the tax-payers just $4,500. Boss Youngs does not think of the taxpayers. All he cares about is to perpetuate his political machine and go on bossing. What the Herald says on the subject follows:
"We are informed that Mr. Vacheron insists upon increasing the membership of that commission to five, in order to make a place for one of the Hon. William J. Youngs' friends in Flushing. There is not the slightest excuse or justification for enlarging the membership of the commission. It will only exist three years and the value of the property to be investigated by it, and the ownership established, will not probably exceed half a million dollars. In the three years they are to serve their salaries will amount to $13,500. A fifth member of the commission would be like the fifth wheel of a coach, for which there is no necessity whatever, and his appointment would cost the taxpayers of the county $4,500. We can dispense with this luxury and no one will suffer except the gentleman who is seeking the appointment. Governor Morton has insisted upon retrenchment and has defined his views in a manner so clear and statesmanlike that even the Democratic papers have given him his full meed of praise. The tax arrears commission bill is a good measure, but it must not be made unpopular by loading it down with more salaried officers than are absolutely necessary."
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, April 12, 1895, p. 2.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Citizens Petition the Village Trustees for Improvements.
New York, 1895
The village trustees held their regular monthly meeting Thursday evening. President Watts presided. Trustee Mills was absent. The first Thursday in May was fixed for a hearing in the Shelton avenue assessment.
The petition for a crosswalk to be laid at Franklin and Willow streets was referred to the street committee. John Fitzgerald, of Chichester avenue, said that the avenue was in a dangerous condition, worse even than before the $250 was expended upon it. People who desired to build in the neighborhood had been frightened away. The motion to refer the matter to the street committee, with power, was lost.
Trustee Van Allen said that a map and petition had been filed with the board some time ago for the improvement of Chichester avenue. Trustee Higgins explained the work that had been done was done under the map and petition. Trustee Downing said the property should be assessed for a portion of the expense, as the village had already expended $250.
President Watts decided that the old petition could not be revived, and a new one must be presented for the desired improvement.
Trustee Twombly, of the fire department committee, recommended that the board build a new house for Woodhull hose company, equip the bucket company as a truck company, and purchase a site and build a house for it at an aggregate outlay not exceeding $4,400. The recommendations were adopted, and the resolution will be submitted to the electors at the next charter election.
The sidewalk flagging business, laid over from the last meeting, was taken up.
Trustee Van Allen moved that a four foot stone walk be laid on both sides of Franklin street.
Trustee Wyckoff objected on the ground that there was no village grade.
Trustee Twombly moved that the flags be laid on the grade of the street.
Trustee Downing moved as an amendment that the flags be laid in accordance with the grade furnished by Ezra W. Conklin, and indicated on the map made by him in 1887.
Trustee Wyckoff objected to the amendment, and with his reiterated objections and appeals from the decision of the chair, frittered away the time of the board.
The amendment offered by Trustee Downing was finally adopted, and Franklin street will be flagged on both sides.
Trustee Downing moved that the east side of Brenton avenue be flagged under the same conditions.
Patrick O'Rourke opposed flagging one side of the street. He wanted both sides flagged or none.
A motion made by Trustee Wyckoff, that the petition be rejected as to all streets except Franklin street, was adopted.
A petition for a fire alarm box at Fulton and Kaplan street, and a street light at Hillside avenue and Kaplan street, was referred to the fire department and lighting committee; also the report of Chief Engineer Shipley, that Distler hose company wished an alarm in its house and 500 feet of new hose.
Trustee Wyckoff called attention to posters on the bill boards in the village (women on bicycles) that he regarded as indecent, and moved that they be so considered by the board. The bill poster was ordered to take the bills down immediately.
Police Justice Faber reported collecting $37 for fines.
The proposition of Antonio Leonardi, to discontinue the action brought by him against the village for damage by water to his property on Church street, if the board would pay him $25, was accepted.
A communication was read from Counselor Monfort, stating that he could not undertake the condemnation proceedings in South street for the fee of $150 allowed by the board.
Trustee Van Allen asked that the village grade 100 feet on each side of his line on Highland avenue so as to make contemplated improvements possible. He added that he would make no charge for 1,500 yards of dirt cut from his property and used by the village. He declared that he would pave, curb and gutter if the board acceded.
On motion of Trustee Wyckoff, the matter was referred to the street committee for report.
The board held an adjourned meeting Saturday evening. Trustees Wyckoff and Mills were absent. A petition for grading Highland avenue was received. Hearing thereon is to be had at a special meeting on April 22.
The resignation of George Marshall as pound master was laid on the table.
Permission was given J. Watchel to have a flower stand at the corner of Herriman avenue and Fulton street. Philip Stroh was granted permission to erect a hydrant in front of his premises on Fulton street.
A resolution by Trustee Van Allen, that $150 be appropriated in addition to the amount already subscribed to put Chichester avenue in proper repair, was lost. President Watts declared the avenue to be in a dangerous condition, and ordered the superintendent of highways to close the street.
The bill of the Jamaica electric light company for the month of March was ordered paid in the sum of $756. Bills amounting to $1,864.27 were audited.
The proposition of Richard Evans for constructing water works and electric light plant, was referred to counsel.
President Watts was authorized to secure the opinion of counsel as to the right, if any, of the Jamaica water supply company to a renewal of its contract.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, April 12, 1895, p. 1.
The village trustees held their regular monthly meeting Thursday evening. President Watts presided. Trustee Mills was absent. The first Thursday in May was fixed for a hearing in the Shelton avenue assessment.
The petition for a crosswalk to be laid at Franklin and Willow streets was referred to the street committee. John Fitzgerald, of Chichester avenue, said that the avenue was in a dangerous condition, worse even than before the $250 was expended upon it. People who desired to build in the neighborhood had been frightened away. The motion to refer the matter to the street committee, with power, was lost.
Trustee Van Allen said that a map and petition had been filed with the board some time ago for the improvement of Chichester avenue. Trustee Higgins explained the work that had been done was done under the map and petition. Trustee Downing said the property should be assessed for a portion of the expense, as the village had already expended $250.
President Watts decided that the old petition could not be revived, and a new one must be presented for the desired improvement.
Trustee Twombly, of the fire department committee, recommended that the board build a new house for Woodhull hose company, equip the bucket company as a truck company, and purchase a site and build a house for it at an aggregate outlay not exceeding $4,400. The recommendations were adopted, and the resolution will be submitted to the electors at the next charter election.
The sidewalk flagging business, laid over from the last meeting, was taken up.
Trustee Van Allen moved that a four foot stone walk be laid on both sides of Franklin street.
Trustee Wyckoff objected on the ground that there was no village grade.
Trustee Twombly moved that the flags be laid on the grade of the street.
Trustee Downing moved as an amendment that the flags be laid in accordance with the grade furnished by Ezra W. Conklin, and indicated on the map made by him in 1887.
Trustee Wyckoff objected to the amendment, and with his reiterated objections and appeals from the decision of the chair, frittered away the time of the board.
The amendment offered by Trustee Downing was finally adopted, and Franklin street will be flagged on both sides.
Trustee Downing moved that the east side of Brenton avenue be flagged under the same conditions.
Patrick O'Rourke opposed flagging one side of the street. He wanted both sides flagged or none.
A motion made by Trustee Wyckoff, that the petition be rejected as to all streets except Franklin street, was adopted.
A petition for a fire alarm box at Fulton and Kaplan street, and a street light at Hillside avenue and Kaplan street, was referred to the fire department and lighting committee; also the report of Chief Engineer Shipley, that Distler hose company wished an alarm in its house and 500 feet of new hose.
Trustee Wyckoff called attention to posters on the bill boards in the village (women on bicycles) that he regarded as indecent, and moved that they be so considered by the board. The bill poster was ordered to take the bills down immediately.
Police Justice Faber reported collecting $37 for fines.
The proposition of Antonio Leonardi, to discontinue the action brought by him against the village for damage by water to his property on Church street, if the board would pay him $25, was accepted.
A communication was read from Counselor Monfort, stating that he could not undertake the condemnation proceedings in South street for the fee of $150 allowed by the board.
Trustee Van Allen asked that the village grade 100 feet on each side of his line on Highland avenue so as to make contemplated improvements possible. He added that he would make no charge for 1,500 yards of dirt cut from his property and used by the village. He declared that he would pave, curb and gutter if the board acceded.
On motion of Trustee Wyckoff, the matter was referred to the street committee for report.
The board held an adjourned meeting Saturday evening. Trustees Wyckoff and Mills were absent. A petition for grading Highland avenue was received. Hearing thereon is to be had at a special meeting on April 22.
The resignation of George Marshall as pound master was laid on the table.
Permission was given J. Watchel to have a flower stand at the corner of Herriman avenue and Fulton street. Philip Stroh was granted permission to erect a hydrant in front of his premises on Fulton street.
A resolution by Trustee Van Allen, that $150 be appropriated in addition to the amount already subscribed to put Chichester avenue in proper repair, was lost. President Watts declared the avenue to be in a dangerous condition, and ordered the superintendent of highways to close the street.
The bill of the Jamaica electric light company for the month of March was ordered paid in the sum of $756. Bills amounting to $1,864.27 were audited.
The proposition of Richard Evans for constructing water works and electric light plant, was referred to counsel.
President Watts was authorized to secure the opinion of counsel as to the right, if any, of the Jamaica water supply company to a renewal of its contract.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, April 12, 1895, p. 1.
The Public Business
New York, 1895
THE TOWN BOARD ORDERS THE WATER MAIN EXTENDED.
The Village Trustees Vote Down a Number of Petitions for Improvements — New Houses for Fire Companies Necessary — Counselor Monfort Rejects a Proffered Fee.
The town board held a meeting on Friday at the Town Hall. Supervisor Everitt presided. Justice Lester was absent. Town Clerk McCook reported that he had engaged T. F. Archer's Sons to sell by auction the buildings on the Everitt, Herzog and Denton properties, recently acquired by the town for Town Hall purposes. A petition was received from residents of Richmond Hill for an extension of the water main on Maple, Central and Elm streets, and on Central avenue and the erection of four fire hydrants. The petition was granted.
The following bills were ordered paid: Jamaica electric light company, light for Town Hall for month of March, $41.66; township water company, hydrant rental, $1,438.39; Samuel M. Searing, repairing and putting up election booths, $77; Charles W. Baylis, services as constable, $223.35; L. E. Decker, services as highway commissioner, months of January, February and March, $97.
The books of the highway commissioners, which have not yet been audited, occupied the greater portion of the time of the board.
Supervisor of Teachers, Institutes
Superintendent of Public Instruction Skinner announced on Friday that he had appointed Prof. A. S. Downing of Palmyra, now an institute conductor, as supervisor of teachers' institute and training classes.
Street Improvement Must Stop
Actions were commenced in the Supreme Court by J. Rufus Terry and Roswell P. Flower to restrain the officers of Long Island City and the improvement commissioners from proceeding with the improvement of Borden avenue, paying the contractor, John O'Brien, for his work, or issuing city bonds to secure his payment. The action was commenced on the ground that the commissioners' action was illegal. Saturday Justice Gaynor gave judgment for the plaintiff in both cases.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, April 12, 1895, p. 1.
THE TOWN BOARD ORDERS THE WATER MAIN EXTENDED.
The Village Trustees Vote Down a Number of Petitions for Improvements — New Houses for Fire Companies Necessary — Counselor Monfort Rejects a Proffered Fee.
The town board held a meeting on Friday at the Town Hall. Supervisor Everitt presided. Justice Lester was absent. Town Clerk McCook reported that he had engaged T. F. Archer's Sons to sell by auction the buildings on the Everitt, Herzog and Denton properties, recently acquired by the town for Town Hall purposes. A petition was received from residents of Richmond Hill for an extension of the water main on Maple, Central and Elm streets, and on Central avenue and the erection of four fire hydrants. The petition was granted.
The following bills were ordered paid: Jamaica electric light company, light for Town Hall for month of March, $41.66; township water company, hydrant rental, $1,438.39; Samuel M. Searing, repairing and putting up election booths, $77; Charles W. Baylis, services as constable, $223.35; L. E. Decker, services as highway commissioner, months of January, February and March, $97.
The books of the highway commissioners, which have not yet been audited, occupied the greater portion of the time of the board.
Supervisor of Teachers, Institutes
Superintendent of Public Instruction Skinner announced on Friday that he had appointed Prof. A. S. Downing of Palmyra, now an institute conductor, as supervisor of teachers' institute and training classes.
Street Improvement Must Stop
Actions were commenced in the Supreme Court by J. Rufus Terry and Roswell P. Flower to restrain the officers of Long Island City and the improvement commissioners from proceeding with the improvement of Borden avenue, paying the contractor, John O'Brien, for his work, or issuing city bonds to secure his payment. The action was commenced on the ground that the commissioners' action was illegal. Saturday Justice Gaynor gave judgment for the plaintiff in both cases.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, April 12, 1895, p. 1.
A New Job
New York, 1895
Sprung by Vacheron and Boss Youngs.
PLUNDER OF TAX-PAYERS.
To Pay $10,000 a Year for What Now Costs $96.
CHANCES FOR POLITICAL HEELERS.
A Gold Mine for Some One's Enrichment.
ONE MAN POWER.
Ten Thousand Dollars a Year would be Added to the Expense of the Courts in the County — Supervisors Shorn of Power and Compelled to Fix Fees and Pay Bills — Unheard of Powers Conferred Upon an Individual — A Way to Build Up a Great Political Machine and Pervert Justice — All the Citizens of the County Placed at the Mercy of One Man — Personal Liberty and Property Rights Assailed.
Editorially and in the Albany news column some attention is given to a bill introduced in the Assembly by Mr. Vacheron, and Boss Youngs is alleged to be the father of it. We have secured a copy of the bill, in spite of Mr. Vacheron and Boss Youngs, and we do not believe that it will have the support of a single citizen of the county outside of the politicians who hope in some way to get profit out of it. The act proposes to establish a Commissioner of Jurors for this county, and was introduced by Mr. Vacheron on April 3, and kept a secret as much as possible, the Jamaica Standard being a party to the concealment.
The first section of the act appoints the County Judge, District Attorney and Sheriff a board to appoint a commissioner of jurors, who shall serve for five years. Two votes control the appointment — a fine chance for a combination between the Sheriff and District Attorney, to begin with.
The fourth section of the act fixes the commissioner's compensation at $3,000 a year.
Right here the taxpayers begin to be interested. Under the present law the County Clerk, Sheriff and County Judge draw the jurors for the courts of record. The fees are as follows: County Clerk, $2; Sheriff, for serving notices on jurors, $10; County Judge, nothing, he being a salaried officer. The cost of drawing and serving jurors for each term of court is therefore $12, and eight juries being drawn each year, the total cost is $96.
Vacheron and Boss Youngs, by this bill, propose to increase the cost of juries about $10,000 each year. It would be a robbery of the tax-payers.
Section five makes the board of Supervisors provide an office for the commissioner, furnish it, and supply books, blanks and stationery at a probable cost of $1,000 a year.
Section six compels the Supervisor of each town to file with the commissioner a list of names of all persons liable to jury duty. Then the Commissioner is authorized to select from these lists any names he sees fit. There is no appeal from his action.
Section 7 gives the commissioner power to hear evidence as to the right of citizens to exemption from jury duty, in the same manner as a judge of a court of record, and if the commissioner decides to grant exemption, his decision is final.
This power has hitherto been exercised by judges. To a commissioner who was a money maker a rich field would open up, for hundreds of persons would pay liberally to get on the "exempt" list.
It is made a crime by section eight for any person to refuse to answer the Commissioner's questions, and he may be sent to jail.
Section 9 gives the Commissioner the arbitrary power to summon all persons before him, and any person who fails to respond to the summons is guilty of a crime. A process server is to be appointed by the Commissioner, and paid by the county, and $1,000 is a reasonable sum to set apart for the man who gets this job.
Under section 11, the Commissioner alone makes a selection of the names to be put in the jury box.
This would make it easy to get a packed jury if one were wanted for political purposes.
Section 20 empowers the sitting judge to impose a fine of $25 on any person who fails to respond to the summons to do jury duty. Now note the remarkable thing that follows:
Section 22 empowers the Commissioner either to remit or confirm the fine, thereby making the commissioner an appellate judge.
A bonanza might be worked up under this section, for a man who had been fined $25 in court would gladly pay $10 to have the fine remitted by the Commissioner. This is one of the features that the politicians would expect to pan out handsomely and furnish boodle for campaign work.
Under section 23, if the Commissioner confirm the fine, he has all the power of the Sheriff to enforce the collection by execution.
Under section 24, the fine is entered on the judgment roll in the County Clerk's office and becomes a lien on the man's real estate or personal property, and the Commissioner can seize a man's house and sell it, or seize and sell his horses, or any other thing. That is pretty tough. There is no appeal.
Section 31 puts the Commissioner in the places of the County Clerk and Sheriff in striking special juries.
As a means of political torture or political favor this could be made to do its work with anarchistic brutality or subtle corruptness. It would be easy to convict an enemy or save a friend.
Section 32 provides that the commissioner shall keep a register and enter therein the names of all persons who are granted exemptions from jury duty.
Section 33 contains a clever joker. No person can get his name on the "exempt" register unless he pays a fee of 25 cents for entering his name, and 50 cents more for a certificate of exemption.
Section 34 works up more fees. It is provided that the Commissioner shall receive the same fees allowed to clerks of courts for orders or copies of any proceeding had before him.
Section 36 provides for soaking the taxpayers. It reads as follows:
"§ 36. The board of Supervisors shall allow the Commissioner's assistant officers for the services required of them under this act, such compensation for their services as the said board shall deem reasonable and proper in addition to the compensation now allowed by law."
The Commissioner can appoint a hundred assistant officers, and no one can object. It is here that the political heelers would come in, and it cannot be doubted that the men who have the gall to propose this bill would be liberal in the bestowal of patronage for political effect, if they had the say.
It is a monstrous bill and should be defeated, not alone because it would entail an annual expenditure of about $10,000 in place of $96, but because of the arbitrary and oppressive power which it bestows upon one man.
The commissioner can summon any citizen before him and examine him as to his qualifications. He can question the citizen about his private or business affairs, and if the citizen refuses to answer he is guilty of a crime and may be committed to jail until he does answer. As an instrument of political torture nothing like this was ever heard of.
The office is not needed in this county. Creating offices for political profit and political uses is an abuse of the public welfare.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, April 12, 1895, p. 1.
Sprung by Vacheron and Boss Youngs.
PLUNDER OF TAX-PAYERS.
To Pay $10,000 a Year for What Now Costs $96.
CHANCES FOR POLITICAL HEELERS.
A Gold Mine for Some One's Enrichment.
ONE MAN POWER.
Ten Thousand Dollars a Year would be Added to the Expense of the Courts in the County — Supervisors Shorn of Power and Compelled to Fix Fees and Pay Bills — Unheard of Powers Conferred Upon an Individual — A Way to Build Up a Great Political Machine and Pervert Justice — All the Citizens of the County Placed at the Mercy of One Man — Personal Liberty and Property Rights Assailed.
Editorially and in the Albany news column some attention is given to a bill introduced in the Assembly by Mr. Vacheron, and Boss Youngs is alleged to be the father of it. We have secured a copy of the bill, in spite of Mr. Vacheron and Boss Youngs, and we do not believe that it will have the support of a single citizen of the county outside of the politicians who hope in some way to get profit out of it. The act proposes to establish a Commissioner of Jurors for this county, and was introduced by Mr. Vacheron on April 3, and kept a secret as much as possible, the Jamaica Standard being a party to the concealment.
The first section of the act appoints the County Judge, District Attorney and Sheriff a board to appoint a commissioner of jurors, who shall serve for five years. Two votes control the appointment — a fine chance for a combination between the Sheriff and District Attorney, to begin with.
The fourth section of the act fixes the commissioner's compensation at $3,000 a year.
Right here the taxpayers begin to be interested. Under the present law the County Clerk, Sheriff and County Judge draw the jurors for the courts of record. The fees are as follows: County Clerk, $2; Sheriff, for serving notices on jurors, $10; County Judge, nothing, he being a salaried officer. The cost of drawing and serving jurors for each term of court is therefore $12, and eight juries being drawn each year, the total cost is $96.
Vacheron and Boss Youngs, by this bill, propose to increase the cost of juries about $10,000 each year. It would be a robbery of the tax-payers.
Section five makes the board of Supervisors provide an office for the commissioner, furnish it, and supply books, blanks and stationery at a probable cost of $1,000 a year.
Section six compels the Supervisor of each town to file with the commissioner a list of names of all persons liable to jury duty. Then the Commissioner is authorized to select from these lists any names he sees fit. There is no appeal from his action.
Section 7 gives the commissioner power to hear evidence as to the right of citizens to exemption from jury duty, in the same manner as a judge of a court of record, and if the commissioner decides to grant exemption, his decision is final.
This power has hitherto been exercised by judges. To a commissioner who was a money maker a rich field would open up, for hundreds of persons would pay liberally to get on the "exempt" list.
It is made a crime by section eight for any person to refuse to answer the Commissioner's questions, and he may be sent to jail.
Section 9 gives the Commissioner the arbitrary power to summon all persons before him, and any person who fails to respond to the summons is guilty of a crime. A process server is to be appointed by the Commissioner, and paid by the county, and $1,000 is a reasonable sum to set apart for the man who gets this job.
Under section 11, the Commissioner alone makes a selection of the names to be put in the jury box.
This would make it easy to get a packed jury if one were wanted for political purposes.
Section 20 empowers the sitting judge to impose a fine of $25 on any person who fails to respond to the summons to do jury duty. Now note the remarkable thing that follows:
Section 22 empowers the Commissioner either to remit or confirm the fine, thereby making the commissioner an appellate judge.
A bonanza might be worked up under this section, for a man who had been fined $25 in court would gladly pay $10 to have the fine remitted by the Commissioner. This is one of the features that the politicians would expect to pan out handsomely and furnish boodle for campaign work.
Under section 23, if the Commissioner confirm the fine, he has all the power of the Sheriff to enforce the collection by execution.
Under section 24, the fine is entered on the judgment roll in the County Clerk's office and becomes a lien on the man's real estate or personal property, and the Commissioner can seize a man's house and sell it, or seize and sell his horses, or any other thing. That is pretty tough. There is no appeal.
Section 31 puts the Commissioner in the places of the County Clerk and Sheriff in striking special juries.
As a means of political torture or political favor this could be made to do its work with anarchistic brutality or subtle corruptness. It would be easy to convict an enemy or save a friend.
Section 32 provides that the commissioner shall keep a register and enter therein the names of all persons who are granted exemptions from jury duty.
Section 33 contains a clever joker. No person can get his name on the "exempt" register unless he pays a fee of 25 cents for entering his name, and 50 cents more for a certificate of exemption.
Section 34 works up more fees. It is provided that the Commissioner shall receive the same fees allowed to clerks of courts for orders or copies of any proceeding had before him.
Section 36 provides for soaking the taxpayers. It reads as follows:
"§ 36. The board of Supervisors shall allow the Commissioner's assistant officers for the services required of them under this act, such compensation for their services as the said board shall deem reasonable and proper in addition to the compensation now allowed by law."
The Commissioner can appoint a hundred assistant officers, and no one can object. It is here that the political heelers would come in, and it cannot be doubted that the men who have the gall to propose this bill would be liberal in the bestowal of patronage for political effect, if they had the say.
It is a monstrous bill and should be defeated, not alone because it would entail an annual expenditure of about $10,000 in place of $96, but because of the arbitrary and oppressive power which it bestows upon one man.
The commissioner can summon any citizen before him and examine him as to his qualifications. He can question the citizen about his private or business affairs, and if the citizen refuses to answer he is guilty of a crime and may be committed to jail until he does answer. As an instrument of political torture nothing like this was ever heard of.
The office is not needed in this county. Creating offices for political profit and political uses is an abuse of the public welfare.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, April 12, 1895, p. 1.
Youngs Gets a Place
New York, 1895
MADE CLERK TO AN ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON COUNTY ROADS.
A Pretty Job Which Disgusts Republicans at Albany — Some Comments on the Boss and His Tool by a New York Newspaper.
In the Assembly at Albany on Monday evening the resolution of Mr. Nixon to appoint a special committee to investigate all railroads in the state was under discussion. The New York Sun of Tuesday followed its legislative report of the discussion of the resolution with the matter printed below:
"An example of what the big railroad resolution is capable of was afforded to-night by the activity in the Assembly chamber of Billy Youngs of Long Island. He is an ex-Assemblyman and a Republican state committeeman. He has been hanging around all winter seeking for some little crumb of patronage to the open disgust of some good Republicans not of Long Island, who say that he is well fixed and ought to let go and give some one else a chance. He did not let go, but caught on to the clerkship of special committee on county roads. It is a strong Long Island committee, Higbie and Vacheron both being on it. Youngs' efforts to-night were so energetic as almost to interfere with the business of the session. What he was up to was fixing things so that his job would last all summer, and the committee on county roads could range the state in great comfort at the state's expense.
"Ozone Park's pride and treasure, Vacheron, was also a great deal in evidence to-night. He is called a pride and treasure because he is expensive to that community. THE LONG ISLAND FARMER, with some interesting comments on the suits for debt and unpaid tax bills against this Republican member, was on the desks of many members.
"The object of this paper's attention put in a resolution providing that the committee on privileges and elections should investigate its attacks upon him with a view to having its editor before the bar of the Assembly for contempt. This is the same editor whom Vacheron assaulted, for which assault he was locked up in the village jail, as Mr. Stanchfield informed the house. The friends of the editor say that he can be successfully defended against any charge of contempt for the Assembly, but that he does not disclaim the heartiest contempt for the member from Ozone Park.
(From the Sun's Albany Letter of Wednesday:)
There is a decided difference of opinion in the Committee on Privileges and Elections in the matter of the Vacheron resolutions. Some of the committee are averse to "monkeying with a buzz saw," which is the way they characterize the proposition to take up Mr. Vacheron's quarrel with a newspaper.
————-
These extracts from the Sun might be augmented by similar extracts from other newspapers, but that is not necessary, for it is quite certain that every decent man in Queens county, be he Republican or Democrat, will feel a deep disgust after reading the Sun's observations. The people have not forgotten Boss Youngs's published declarations last Fall, that no man holding office, or seeking office should be at the head of any political organization. Yet here we have Mr. Youngs seeking for himself the office of Railroad Commissioner, and accepting the petty, menial position of clerk to a committee. Could anything be more inconsistent or scandalous?
According to the Sun, Boss Youngs is not content to have his job end with the session of the Legislature. He wants it extended over the year for his own and Vacheron's benefit.
Islip Firemen's Tournament
The Volunteer Firemen's association of Islip has fixed upon Thursday, June 20, as the date for the annual tournament. This will be the second tournament of the association. The meeting this year will be held at Bay Shore and efforts will be made to make it even more of a success than the first event.
Railroad Extension to Montauk
As the court of appeals has decided that the Benson heirs may sell Montauk, it is probable that the Long Island railroad will be extended to that place this season. Surveyors are now surveying the line of the proposed extension to Fort Pond bay.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, April 12, 1895, p. 1.
MADE CLERK TO AN ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON COUNTY ROADS.
A Pretty Job Which Disgusts Republicans at Albany — Some Comments on the Boss and His Tool by a New York Newspaper.
In the Assembly at Albany on Monday evening the resolution of Mr. Nixon to appoint a special committee to investigate all railroads in the state was under discussion. The New York Sun of Tuesday followed its legislative report of the discussion of the resolution with the matter printed below:
"An example of what the big railroad resolution is capable of was afforded to-night by the activity in the Assembly chamber of Billy Youngs of Long Island. He is an ex-Assemblyman and a Republican state committeeman. He has been hanging around all winter seeking for some little crumb of patronage to the open disgust of some good Republicans not of Long Island, who say that he is well fixed and ought to let go and give some one else a chance. He did not let go, but caught on to the clerkship of special committee on county roads. It is a strong Long Island committee, Higbie and Vacheron both being on it. Youngs' efforts to-night were so energetic as almost to interfere with the business of the session. What he was up to was fixing things so that his job would last all summer, and the committee on county roads could range the state in great comfort at the state's expense.
"Ozone Park's pride and treasure, Vacheron, was also a great deal in evidence to-night. He is called a pride and treasure because he is expensive to that community. THE LONG ISLAND FARMER, with some interesting comments on the suits for debt and unpaid tax bills against this Republican member, was on the desks of many members.
"The object of this paper's attention put in a resolution providing that the committee on privileges and elections should investigate its attacks upon him with a view to having its editor before the bar of the Assembly for contempt. This is the same editor whom Vacheron assaulted, for which assault he was locked up in the village jail, as Mr. Stanchfield informed the house. The friends of the editor say that he can be successfully defended against any charge of contempt for the Assembly, but that he does not disclaim the heartiest contempt for the member from Ozone Park.
(From the Sun's Albany Letter of Wednesday:)
There is a decided difference of opinion in the Committee on Privileges and Elections in the matter of the Vacheron resolutions. Some of the committee are averse to "monkeying with a buzz saw," which is the way they characterize the proposition to take up Mr. Vacheron's quarrel with a newspaper.
————-
These extracts from the Sun might be augmented by similar extracts from other newspapers, but that is not necessary, for it is quite certain that every decent man in Queens county, be he Republican or Democrat, will feel a deep disgust after reading the Sun's observations. The people have not forgotten Boss Youngs's published declarations last Fall, that no man holding office, or seeking office should be at the head of any political organization. Yet here we have Mr. Youngs seeking for himself the office of Railroad Commissioner, and accepting the petty, menial position of clerk to a committee. Could anything be more inconsistent or scandalous?
According to the Sun, Boss Youngs is not content to have his job end with the session of the Legislature. He wants it extended over the year for his own and Vacheron's benefit.
Islip Firemen's Tournament
The Volunteer Firemen's association of Islip has fixed upon Thursday, June 20, as the date for the annual tournament. This will be the second tournament of the association. The meeting this year will be held at Bay Shore and efforts will be made to make it even more of a success than the first event.
Railroad Extension to Montauk
As the court of appeals has decided that the Benson heirs may sell Montauk, it is probable that the Long Island railroad will be extended to that place this season. Surveyors are now surveying the line of the proposed extension to Fort Pond bay.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, April 12, 1895, p. 1.
Praise for Assemblyman Fairbrother
New York, 1895
Assemblyman Fairbrother has received the following resolution indicating the attitude of his constituents toward him:
FLUSHING, April 5, 1895.
At the regular meeting of the board of trustees of Flushing Hospital and dispensary, held April 1, the following resolution was passed:
Resolved, That the thanks of this board are due and are hereby tendered to the Hon. James S. Fairbrother for his prompt attention to the interests of the Flushing Hospital and for his courtesy to the committee.
Huntington's Soldiers' Monument
Temple Prime, president of the Soldiers and Sailors' memorial association of Huntington has made a generous donation to help pay off the association's debt. A soldiers' monument is soon to be erected in front of the association building. The statue, which is that of a soldier at parade rest, is to be six feet high and will stand on a pedestal eight feet in height.
Will This Apply to Jamaica?
Before the recent election held at Rockville Centre to decide upon the introduction of water, the question was raised as to who were legally entitled to vote. Judge Bartlett gave a decision that the only qualified voters were taxpayers whose mines appeared on the last assessment roll of the incorporated village. Will this decision apply to the village of Jamaica on the question of appropriating money ?
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, April 12, 1895, p. 1.
Assemblyman Fairbrother has received the following resolution indicating the attitude of his constituents toward him:
FLUSHING, April 5, 1895.
At the regular meeting of the board of trustees of Flushing Hospital and dispensary, held April 1, the following resolution was passed:
Resolved, That the thanks of this board are due and are hereby tendered to the Hon. James S. Fairbrother for his prompt attention to the interests of the Flushing Hospital and for his courtesy to the committee.
Huntington's Soldiers' Monument
Temple Prime, president of the Soldiers and Sailors' memorial association of Huntington has made a generous donation to help pay off the association's debt. A soldiers' monument is soon to be erected in front of the association building. The statue, which is that of a soldier at parade rest, is to be six feet high and will stand on a pedestal eight feet in height.
Will This Apply to Jamaica?
Before the recent election held at Rockville Centre to decide upon the introduction of water, the question was raised as to who were legally entitled to vote. Judge Bartlett gave a decision that the only qualified voters were taxpayers whose mines appeared on the last assessment roll of the incorporated village. Will this decision apply to the village of Jamaica on the question of appropriating money ?
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, April 12, 1895, p. 1.
Two Judges on Hand
New York, 1895
Judge Barnard Sits In Circuit and Judge Bartlett in the Oyer.
Justices Barnard and Bartlett both presided at the opening of the April term of the circuit court and oyer and terminer Monday morning. It was Judge Barnard's first appearance in the county since he has been restored to full civil functions by Governor Morton, and the venerable judge was accorded a hearty welcome. His honor arrived shortly before 10 o'clock and immediately went upon the bench, where he was confronted by the largest civil calendar in the history of the county. The court room was crowded with lawyers, jurors, witnesses and spectators. Justice Bartlett arrived in court shortly after 10 o'clock and held a conference with Justice Barnard, after which the latter judge proceeded with the calling of the civil calendar.
Justice Bartlett, who came specially from Brooklyn to charge the grand jury, opened the oyer and terminer branch of the court in part 2. In his address to the grand jury, Justice Bartlett said that it was the first time in the history of the county that the court of oyer and terminer and the circuit Court clashed in such a fashion. The reason was the new constitutional provision made for the holding of terms of the supreme court by judges who were retired from the bench under the age limit of 70 years. Judge Bartlett said Justice Barnard, under the provisions at once expressed his willingness to act and was assigned by the governor, but owing to the peculiar wording of the new constitution, Justice Barnard is only authorized to try civil cases and not criminal cases, until 1896, when he will be qualified and his full functions restored. The remainder of Justice Bartlett's charge was of the usual statutory nature, at the conclusion of which he adjourned the criminal part of the session until April 16.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, April 12, 1895, p. 1.
Judge Barnard Sits In Circuit and Judge Bartlett in the Oyer.
Justices Barnard and Bartlett both presided at the opening of the April term of the circuit court and oyer and terminer Monday morning. It was Judge Barnard's first appearance in the county since he has been restored to full civil functions by Governor Morton, and the venerable judge was accorded a hearty welcome. His honor arrived shortly before 10 o'clock and immediately went upon the bench, where he was confronted by the largest civil calendar in the history of the county. The court room was crowded with lawyers, jurors, witnesses and spectators. Justice Bartlett arrived in court shortly after 10 o'clock and held a conference with Justice Barnard, after which the latter judge proceeded with the calling of the civil calendar.
Justice Bartlett, who came specially from Brooklyn to charge the grand jury, opened the oyer and terminer branch of the court in part 2. In his address to the grand jury, Justice Bartlett said that it was the first time in the history of the county that the court of oyer and terminer and the circuit Court clashed in such a fashion. The reason was the new constitutional provision made for the holding of terms of the supreme court by judges who were retired from the bench under the age limit of 70 years. Judge Bartlett said Justice Barnard, under the provisions at once expressed his willingness to act and was assigned by the governor, but owing to the peculiar wording of the new constitution, Justice Barnard is only authorized to try civil cases and not criminal cases, until 1896, when he will be qualified and his full functions restored. The remainder of Justice Bartlett's charge was of the usual statutory nature, at the conclusion of which he adjourned the criminal part of the session until April 16.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, April 12, 1895, p. 1.
Fairbrother Did It
New York, 1895
THE NORMAL SCHOOL APPROPRIATION PASSES THE ASSEMBLY.
Assemblyman Vacheron Was Not Trusted With the Welfare of the Bill — Another Burden of $10,000 Proposed for Queens County Tax-Payers — A Suspicious Long Island City Bill — Legislative Notes.
(Special Correspondence of the Farmer.)
ALBANY, April 11.
The people of Long Island owe nothing to Assemblyman Vacheron for the passage of the bill appropriating $50,000 additional for the Jamaica normal school. Although the school is to be in a town in Vacheron's district, the local board of trustees ignored him and requested Assemblyman Fairbrother, who lives in Newtown, to take charge of the bill. Mr. Fairbrother did so and had the bill passed without much trouble. As Vacheron was apparently willing to let the school be stolen from Jamaica by Binghamton politicians, it was wise not to trust the appropriation bill to him, and, besides, his unpopularity with the best men in the assembly might have led them to antagonize the bill. Senator Childs knew this, and others knew it, and that is why they ignored Vacheron. Solid thanks are due to Senator Childs and Assemblyman Fairbrother. The bill is on the Governor's table and will receive his approval.
Assemblyman Vacheron introduced a bill for adjusting the interest on unpaid taxes and water rents in Long Island City. The city people had better look carefully into this bill. Mr. Madden is the representative of Long Island City in the House, and if this bill is honest and square, there is no reason why it should not have been sent to him to be introduced. It may be a job to let the Union College, which owes the city over $300,000 for back taxes, escape from some of its liability.
Assemblyman Vacheron has started another job on its way through the Legislature. Who the politician is that it is sought to provide a place for has not appeared. As Boss Youngs is grabbing after everything in sight, perhaps the place is intended for him. The bill provides for the appointment of a person to act as Commissioner of Jurors; his salary is to be $3,000 a year; he is to be appointed by the County Judge, Sheriff, and District Attorney, and his term of office is to be five years. The Supervisors must furnish him with an office and pay all expenses that he may incur. The Supervisor of each town must file with the commissioner a list of all persons liable to do jury duty. The commissioner is to select from these lists such persons as he may deem fit to serve as jurors. The commissioner is empowered to appoint persons to assist him, and the Supervisors must give them compensation in addition to that now allowed by law. There is no limit to the number of persons that may be appointed. The office would cost the county perhaps $10,000 a year, and a fine political machine could be built up; especially if Boss Youngs were the commissioner.
At present lists of jurors are filed with the County Clerk, and the jurors are drawn by the County Clerk, County Judge and Sheriff. Vacheron's bill provides that when the commissioner gets ready to draw a jury the County Judge and Sheriff shall attend, but all they have to do with it is to see that the requisite number of names are drawn out of a box. The Commissioner of Jurors is to take the place of the County Clerk and get $3,000 a year and expenses for work that now, costs a trifle. It is another way of roasting the tax-payers of Queens county.
Boss Youngs of Queens county has been here a good deal lately hunting for patronage for himself.
Senator Childs introduced these bills providing for medical attention for the sick poor of Long Island; also providing for public schools in the Fourth ward of Long Island City.
When the Gray racing bill was up for final action in the Assembly, Mr. Madden, of Queens county, offered two amendments. The first was in the interest of the half-mile tracks, legalizing races upon them. The second allowed race tracks decided against by the racing commission to appeal to the supreme court from the judgment of the commission. Mr. Madden said there were several racing associations that had a large amount of money invested in racing property. They were the small associations and would be shut out by the bill. They had vested rights that ought to be respected. The only complaint made in all the arguments had been against the smaller tracks. This was unjust.
The amendments were attacked by Mr. Hennessy. He asked Mr. Madden how many first class half-mile running tracks there were.
"Many, many," answered Mr. Madden.
"Yes, but they are, some of them, Monte Carlos of Long Island," said Mr. Hennessy.
The gentleman from Queens, Mr. Hennessy said, had been misinformed. Racing could be held on half-mile tracks the same as ever. The bill was aimed at small half-mile tracks which were frequented by gamblers. The Maspeth track was an example. Here they were not content to race by daylight, but did it by electric light. The best thing that the bill did was to prevent five or six gamblers from getting control of the tracks and bringing dissolute people to them.
The bill was passed by a vote of 90 to 10.
Senator Childs has introduced a bill providing for street improvements in Long Island City.
Senator Collins' barber shop Sunday closing bill has passed the senate.
A public hearing on the New York city police magistrates bill before the senate judiciary committee developed some very interesting things, among them being the charge by Commodore Elbridge F. Gerry, the eminent New York City philanthropist, that the bill is the work of the A. P. A. Commodore Gerry's high standing and his great service in protecting children and in philanthropic work generally, as well as his entire personal disinterestedness, lent an additional weight to his testimony. This hearing undoubtedly killed the magistrates' bill, if it was not dead already. The bill was intended to legislate out these officials at wholesale, no causes to be specified or charges made. It is said the A. P. A. influence is also behind the New York schools-reorganization bill. All this raises an interesting question: Was Governor Morton's special message urging the passage of these bills a repayment of the A. P. A. activity in his behalf last fall?
The Senate passed Senator Childs' bill extending the corporate life of the Glen Cove Mutual Insurance Company.
The Assembly passed Mr. Vacheron's bill "authorizing commissioners of highways who have under direction a macadamized road upon which they have expended $300,000 in five years to declare it not a public highway." This is an extraordinary bill, dangerous to every town in Queens courty.
The Assembly passed Mr. Madden's bill, fixing the term of the Long Island City School Superintendent at two years at a salary of $2,500.
The Assembly passed Mr. Madden's bill, providing that the East River Gaslight Company, in Long Island City, shall charge a uniform price.
Governor Morton has signed Mr. Higbie's bill to prohibit the construction of elevated or surface railroads on the South Country road, in the towns of Islip and Babylon, without the consent of the majority of abutting property owners.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, April 12, 1895, p. 1.
THE NORMAL SCHOOL APPROPRIATION PASSES THE ASSEMBLY.
Assemblyman Vacheron Was Not Trusted With the Welfare of the Bill — Another Burden of $10,000 Proposed for Queens County Tax-Payers — A Suspicious Long Island City Bill — Legislative Notes.
(Special Correspondence of the Farmer.)
ALBANY, April 11.
The people of Long Island owe nothing to Assemblyman Vacheron for the passage of the bill appropriating $50,000 additional for the Jamaica normal school. Although the school is to be in a town in Vacheron's district, the local board of trustees ignored him and requested Assemblyman Fairbrother, who lives in Newtown, to take charge of the bill. Mr. Fairbrother did so and had the bill passed without much trouble. As Vacheron was apparently willing to let the school be stolen from Jamaica by Binghamton politicians, it was wise not to trust the appropriation bill to him, and, besides, his unpopularity with the best men in the assembly might have led them to antagonize the bill. Senator Childs knew this, and others knew it, and that is why they ignored Vacheron. Solid thanks are due to Senator Childs and Assemblyman Fairbrother. The bill is on the Governor's table and will receive his approval.
Assemblyman Vacheron introduced a bill for adjusting the interest on unpaid taxes and water rents in Long Island City. The city people had better look carefully into this bill. Mr. Madden is the representative of Long Island City in the House, and if this bill is honest and square, there is no reason why it should not have been sent to him to be introduced. It may be a job to let the Union College, which owes the city over $300,000 for back taxes, escape from some of its liability.
Assemblyman Vacheron has started another job on its way through the Legislature. Who the politician is that it is sought to provide a place for has not appeared. As Boss Youngs is grabbing after everything in sight, perhaps the place is intended for him. The bill provides for the appointment of a person to act as Commissioner of Jurors; his salary is to be $3,000 a year; he is to be appointed by the County Judge, Sheriff, and District Attorney, and his term of office is to be five years. The Supervisors must furnish him with an office and pay all expenses that he may incur. The Supervisor of each town must file with the commissioner a list of all persons liable to do jury duty. The commissioner is to select from these lists such persons as he may deem fit to serve as jurors. The commissioner is empowered to appoint persons to assist him, and the Supervisors must give them compensation in addition to that now allowed by law. There is no limit to the number of persons that may be appointed. The office would cost the county perhaps $10,000 a year, and a fine political machine could be built up; especially if Boss Youngs were the commissioner.
At present lists of jurors are filed with the County Clerk, and the jurors are drawn by the County Clerk, County Judge and Sheriff. Vacheron's bill provides that when the commissioner gets ready to draw a jury the County Judge and Sheriff shall attend, but all they have to do with it is to see that the requisite number of names are drawn out of a box. The Commissioner of Jurors is to take the place of the County Clerk and get $3,000 a year and expenses for work that now, costs a trifle. It is another way of roasting the tax-payers of Queens county.
Boss Youngs of Queens county has been here a good deal lately hunting for patronage for himself.
Senator Childs introduced these bills providing for medical attention for the sick poor of Long Island; also providing for public schools in the Fourth ward of Long Island City.
When the Gray racing bill was up for final action in the Assembly, Mr. Madden, of Queens county, offered two amendments. The first was in the interest of the half-mile tracks, legalizing races upon them. The second allowed race tracks decided against by the racing commission to appeal to the supreme court from the judgment of the commission. Mr. Madden said there were several racing associations that had a large amount of money invested in racing property. They were the small associations and would be shut out by the bill. They had vested rights that ought to be respected. The only complaint made in all the arguments had been against the smaller tracks. This was unjust.
The amendments were attacked by Mr. Hennessy. He asked Mr. Madden how many first class half-mile running tracks there were.
"Many, many," answered Mr. Madden.
"Yes, but they are, some of them, Monte Carlos of Long Island," said Mr. Hennessy.
The gentleman from Queens, Mr. Hennessy said, had been misinformed. Racing could be held on half-mile tracks the same as ever. The bill was aimed at small half-mile tracks which were frequented by gamblers. The Maspeth track was an example. Here they were not content to race by daylight, but did it by electric light. The best thing that the bill did was to prevent five or six gamblers from getting control of the tracks and bringing dissolute people to them.
The bill was passed by a vote of 90 to 10.
Senator Childs has introduced a bill providing for street improvements in Long Island City.
Senator Collins' barber shop Sunday closing bill has passed the senate.
A public hearing on the New York city police magistrates bill before the senate judiciary committee developed some very interesting things, among them being the charge by Commodore Elbridge F. Gerry, the eminent New York City philanthropist, that the bill is the work of the A. P. A. Commodore Gerry's high standing and his great service in protecting children and in philanthropic work generally, as well as his entire personal disinterestedness, lent an additional weight to his testimony. This hearing undoubtedly killed the magistrates' bill, if it was not dead already. The bill was intended to legislate out these officials at wholesale, no causes to be specified or charges made. It is said the A. P. A. influence is also behind the New York schools-reorganization bill. All this raises an interesting question: Was Governor Morton's special message urging the passage of these bills a repayment of the A. P. A. activity in his behalf last fall?
The Senate passed Senator Childs' bill extending the corporate life of the Glen Cove Mutual Insurance Company.
The Assembly passed Mr. Vacheron's bill "authorizing commissioners of highways who have under direction a macadamized road upon which they have expended $300,000 in five years to declare it not a public highway." This is an extraordinary bill, dangerous to every town in Queens courty.
The Assembly passed Mr. Madden's bill, fixing the term of the Long Island City School Superintendent at two years at a salary of $2,500.
The Assembly passed Mr. Madden's bill, providing that the East River Gaslight Company, in Long Island City, shall charge a uniform price.
Governor Morton has signed Mr. Higbie's bill to prohibit the construction of elevated or surface railroads on the South Country road, in the towns of Islip and Babylon, without the consent of the majority of abutting property owners.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, April 12, 1895, p. 1.
Judge Garretson's Inspection
New York, 1895
The railroad crossings in the town of North Hempstead, which the highway commissioners are endeavoring to compel the Long Island railroad company to protect by gates, were inspected by Judge Garretson on Saturday. Highway Commissioner Cocks and Civil Engineer Mitchell, with Counselor M. Lynn Bruce, Lawyer Kelly and Mr. Gardner, representing the railroad company, accompanied Judge Garretson. The party drove to all the principal crossings in the town. Judge Garretson will give his decision in the case next week.
The Bridge Viaduct
There was a conference in Mayor Sanford's office in Long Island City Monday afternoon, in reference to the building of a viaduct twelve feet high leading to the new lift bridge that is to be constructed over Newtown creek. General Manager Reynolds of the Long Island railroad company, said the company would provide one-half the land for the viaduct, as it would cross over their tracks. Among the others present were Supervisors Koehler and Everitt, D. M. Mungar, of the National Board of Steam Navigation, and the mayor.
Getting Even With Middlemen
The Northport Farmers' club is laying plans to circumvent the middlemen, who have taken a big share of the profits of the farmers. This season the club will handle all the produce to be sent to the Brooklyn and New York markets, and save the middlemen's commissions. The club will charter a vessel to take the produce to market and will appoint an agent to handle it.
The Officers Had Good Memories
Thomas Mc Fadden, for whom the officers have been searching since September 20, 1893, was on Monday arraigned in Justice Morrel's court at Manhasset on a charge of larceny and held to await the action of the grand jury. During the months that the officers were looking for him he was in Colorado and only returned about three weeks ago, hoping that the offence had been forgotten.
Temperance Union Convention
The semi-annual convention of the woman's Christian temperance union of Queens county will be held at Rockaway Beach on Thursday next. The morning session will be devoted to reports and other business, and in the afternoon an address will be given by Mrs. Mary J. Annable, of Brooklyn.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, April 12, 1895, p. 1.
The railroad crossings in the town of North Hempstead, which the highway commissioners are endeavoring to compel the Long Island railroad company to protect by gates, were inspected by Judge Garretson on Saturday. Highway Commissioner Cocks and Civil Engineer Mitchell, with Counselor M. Lynn Bruce, Lawyer Kelly and Mr. Gardner, representing the railroad company, accompanied Judge Garretson. The party drove to all the principal crossings in the town. Judge Garretson will give his decision in the case next week.
The Bridge Viaduct
There was a conference in Mayor Sanford's office in Long Island City Monday afternoon, in reference to the building of a viaduct twelve feet high leading to the new lift bridge that is to be constructed over Newtown creek. General Manager Reynolds of the Long Island railroad company, said the company would provide one-half the land for the viaduct, as it would cross over their tracks. Among the others present were Supervisors Koehler and Everitt, D. M. Mungar, of the National Board of Steam Navigation, and the mayor.
Getting Even With Middlemen
The Northport Farmers' club is laying plans to circumvent the middlemen, who have taken a big share of the profits of the farmers. This season the club will handle all the produce to be sent to the Brooklyn and New York markets, and save the middlemen's commissions. The club will charter a vessel to take the produce to market and will appoint an agent to handle it.
The Officers Had Good Memories
Thomas Mc Fadden, for whom the officers have been searching since September 20, 1893, was on Monday arraigned in Justice Morrel's court at Manhasset on a charge of larceny and held to await the action of the grand jury. During the months that the officers were looking for him he was in Colorado and only returned about three weeks ago, hoping that the offence had been forgotten.
Temperance Union Convention
The semi-annual convention of the woman's Christian temperance union of Queens county will be held at Rockaway Beach on Thursday next. The morning session will be devoted to reports and other business, and in the afternoon an address will be given by Mrs. Mary J. Annable, of Brooklyn.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, April 12, 1895, p. 1.
Boss Youngs Warned
New York, 1895
The Republicans of Long Island City Ripe for Rebellion.
THE FARMER insinuates that Mr. Youngs is not acting straight with Mr. Charles L. Phipps, who wants to be appointed State Assessor. Mr. Phipps was the Republican candidate for County Clerk last fall. He was Mr. Youngs protege, and he was the only candidate on the Republican ticket who was defeated, He was coached during the canvass by Mr. Youngs and did not show himself in Long Island City. Evidently Mr. Youngs is a poor boss in managing Long Island City. He has tried his hand here on several occasions, but he played fast and loose with the two factions into which the Republican party was then divided, but, we are glad to say, is not divided now, and Mr. Youngs accomplished nothing except to be distrusted afterwards by both factions. As to Mr. Phipps, he is not one of the war-horses of the party. He has not won his spurs, either by hard work or great achievements. He first came into prominence when he was nominated for County Clerk. He had scarcely been heard of before. What has he done that he should be entitled to the important office of State Assessor? Mr. Youngs and Mr. Phipps may retort, "What has Long Island City done?" Well, she reversed a normal Democratic majority of nearly 3,000 last fall and gave a Republican vote almost as large as the vote polled by the Democratic party. And what have the Republicans of Long Island City got from or through Mr. Youngs, or Sheriff Doht, that is worth having? Nothing. We want to say to the would be leaders of the Republican party that the 3,000 voters of Long Island City, if they are left out in the cold, will kick with such force that the Hon. William J. Youngs will quake with fear and cry with pain if that kick should strike him. The Republicans of Long Island City are not going to be fooled by you, Mr. Youngs, without expressing their resentment — L. I. City Herald, Republican.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, April 12, 1895, p. 1.
The Republicans of Long Island City Ripe for Rebellion.
THE FARMER insinuates that Mr. Youngs is not acting straight with Mr. Charles L. Phipps, who wants to be appointed State Assessor. Mr. Phipps was the Republican candidate for County Clerk last fall. He was Mr. Youngs protege, and he was the only candidate on the Republican ticket who was defeated, He was coached during the canvass by Mr. Youngs and did not show himself in Long Island City. Evidently Mr. Youngs is a poor boss in managing Long Island City. He has tried his hand here on several occasions, but he played fast and loose with the two factions into which the Republican party was then divided, but, we are glad to say, is not divided now, and Mr. Youngs accomplished nothing except to be distrusted afterwards by both factions. As to Mr. Phipps, he is not one of the war-horses of the party. He has not won his spurs, either by hard work or great achievements. He first came into prominence when he was nominated for County Clerk. He had scarcely been heard of before. What has he done that he should be entitled to the important office of State Assessor? Mr. Youngs and Mr. Phipps may retort, "What has Long Island City done?" Well, she reversed a normal Democratic majority of nearly 3,000 last fall and gave a Republican vote almost as large as the vote polled by the Democratic party. And what have the Republicans of Long Island City got from or through Mr. Youngs, or Sheriff Doht, that is worth having? Nothing. We want to say to the would be leaders of the Republican party that the 3,000 voters of Long Island City, if they are left out in the cold, will kick with such force that the Hon. William J. Youngs will quake with fear and cry with pain if that kick should strike him. The Republicans of Long Island City are not going to be fooled by you, Mr. Youngs, without expressing their resentment — L. I. City Herald, Republican.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, April 12, 1895, p. 1.
George Shattuck Elected a Member of the Board of Health
New York, 1895
The town board of health met at the Town Hall on Wednesday and organized for the ensuing year. Supervisor Everitt presided. Justice Lester was absent through illness. Justice Kissam nominated for citizen member of the board George Shattuck, of Ozone Park. The nomination was seconded by Justice Lott. There being no other nomination, one ballot was cast by the clerk for George Shattuck, and he was declared the citizen member of the board for the ensuing year. He is an excellent selection.
Justice Lott called attention to the fact that parties from Brooklyn were dumping night soil and garbage on vacant land owned by non-residents at Woodhaven. Action in the matter was deferred until the next meeting, at which time a health officer will be elected.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, April 12, 1895, p. 1.
The town board of health met at the Town Hall on Wednesday and organized for the ensuing year. Supervisor Everitt presided. Justice Lester was absent through illness. Justice Kissam nominated for citizen member of the board George Shattuck, of Ozone Park. The nomination was seconded by Justice Lott. There being no other nomination, one ballot was cast by the clerk for George Shattuck, and he was declared the citizen member of the board for the ensuing year. He is an excellent selection.
Justice Lott called attention to the fact that parties from Brooklyn were dumping night soil and garbage on vacant land owned by non-residents at Woodhaven. Action in the matter was deferred until the next meeting, at which time a health officer will be elected.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, April 12, 1895, p. 1.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
A Candidate's Haste
New York, 1895
The Board of Canvassers of Oyster Bay were called together Friday afternoon to rectify a clerical error in the certificate of the vote at Farmingdale. There was an error in copying from the tally sheet by which George E. Stearns, Republican, got thirteen votes belonging to Augustus Cock. The correction of the error would elect Charles H. Wright of Locust Valley by five majority.
Stearns learned of the condition of affairs and drove fourteen miles in an hour and a quarter to file his acceptance before the Board met. The Board refused to take any action on the ground of no jurisdiction. The affidavit of the Board of Inspectors calling attention to the error was filed with the clerk. The Board of Canvassers admitted that the error probably existed. The matter will be carried to the courts.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, April 12, 1895, p. 8.
The Board of Canvassers of Oyster Bay were called together Friday afternoon to rectify a clerical error in the certificate of the vote at Farmingdale. There was an error in copying from the tally sheet by which George E. Stearns, Republican, got thirteen votes belonging to Augustus Cock. The correction of the error would elect Charles H. Wright of Locust Valley by five majority.
Stearns learned of the condition of affairs and drove fourteen miles in an hour and a quarter to file his acceptance before the Board met. The Board refused to take any action on the ground of no jurisdiction. The affidavit of the Board of Inspectors calling attention to the error was filed with the clerk. The Board of Canvassers admitted that the error probably existed. The matter will be carried to the courts.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, April 12, 1895, p. 8.
Big Fire at Jamesport
New York, 1895
The Miamogue house, owned by I. Seymour Corwin at South Jamesport, together with four other buildings, was consumed by fire Tuesday morning between 1 and 3 o'clock. The loss will reach $20,000. At one time it looked as though the entire street leading from the main road to the bay would be swept by the flames, but fortunately the wind shifted and the town was saved. The fire originated in a brick house on the east side of the street, owned by Daniel A. Young and occupied by Irving Daniels. The Daniels family was awakened just in time to escape with their lives.
The adjoining property of Richard Albertson took fire, and in a short time his barn, sheds and granary were burned.
Mr. Daniels and his family lose heavily. One hundred and forty dollars, which Mr. Daniels had in a bureau drawer was burned with the building. Not even their wearing apparel was saved.
Working Girls on Strike
About one hundred girls employed in the box shop of the starch manufacturing company at Glen Cove are out on a strike. Their superintendent, John J. Hoffman, was a great favorite with the girls. He was discharged last week and they refuse to work until he is reinstated.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, April 12, 1895, p. 8.
The Miamogue house, owned by I. Seymour Corwin at South Jamesport, together with four other buildings, was consumed by fire Tuesday morning between 1 and 3 o'clock. The loss will reach $20,000. At one time it looked as though the entire street leading from the main road to the bay would be swept by the flames, but fortunately the wind shifted and the town was saved. The fire originated in a brick house on the east side of the street, owned by Daniel A. Young and occupied by Irving Daniels. The Daniels family was awakened just in time to escape with their lives.
The adjoining property of Richard Albertson took fire, and in a short time his barn, sheds and granary were burned.
Mr. Daniels and his family lose heavily. One hundred and forty dollars, which Mr. Daniels had in a bureau drawer was burned with the building. Not even their wearing apparel was saved.
Working Girls on Strike
About one hundred girls employed in the box shop of the starch manufacturing company at Glen Cove are out on a strike. Their superintendent, John J. Hoffman, was a great favorite with the girls. He was discharged last week and they refuse to work until he is reinstated.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, April 12, 1895, p. 8.
Democratic Town Committee
New York, 1895
The regular meeting of the Democratic town committee of Jamaica was held on Friday last in the Town Hall.
The resignation of Joel Fowler as a member and as chairman of the committee was unanimously accepted, and the third district notified that it had no representative in the town committee. Vice President Clark was unanimously elected to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Mr. Fowler. John Kerz, of the fifth district (Richmond Hill), was elected vice president.
A Success
Charles A. Merritt, the proprietor of the Arlington Hotel, Brooklyn, has recently brought suit against the State of New York for $13,054.92 for failing to live up to its agreement, and also for board and supplies furnished during his management of the Surf House at Fire Island in 1894. Notwithstanding the fact that he was greatly hampered in various ways by the arbitrary action of the State, he made a success of this house. His present management of the Arlington Hotel, Brooklyn, bespeaks for him a large patronage,
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, April 12, 1895, p. 8.
The regular meeting of the Democratic town committee of Jamaica was held on Friday last in the Town Hall.
The resignation of Joel Fowler as a member and as chairman of the committee was unanimously accepted, and the third district notified that it had no representative in the town committee. Vice President Clark was unanimously elected to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Mr. Fowler. John Kerz, of the fifth district (Richmond Hill), was elected vice president.
A Success
Charles A. Merritt, the proprietor of the Arlington Hotel, Brooklyn, has recently brought suit against the State of New York for $13,054.92 for failing to live up to its agreement, and also for board and supplies furnished during his management of the Surf House at Fire Island in 1894. Notwithstanding the fact that he was greatly hampered in various ways by the arbitrary action of the State, he made a success of this house. His present management of the Arlington Hotel, Brooklyn, bespeaks for him a large patronage,
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, April 12, 1895, p. 8.
Prosperous Loan Association
New York, 1895
The annual meeting of the United States building and loan association was held in New York on Monday and a board of officers elected. The Jamaica branch was represented by John B. Fosdick, James P. Clark, John J. Fitzgerald and William Gregory. The reports for the fiscal year gave great satisfaction, showing a net gain of over fifty per cent in the assets of the bank. The Jamaica branch was organized on the 27th of August, 1894, with 410 paid up shares. It now stands 2,500 paid up shares. John J. Fitzgerald is the local secretary and treasurer, and members of the branch are working to making it the most successful in Queens county.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, April 12, 1895, p. 8.
The annual meeting of the United States building and loan association was held in New York on Monday and a board of officers elected. The Jamaica branch was represented by John B. Fosdick, James P. Clark, John J. Fitzgerald and William Gregory. The reports for the fiscal year gave great satisfaction, showing a net gain of over fifty per cent in the assets of the bank. The Jamaica branch was organized on the 27th of August, 1894, with 410 paid up shares. It now stands 2,500 paid up shares. John J. Fitzgerald is the local secretary and treasurer, and members of the branch are working to making it the most successful in Queens county.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, April 12, 1895, p. 8.
The Village Election
New York, 1895
PRESIDENT WATTS WILL NOT STAND FOR RE-ELECTION.
Charles E. Twombly Likely to Succeed to the Presiding Officer's Chair — Trustees Mills and Downing, and Justice Faber Prefer Retirement — Good Government Club Will Name Candidates.
The village election will be held on Tuesday, April 30, for a president of the village in the place of J. Tyler Watts, three trustees in the places of Charles Downing, Thomas Higgins and Stephen Mills, a treasurer in the place of Edwin H. Beers,4 a collector in the place of Elmer E. Bergen, a police justice in the place of Leander B. Faber, a superintendent of streets in the place of William H. Wright, a village clerk in the place of George L. Powell, and a police constable in the place of Christopher D. O'Brien.
President Watts will not seek a re-election. His business will not permit him to devote the necessary time to public affairs.
Trustees Downing and Mills, and Justice Faber, prefer to retire from public life.
There should be no opposition to Mr. Beers for treasurer. He has filled the office very acceptably. Mr. Bergen has proved to be an energetic and courteous collector, and Trustee Higgins has a good record behind him. Clerk Powell is a careful and trustworthy recorder of the board's proceedings.
George L. Powell, the present clerk, is the only person now mentioned for the office, to which is attached a good deal of work for little pay.
There are several persons mentioned for the presidency, among them Robert W. Higbie, Charles E. Twombly, and Henry A. Van Allen, and it is probable that there will be three or four tickets in the field.
The first ticket was made on Monday evening by west end and south side citizens, who think they ought to have representation in the board. They named Charles E. Twombly for president, Thomas Foley, Michael J. Carter and Thomas Higgins, trustees; Elmer E. Bergen, collector; Edwin H. Beers, treasurer; Michael Clark, superintendent of streets; John Fogarty, police constable; George L Powell, clerk.
James F. McLaughlin has been mentioned for the office of police justice, and he would make a very capable officer, but to a reporter of THE FARMER he said that under no consideration would he take the office.
The Good Government association have determined to put a full ticket in the field.
The tax payers will be called upon to vote for an appropriation of $4,400, with which to build two engine houses and purchase a truck for the Bucket company.
Possibly a vote will be taken on the question of the village establishing its own water and electric light plants.
A second ticket was made Wednesday evening, as follows: For president, Charles E. Twombly; trustees, Irving W. Boyce, Thomas Higgins, Linus S. Cooper; clerk, George L. Powell; treasurer, Alfred H. Beers; superintendent of streets, William W. Wright; collector, Elmer E. Bergen; police constable, Frank Isenbrandt.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, April 12, 1895, p. 8.
PRESIDENT WATTS WILL NOT STAND FOR RE-ELECTION.
Charles E. Twombly Likely to Succeed to the Presiding Officer's Chair — Trustees Mills and Downing, and Justice Faber Prefer Retirement — Good Government Club Will Name Candidates.
The village election will be held on Tuesday, April 30, for a president of the village in the place of J. Tyler Watts, three trustees in the places of Charles Downing, Thomas Higgins and Stephen Mills, a treasurer in the place of Edwin H. Beers,4 a collector in the place of Elmer E. Bergen, a police justice in the place of Leander B. Faber, a superintendent of streets in the place of William H. Wright, a village clerk in the place of George L. Powell, and a police constable in the place of Christopher D. O'Brien.
President Watts will not seek a re-election. His business will not permit him to devote the necessary time to public affairs.
Trustees Downing and Mills, and Justice Faber, prefer to retire from public life.
There should be no opposition to Mr. Beers for treasurer. He has filled the office very acceptably. Mr. Bergen has proved to be an energetic and courteous collector, and Trustee Higgins has a good record behind him. Clerk Powell is a careful and trustworthy recorder of the board's proceedings.
George L. Powell, the present clerk, is the only person now mentioned for the office, to which is attached a good deal of work for little pay.
There are several persons mentioned for the presidency, among them Robert W. Higbie, Charles E. Twombly, and Henry A. Van Allen, and it is probable that there will be three or four tickets in the field.
The first ticket was made on Monday evening by west end and south side citizens, who think they ought to have representation in the board. They named Charles E. Twombly for president, Thomas Foley, Michael J. Carter and Thomas Higgins, trustees; Elmer E. Bergen, collector; Edwin H. Beers, treasurer; Michael Clark, superintendent of streets; John Fogarty, police constable; George L Powell, clerk.
James F. McLaughlin has been mentioned for the office of police justice, and he would make a very capable officer, but to a reporter of THE FARMER he said that under no consideration would he take the office.
The Good Government association have determined to put a full ticket in the field.
The tax payers will be called upon to vote for an appropriation of $4,400, with which to build two engine houses and purchase a truck for the Bucket company.
Possibly a vote will be taken on the question of the village establishing its own water and electric light plants.
A second ticket was made Wednesday evening, as follows: For president, Charles E. Twombly; trustees, Irving W. Boyce, Thomas Higgins, Linus S. Cooper; clerk, George L. Powell; treasurer, Alfred H. Beers; superintendent of streets, William W. Wright; collector, Elmer E. Bergen; police constable, Frank Isenbrandt.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, April 12, 1895, p. 8.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
The Brooklyn Road
New York, 1895
A Bill to Permit the City to Purchase the Turnpike.
Mayor Schieren of Brooklyn gave a hearing Monday on the bill now before the Legislature to permit the city to purchase that part of the old Jamaica and Brooklyn plank road lying within Kings county. Thomas S. Moore, representing the Brooklyn, Queens County and Suburban railroad company, appeared in opposition to the bill.
He said the bill was not a satisfactory one, because it was not specific in its provisions for paying for the property it was proposed to acquire. It does not state when the payment shall be made. It might be ten, twenty or thirty years. There is also no provision for the interest on the bonds which would have to be issued. The bill is obnoxious, because it enables the city to take possession of the street without paying anything for it.
The railroad company, which acquired the old Jamaica Electric railroad plant secured at the same time a right to the turnpike. The turnpike is not kept in good condition, and there have been many attempts to have the city acquire it. Alderman Clark said he was decidedly in favor of keeping the bill just as it is, for if an attempt was made to change it because of technical objections it was not likely to pass this legislature.
Mr. Moore insisted upon amendments. He is to see the corporation counsel and let the mayor know the result of the meeting with him. It is probable that some changes will be made.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, April 5, 1895, p. 8.
A Bill to Permit the City to Purchase the Turnpike.
Mayor Schieren of Brooklyn gave a hearing Monday on the bill now before the Legislature to permit the city to purchase that part of the old Jamaica and Brooklyn plank road lying within Kings county. Thomas S. Moore, representing the Brooklyn, Queens County and Suburban railroad company, appeared in opposition to the bill.
He said the bill was not a satisfactory one, because it was not specific in its provisions for paying for the property it was proposed to acquire. It does not state when the payment shall be made. It might be ten, twenty or thirty years. There is also no provision for the interest on the bonds which would have to be issued. The bill is obnoxious, because it enables the city to take possession of the street without paying anything for it.
The railroad company, which acquired the old Jamaica Electric railroad plant secured at the same time a right to the turnpike. The turnpike is not kept in good condition, and there have been many attempts to have the city acquire it. Alderman Clark said he was decidedly in favor of keeping the bill just as it is, for if an attempt was made to change it because of technical objections it was not likely to pass this legislature.
Mr. Moore insisted upon amendments. He is to see the corporation counsel and let the mayor know the result of the meeting with him. It is probable that some changes will be made.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, April 5, 1895, p. 8.
Shelton Avenue Awards
New York, 1895
The Village Must Pay Damages Amounting to $8,320.
John K. Murray, Augustus Rapelye and Edward Cooper, commissioners appointed by the County Court to assess damages for the extension of Shelton avenue, in the village of Jamaica, westward to Fulton street, have filed their awards with Clerk Powell. They are as follows:
Aaron A. Degrauw, for 35,255 square feet of land $3,150; John Gallagher, for 1,115 square feet, $175; Maria Seiler, for 342 feet of land, $165; same owner, for 2,225 feet, $275; same owner, for 2,498 feet, $295; Thomas Patterson, as mortgagee of the three last parcels of land, $650; Frederick Scholl, for 46 feet, $75; Mary Gunther, 1,692 feet, $250; same owner, 2,500 feet, $300; Emma Stehlin, 1,850 feet, $240; same owner, 91 feet, $10; Annie Lienfelder, 51 feet, $5; Emily A. Brown, 1,449 feet, $100; same owner 1,500 feet, $105; same owner, 3,663 feet, $250; Margaret L. Harrison, Emma M. Richardson and Carrie E. Lefferts, 11,810 feet, $2,000; Seth Boggs, 749 feet, $250; Charles Wood, lesse of piece of Boggs' land, $25; total, $8,320.
The commissioners will meet at Trustee's Hall on Friday, April 22nd, at 9 o'clock for the purpose of hearing any person objecting to the appraisement.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, April 5, 1895, p. 8.
The Village Must Pay Damages Amounting to $8,320.
John K. Murray, Augustus Rapelye and Edward Cooper, commissioners appointed by the County Court to assess damages for the extension of Shelton avenue, in the village of Jamaica, westward to Fulton street, have filed their awards with Clerk Powell. They are as follows:
Aaron A. Degrauw, for 35,255 square feet of land $3,150; John Gallagher, for 1,115 square feet, $175; Maria Seiler, for 342 feet of land, $165; same owner, for 2,225 feet, $275; same owner, for 2,498 feet, $295; Thomas Patterson, as mortgagee of the three last parcels of land, $650; Frederick Scholl, for 46 feet, $75; Mary Gunther, 1,692 feet, $250; same owner, 2,500 feet, $300; Emma Stehlin, 1,850 feet, $240; same owner, 91 feet, $10; Annie Lienfelder, 51 feet, $5; Emily A. Brown, 1,449 feet, $100; same owner 1,500 feet, $105; same owner, 3,663 feet, $250; Margaret L. Harrison, Emma M. Richardson and Carrie E. Lefferts, 11,810 feet, $2,000; Seth Boggs, 749 feet, $250; Charles Wood, lesse of piece of Boggs' land, $25; total, $8,320.
The commissioners will meet at Trustee's Hall on Friday, April 22nd, at 9 o'clock for the purpose of hearing any person objecting to the appraisement.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, April 5, 1895, p. 8.
Stolen Property Recovered
New York, 1895
Constable O'Brien of Jamaica on Thursday evening arrested Foster and Curtis Degrasse, 15 and 13 years old respectively, for the robbery at Union Hall seminary Saturday evening and recovered the stolen property.
Monday morning Justice Hendrickson discharged Curtis Degrasse and held Foster who will be sent to the reformatory at Rochester.
"Look, Mamma"
"Look Mamma," is the name of the new Easter panel to be given away next week at the tea store, Jamaica. It is a perfect beauty; don't fail to be on hand. "Look mamma" "Little Rosebud."
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, April 5, 1895, p. 8.
Constable O'Brien of Jamaica on Thursday evening arrested Foster and Curtis Degrasse, 15 and 13 years old respectively, for the robbery at Union Hall seminary Saturday evening and recovered the stolen property.
Monday morning Justice Hendrickson discharged Curtis Degrasse and held Foster who will be sent to the reformatory at Rochester.
"Look, Mamma"
"Look Mamma," is the name of the new Easter panel to be given away next week at the tea store, Jamaica. It is a perfect beauty; don't fail to be on hand. "Look mamma" "Little Rosebud."
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, April 5, 1895, p. 8.
A Handsome Hotel
New York, 1895
The Popular Place of Martin Prinz Passes to His Son.
The old and popular exchange hotel on Fulton street, Jamaica, of which for many years Martin Prinz was the proprietor, having recently been purchased by his son, Christopher J. Prinz, has been renovated, remodeled and refurnished at large cost. The bar room has been fitted up in regal style with steel ceiling and side walls, new bar and lunch counter, and oak liquor cases by Craft, of New York. Elegant gas fixtures have been added, too, making it the handsomest place on Long Island. Smoking, sitting and toilet rooms have been carved out of the large room at the rear of the ground floor, with side entrance opening on the alleyway. Mr. Prinz has provided every accommodation for the public, including a fine stable.
Mr. Prinz had his opening Wednesday evening and last evening and his friends were present in large numbers. He is a popular young man and knows how to keep a hotel from experience.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, April 5, 1895, p. 8.
The Popular Place of Martin Prinz Passes to His Son.
The old and popular exchange hotel on Fulton street, Jamaica, of which for many years Martin Prinz was the proprietor, having recently been purchased by his son, Christopher J. Prinz, has been renovated, remodeled and refurnished at large cost. The bar room has been fitted up in regal style with steel ceiling and side walls, new bar and lunch counter, and oak liquor cases by Craft, of New York. Elegant gas fixtures have been added, too, making it the handsomest place on Long Island. Smoking, sitting and toilet rooms have been carved out of the large room at the rear of the ground floor, with side entrance opening on the alleyway. Mr. Prinz has provided every accommodation for the public, including a fine stable.
Mr. Prinz had his opening Wednesday evening and last evening and his friends were present in large numbers. He is a popular young man and knows how to keep a hotel from experience.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, April 5, 1895, p. 8.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Council of Women's Clubs
New York, 1895
First Meeting' of Long Island Women's Clubs and Societies.
The advisory committee of the Long Island council met Monday at Mrs. Charles Kirby's, Jamaica, to fix a program for two sessions. Council will take place in Jamaica May 3. The morning will be devoted to the reading of club reports. The afternoon session will be filled by addresses by Mrs. J. C. Croley, Mrs. Helen H. Backus, Mrs. Mary Lowe Dickinson, Mrs. William Tod Helmuth. The executive committee of the New York State federation will hold a session in Jamaica on the same day.
Town Board Meeting
The town board of Jamaica held a meeting at the Town Hall on Monday. Supervisor Everitt presided. Justice Lester was absent through illness. The board decided to sell at auction on April 15th, the buildings on the Herzog, Denton and Everitt properties, lately purchased by the town or Town Hall purposes. The town clerk was appointed a committee of one to arrange with an auctioneer to sell the property.
The petition of residents of Hollis for 100 lights in a portion of school district No. 2, at a cost not to exceed $21 per year for each light, was granted, and the contract for furnishing the lights was awarded to the New York & New Jersey Globe Gas Light Company, at $21 a light per year, lights to be of 18 candle power.
The town clerk was directed to notify the highway commissioners to make a report of their receipts and expenditures for the year as required by law.
The following bills were ordered paid: Hugh J. Swift, services as constable, $55.20; Jamaica gas light company, gas furnished Town Hall from February 25th to March 27th, $39.75; James P. Clark, services as excise commissioner, $33; N. F. Waters, stationery for election purposes, $13.17; Samuel Searing, carpenter work in Town Hall, $16.85.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, April 5, 1895, p. 8.
First Meeting' of Long Island Women's Clubs and Societies.
The advisory committee of the Long Island council met Monday at Mrs. Charles Kirby's, Jamaica, to fix a program for two sessions. Council will take place in Jamaica May 3. The morning will be devoted to the reading of club reports. The afternoon session will be filled by addresses by Mrs. J. C. Croley, Mrs. Helen H. Backus, Mrs. Mary Lowe Dickinson, Mrs. William Tod Helmuth. The executive committee of the New York State federation will hold a session in Jamaica on the same day.
Town Board Meeting
The town board of Jamaica held a meeting at the Town Hall on Monday. Supervisor Everitt presided. Justice Lester was absent through illness. The board decided to sell at auction on April 15th, the buildings on the Herzog, Denton and Everitt properties, lately purchased by the town or Town Hall purposes. The town clerk was appointed a committee of one to arrange with an auctioneer to sell the property.
The petition of residents of Hollis for 100 lights in a portion of school district No. 2, at a cost not to exceed $21 per year for each light, was granted, and the contract for furnishing the lights was awarded to the New York & New Jersey Globe Gas Light Company, at $21 a light per year, lights to be of 18 candle power.
The town clerk was directed to notify the highway commissioners to make a report of their receipts and expenditures for the year as required by law.
The following bills were ordered paid: Hugh J. Swift, services as constable, $55.20; Jamaica gas light company, gas furnished Town Hall from February 25th to March 27th, $39.75; James P. Clark, services as excise commissioner, $33; N. F. Waters, stationery for election purposes, $13.17; Samuel Searing, carpenter work in Town Hall, $16.85.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, April 5, 1895, p. 8.
The Spring Election
New York, 1895
In the town of Jamaica the Republican ticket swept along to victory as a whole. There was no Democratic ticket in the field. The ticket that was nominated in caucus, and ratified in convention, was rejected by the Town Clerk for informality. At the last moment some Democrats made up a ticket of the nominees of the caucus-convention, and by naming it the Citizens' Democratic ticket, and obtaining one hundred signatures to the petition, got it on file with the Town Clerk and had it printed. Not many of the men who were delegates to the Democratic convention supported the patched up ticket, but turned their strength against it. They had done this before and doing it again occasions no surprise. Judge Lester was unable to make a canvass, and no one made a canvass for him. He can stand defeat better than the town can afford to lose his services, and time will prove it. No officer who does his duty squarely and manfully can fail to make enemies, and Judge Lester made a good many, and they were active while his friends slept. The hardest fight against Mr. Lester was made in his own election district, but he was able to carry it by a majority of 18 in spite of everything. It is one result of which he may feel justly proud. Nothing is plainer than that the Republican machine sold out their candidate for Excise Commissioner, Mr. Waldron, to secure the liquor vote for their candidate for Justice. Every saloon in the town was stocked with paster ballots for B. Frank Wood and William Broedel.
The town of Oyster Bay turned back into the Democratic column, solely because the Republican and Independent voters of the town have sickened at Boss Youngs' overbearing management of affairs. They don't believe in a Boss.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, April 5, 1895, p. 4.
In the town of Jamaica the Republican ticket swept along to victory as a whole. There was no Democratic ticket in the field. The ticket that was nominated in caucus, and ratified in convention, was rejected by the Town Clerk for informality. At the last moment some Democrats made up a ticket of the nominees of the caucus-convention, and by naming it the Citizens' Democratic ticket, and obtaining one hundred signatures to the petition, got it on file with the Town Clerk and had it printed. Not many of the men who were delegates to the Democratic convention supported the patched up ticket, but turned their strength against it. They had done this before and doing it again occasions no surprise. Judge Lester was unable to make a canvass, and no one made a canvass for him. He can stand defeat better than the town can afford to lose his services, and time will prove it. No officer who does his duty squarely and manfully can fail to make enemies, and Judge Lester made a good many, and they were active while his friends slept. The hardest fight against Mr. Lester was made in his own election district, but he was able to carry it by a majority of 18 in spite of everything. It is one result of which he may feel justly proud. Nothing is plainer than that the Republican machine sold out their candidate for Excise Commissioner, Mr. Waldron, to secure the liquor vote for their candidate for Justice. Every saloon in the town was stocked with paster ballots for B. Frank Wood and William Broedel.
The town of Oyster Bay turned back into the Democratic column, solely because the Republican and Independent voters of the town have sickened at Boss Youngs' overbearing management of affairs. They don't believe in a Boss.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, April 5, 1895, p. 4.
Tags and a String
New York, 1895
It is no wonder that disgust prevails in all parts of the county at the way in which William J. Youngs is lording it over Republicans. He is a more tyrannical Boss than Boss Platt himself. Nothing can be tolerated that Boss Youngs does not approve. Whatever he disapproves must be put aside. No man must seek office without his consent. He tried his hand at bossing the board of Supervisors and failed. Consequently the Supervisors are being attacked in the newspapers to which the Boss has access, and particularly in the Jamaica Standard. Boss Youngs has never forgiven the board for their refusal to put on his collar by making his friend Richensteen their clerk. The Democratic board of Supervisors could get no legislation last year because Boss Youngs said Democrats were not entitled to anything. The Republican board of Supervisors can get no legislation this year because they did not put on Boss Youngs' collar and make him the patronage dispenser. He is going to make another attempt to put his collar on the Supervisors. He says they must appoint a Republican as clerk, and that Mr. Phipps must be the man. The issue is clearly defined. The people will await the result with much interest. THE FARMER does not believe that the Republican Supervisors will consent to be led about at the end of a string and wear tags in their buttonholes. They are all honest and courageous men, known to be such the county over.
Fair play requires the statement to be made that such Republicans as Congressman McCormick, Senator Childs, Hon. Benjamin D. Hicks, and many others are not in sympathy with the political methods of Boss Youngs.
Short Editorials
If the Republican Herald of Long Island City is correct in its statement that Boss Youngs is back of the job to increase the number of arrearage commissioners and add $4,500 to the expense, then it is proper to ask why Assemblyman Vacheron becomes the tool of Boss Youngs in such bad business.
What induced Assemblyman Vacheron to write a letter to John Doty Van Nostrand of Flushing that he would make him an arrears commissioner? The question hardly needs an answer.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, April 5, 1895, p. 4.
It is no wonder that disgust prevails in all parts of the county at the way in which William J. Youngs is lording it over Republicans. He is a more tyrannical Boss than Boss Platt himself. Nothing can be tolerated that Boss Youngs does not approve. Whatever he disapproves must be put aside. No man must seek office without his consent. He tried his hand at bossing the board of Supervisors and failed. Consequently the Supervisors are being attacked in the newspapers to which the Boss has access, and particularly in the Jamaica Standard. Boss Youngs has never forgiven the board for their refusal to put on his collar by making his friend Richensteen their clerk. The Democratic board of Supervisors could get no legislation last year because Boss Youngs said Democrats were not entitled to anything. The Republican board of Supervisors can get no legislation this year because they did not put on Boss Youngs' collar and make him the patronage dispenser. He is going to make another attempt to put his collar on the Supervisors. He says they must appoint a Republican as clerk, and that Mr. Phipps must be the man. The issue is clearly defined. The people will await the result with much interest. THE FARMER does not believe that the Republican Supervisors will consent to be led about at the end of a string and wear tags in their buttonholes. They are all honest and courageous men, known to be such the county over.
Fair play requires the statement to be made that such Republicans as Congressman McCormick, Senator Childs, Hon. Benjamin D. Hicks, and many others are not in sympathy with the political methods of Boss Youngs.
Short Editorials
If the Republican Herald of Long Island City is correct in its statement that Boss Youngs is back of the job to increase the number of arrearage commissioners and add $4,500 to the expense, then it is proper to ask why Assemblyman Vacheron becomes the tool of Boss Youngs in such bad business.
What induced Assemblyman Vacheron to write a letter to John Doty Van Nostrand of Flushing that he would make him an arrears commissioner? The question hardly needs an answer.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, April 5, 1895, p. 4.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Democrats Did Well
New York, 1895
THEY RECAPTURE FOUR TOWNS WITH GOOD MAJORITIES.
Oyster Hay, North Hempstead, Flushing and Newtown Get Out from Under Boss Youngs' Rule — In Jamaica the Liquor Dealers Carried the Day for the Republicans.
Democrats did not expect to get much out of the elections on Tuesday. The party did not try to pull itself together, the offices to be filled not being considered worth a battle. The Democrats have, however, good cause to rejoice over the result, for they have regained the towns of Oyster Bay, North Hempstead, Flushing and Newton, all of which went strongly Republican at the Spring and Fall elections last year. The Republicans are entitled to the credit of giving three of these victories to the Democrats, for in Flushing, Oyster Bay and North Hempstead party men proclaimed their intention of resenting the arrogant rule of Boss Youngs. The election last fall was a thunderous protest against Boss rule all over the state, but Boss Youngs was blind to the lesson that it taught, and has gone on bossing more offensively than ever. It is not likely that this last emphatic protest will make any difference to him, for he has gotten in so deeply, and has so many jobs on the spit, that he cannot recede gracefully.
Here in Jamaica the Democrats took little interest in the election. It seemed to be a time for bleaching soiled linen, and every politician who had a grudge to satisfy went in for blood. The people, without regard to politics, put up a good fight for Justice Lester, and would have won the day but for the combination between the saloons and the Republican machine, which was well organized and had plenty of money.
Mr. Waldron, the Republican and Good Government candidate for excise commissioner, courageously announced himself as in favor of high license and a limited number of saloons. The liquor interest took alarm, knowing that Mr. Clayton would co-operate with Mr. Waldron for a high license. They knew, too, that Mr. Clayton would vote against every applicant for a license, and that it would be within Mr. Waldron's power to decide who should and should not have license. The saloon people approached the Republican managers for a deal on candidates. The saloon people were willing to accept the whole Republican town ticket if the Republicans would accept the Democratic nominee for excise commissioner, and the deal was made on that basis at 2 o'clock in the morning in A. B. Pettit's hotel.
The vote shows that the saloon people had good reason to feel alarmed, for under this deal Mr. Broedel was only able to receive 1087 votes against 920 for Mr. Waldron. Mr. Broedel's majority over Mr. Waldron is 167, and, taking Mr. Bauman's vote of 168, Mr. Broedel lacks a plurality of the votes. It shows that the people have waked up on the excise question, and had the news of this deal got to the people in time, Mr. Waldron would have been elected by a considerable majority. The deal is made fully apparent by the figures of the vote, the head of the Republican ticket running 487 ahead of the Republican nominee for Excise Commissioner. These 487 votes represent the strength of the saloons.
The board of canvassers met at the Town Hall on Wednesday and canvassed the vote, the results being declared as follows:
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, April 5, 1895, p. 1.
Note: It's interesting that B. Frank Wood won and Justice Lester lost. I had no idea what kind of influence The Farmer had, of course, but they sure editorialized against Wood in a harsh way. It must have been a little bit humbling to see the results.
THEY RECAPTURE FOUR TOWNS WITH GOOD MAJORITIES.
Oyster Hay, North Hempstead, Flushing and Newtown Get Out from Under Boss Youngs' Rule — In Jamaica the Liquor Dealers Carried the Day for the Republicans.
Democrats did not expect to get much out of the elections on Tuesday. The party did not try to pull itself together, the offices to be filled not being considered worth a battle. The Democrats have, however, good cause to rejoice over the result, for they have regained the towns of Oyster Bay, North Hempstead, Flushing and Newton, all of which went strongly Republican at the Spring and Fall elections last year. The Republicans are entitled to the credit of giving three of these victories to the Democrats, for in Flushing, Oyster Bay and North Hempstead party men proclaimed their intention of resenting the arrogant rule of Boss Youngs. The election last fall was a thunderous protest against Boss rule all over the state, but Boss Youngs was blind to the lesson that it taught, and has gone on bossing more offensively than ever. It is not likely that this last emphatic protest will make any difference to him, for he has gotten in so deeply, and has so many jobs on the spit, that he cannot recede gracefully.
Here in Jamaica the Democrats took little interest in the election. It seemed to be a time for bleaching soiled linen, and every politician who had a grudge to satisfy went in for blood. The people, without regard to politics, put up a good fight for Justice Lester, and would have won the day but for the combination between the saloons and the Republican machine, which was well organized and had plenty of money.
Mr. Waldron, the Republican and Good Government candidate for excise commissioner, courageously announced himself as in favor of high license and a limited number of saloons. The liquor interest took alarm, knowing that Mr. Clayton would co-operate with Mr. Waldron for a high license. They knew, too, that Mr. Clayton would vote against every applicant for a license, and that it would be within Mr. Waldron's power to decide who should and should not have license. The saloon people approached the Republican managers for a deal on candidates. The saloon people were willing to accept the whole Republican town ticket if the Republicans would accept the Democratic nominee for excise commissioner, and the deal was made on that basis at 2 o'clock in the morning in A. B. Pettit's hotel.
The vote shows that the saloon people had good reason to feel alarmed, for under this deal Mr. Broedel was only able to receive 1087 votes against 920 for Mr. Waldron. Mr. Broedel's majority over Mr. Waldron is 167, and, taking Mr. Bauman's vote of 168, Mr. Broedel lacks a plurality of the votes. It shows that the people have waked up on the excise question, and had the news of this deal got to the people in time, Mr. Waldron would have been elected by a considerable majority. The deal is made fully apparent by the figures of the vote, the head of the Republican ticket running 487 ahead of the Republican nominee for Excise Commissioner. These 487 votes represent the strength of the saloons.
The board of canvassers met at the Town Hall on Wednesday and canvassed the vote, the results being declared as follows:
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, April 5, 1895, p. 1.Note: It's interesting that B. Frank Wood won and Justice Lester lost. I had no idea what kind of influence The Farmer had, of course, but they sure editorialized against Wood in a harsh way. It must have been a little bit humbling to see the results.
County Committeemen Elected
New York, 1895
The Republican town committee of North Hempstead met Saturday evening and elected two members of the county committee in the places of E. Eugene Carpenter, of Port Washington, and Louis Wrede, of Great Neck, whose seats had been declared vacant. In place of Mr. Carpenter the name of Charles F. Lewis, of Port Washington, was proposed, and that of Alfred Wilde, of Manhasset, in place of Mr. Wrede.
Tax-payers are Protesting
A meeting of citizens of College Point was held at the Poppenhusen Institute on Wednesday night to protest against the passage of two amendments now before the legislature permitting the trustees to bond the town for $20,000 for the purpose of erecting a water tower, and $15,000 for the building of a fire house.
Uncle Sam Does the Fair Thing
Postmaster Traphagen, of Corona, has received official notice from Washington that he will be reimbursed for the loss of money and stamps amounting to over $300, stolen about a year ago when the post-office safe was robbed.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, April 5, 1895, p. 1.
Note: Traphagen is referred to in a list of postmasters at this link. His first name was Thomas.
The Republican town committee of North Hempstead met Saturday evening and elected two members of the county committee in the places of E. Eugene Carpenter, of Port Washington, and Louis Wrede, of Great Neck, whose seats had been declared vacant. In place of Mr. Carpenter the name of Charles F. Lewis, of Port Washington, was proposed, and that of Alfred Wilde, of Manhasset, in place of Mr. Wrede.
Tax-payers are Protesting
A meeting of citizens of College Point was held at the Poppenhusen Institute on Wednesday night to protest against the passage of two amendments now before the legislature permitting the trustees to bond the town for $20,000 for the purpose of erecting a water tower, and $15,000 for the building of a fire house.
Uncle Sam Does the Fair Thing
Postmaster Traphagen, of Corona, has received official notice from Washington that he will be reimbursed for the loss of money and stamps amounting to over $300, stolen about a year ago when the post-office safe was robbed.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, April 5, 1895, p. 1.
Note: Traphagen is referred to in a list of postmasters at this link. His first name was Thomas.
Stands in Youngs' Way
New York, 1895
CHARLES L. PHIPPS MUST BE PROVIDED FOR SOME HOW.
He is Looking to be State Assessor, but Boss Youngs Wants to be Railroad Commissioner and Therefore the Supervisors are to be Bulldozed into Appointing Phipps their Clerk to Clear the Track for the Boss.
The following piece of news comes to THE FARMER from Albany:
"Queens County Republican politicians who have been here say that they are going to capture the clerkship of the board of Supervisors at the organization of the board the latter part of this month. Charles L. Phipps, who ran for county clerk on the Republican ticket last November, and was the only Republican defeated, is to be elected to the clerkship. When this has been done, Mr. Phipps is to withdraw his name from the governor's table as a candidate for state assessor, and the name of William J. Youngs is to be proposed as a candidate for state railroad commissioner. Mr. Youngs has got to get Mr. Phipps out of the way before he can get himself indorsed for the position that he wants."
This is surprising news only as it relates to Mr. Phipps. It was known that Boss Youngs, sub-Boss Wallace, and others were at work trying to induce the board of Supervisors to appoint a Republican clerk, but no particular person was named for the place. Judging from the tenor of the information received from Albany, Mr. Phipps must have refused to budge until fully provided for. In that he is sensible, for Youngs, Wallace & Co. have fooled him twice, and would repeat the operation if they could. It will, however, strike the public as most queer that Mr. Phipps, but a newcomer in the county, and who moved out of the county last fall, should be put up for about everything to the exclusion of old and well known party men. First it was for Assembly, then for Senator, then for Constitutional delegate, then for County Clerk, then for State Assessor, and now for the Clerk of the board of Supervisors, The thing has become monotonous. There is nothing on record to show that Mr. Phipps has the qualifications to make an acceptable clerk. When a man gets in that state that he cannot live without an office he becomes a nuisance and a menace to the public service. Perhaps Mr. Phipps is not in that demoralized condition, and we hope not, but all the circumstances are against him.
A year ago Boss Youngs and his lieutenants tried to force the Supervisors to appoint a Republican politician as clerk. The Supervisors resisted the pressure and retained Mr. Seabury as a matter of good business. Within a few weeks afterward the Republican politician who was backed by Boss Youngs and his gang absconded. He had an unsavory record always, and no man would trust him for a dollar, and he was a wife beater in the bargain. He has never returned. The facts show what an utter disregard of the public welfare these politicians display in their hunt for place and profit. The Supervisors may display the same courage this year that they did last. No better reason exists for changing clerks this year than existed last year. The office should be kept out of politics for business reasons.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, April 5, 1895, p. 1.
CHARLES L. PHIPPS MUST BE PROVIDED FOR SOME HOW.
He is Looking to be State Assessor, but Boss Youngs Wants to be Railroad Commissioner and Therefore the Supervisors are to be Bulldozed into Appointing Phipps their Clerk to Clear the Track for the Boss.
The following piece of news comes to THE FARMER from Albany:
"Queens County Republican politicians who have been here say that they are going to capture the clerkship of the board of Supervisors at the organization of the board the latter part of this month. Charles L. Phipps, who ran for county clerk on the Republican ticket last November, and was the only Republican defeated, is to be elected to the clerkship. When this has been done, Mr. Phipps is to withdraw his name from the governor's table as a candidate for state assessor, and the name of William J. Youngs is to be proposed as a candidate for state railroad commissioner. Mr. Youngs has got to get Mr. Phipps out of the way before he can get himself indorsed for the position that he wants."
This is surprising news only as it relates to Mr. Phipps. It was known that Boss Youngs, sub-Boss Wallace, and others were at work trying to induce the board of Supervisors to appoint a Republican clerk, but no particular person was named for the place. Judging from the tenor of the information received from Albany, Mr. Phipps must have refused to budge until fully provided for. In that he is sensible, for Youngs, Wallace & Co. have fooled him twice, and would repeat the operation if they could. It will, however, strike the public as most queer that Mr. Phipps, but a newcomer in the county, and who moved out of the county last fall, should be put up for about everything to the exclusion of old and well known party men. First it was for Assembly, then for Senator, then for Constitutional delegate, then for County Clerk, then for State Assessor, and now for the Clerk of the board of Supervisors, The thing has become monotonous. There is nothing on record to show that Mr. Phipps has the qualifications to make an acceptable clerk. When a man gets in that state that he cannot live without an office he becomes a nuisance and a menace to the public service. Perhaps Mr. Phipps is not in that demoralized condition, and we hope not, but all the circumstances are against him.
A year ago Boss Youngs and his lieutenants tried to force the Supervisors to appoint a Republican politician as clerk. The Supervisors resisted the pressure and retained Mr. Seabury as a matter of good business. Within a few weeks afterward the Republican politician who was backed by Boss Youngs and his gang absconded. He had an unsavory record always, and no man would trust him for a dollar, and he was a wife beater in the bargain. He has never returned. The facts show what an utter disregard of the public welfare these politicians display in their hunt for place and profit. The Supervisors may display the same courage this year that they did last. No better reason exists for changing clerks this year than existed last year. The office should be kept out of politics for business reasons.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, April 5, 1895, p. 1.
Board of Supervisors
New York, 1895
Bids Opened for Broken Stone and a New Building.
The board of Supervisors met at Long Island City yesterday. A petition signed by 85 residents of Jamaica South and Springfield was presented to the board, asking that the unexpended balance of the $400,000 for macadamizing roads in the town of Jamaica be used for macadamizing the Rockaway Turnpike from John Duryea's corner to the terminus of the town line of Jamaica. The petition was referred to Supervisor Everitt.
Bids for macadam for the county roads, and for building the new keeper's residence at Barnum Island, were opened at noon. Two bids were received for the stone, as follows: Thomas H. Touhey, 100 yards to be delivered on Jackson avenue, Newtown, $3.45 per cubic yard; L. E. Decker, 140 yards for Jericho road, $2.05 per cubic yard; 50 yards for Merrick road $2; 50 yards for Rockaway turnpike, $2.
Six bids were received for building the keeper's residence at Barnum Island, as follows: George Kruse, New Hyde Park, $6,755; Freeman and Strous, Roslyn, $6,450; John J. Lyons, $8,691; George H. Schiffmacher, East Rockaway, $6,067; Samuel Thompson, Pearsalls, $7,885; George C. Long, $6,985. The bids were referred to the committee on poor house and farm.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, April 5, 1895, p. 1.
Bids Opened for Broken Stone and a New Building.
The board of Supervisors met at Long Island City yesterday. A petition signed by 85 residents of Jamaica South and Springfield was presented to the board, asking that the unexpended balance of the $400,000 for macadamizing roads in the town of Jamaica be used for macadamizing the Rockaway Turnpike from John Duryea's corner to the terminus of the town line of Jamaica. The petition was referred to Supervisor Everitt.
Bids for macadam for the county roads, and for building the new keeper's residence at Barnum Island, were opened at noon. Two bids were received for the stone, as follows: Thomas H. Touhey, 100 yards to be delivered on Jackson avenue, Newtown, $3.45 per cubic yard; L. E. Decker, 140 yards for Jericho road, $2.05 per cubic yard; 50 yards for Merrick road $2; 50 yards for Rockaway turnpike, $2.
Six bids were received for building the keeper's residence at Barnum Island, as follows: George Kruse, New Hyde Park, $6,755; Freeman and Strous, Roslyn, $6,450; John J. Lyons, $8,691; George H. Schiffmacher, East Rockaway, $6,067; Samuel Thompson, Pearsalls, $7,885; George C. Long, $6,985. The bids were referred to the committee on poor house and farm.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, April 5, 1895, p. 1.
Judge Barnard Here
New York, 1895
WILL PRESIDE IN THE CIRCUIT AND OYER AND TERMINER.
The Napoleon of the Bench Will be Heartily Welcomed by Lawyers and Laymen — The Longest Calendar in the County's history.
The April term of the circuit Court and Oyer and Terminer will begin at the Court House in Long Island City on Monday next. Judge Barnard will preside.
He will receive a hearty welcome from lawyers and laymen. His Honor retired from the bench under the age limit, but he has been restored to full functions by Governor Morton under the provisions of the new Constitution. Judge Barnard will be confronted by the largest civil calendar in the county's history, as follows:
Allen vs Steiner, Appleford vs Remsen, Ayers vs Van Allen (2), Adams vs Roscoe lumber company, Adams vs Mackintosh, Adriance vs Schlank.
Bruehl vs Straube, Brockman vs Sprick, Bedell vs Ryder, Bierschenk vs Dunphy, Boyes vs Boyes (2), Reiners vs Gebhard, Belcher vs Belcher, Brush vs Long Island railroad company, Byrn vs Doyle, Brooks vs Norman, Benson vs Weber, Brooklyn railway supply company vs Jamaica and Brooklyn road company, Baldwin vs Chadwick, Brauer vs Prudential insurance company, Bamber vs Bannon, Beard vs Reilly, Bruens vs Bereau, Bayer vs Marine steamship company, Boske vs Delaware, Lackawanan and Western railroad company, Benjamin vs Kaiser, Berry vs Spiers, Bierschenk vs Dunphy, Bennett vs Long Island railroad company, Bergen vs Long Island rattread, Bostwick vs Joy, Baldwin vs Smith.
Crooker vs Crooker, Cappiella vs Hart, Carraher vs Steinway railway company, Camden vs Theuret, Crew vs Astoria silk works, Clegg vs Metropolitan street railway company, Clayton vs Dorlon, Crooker vs Crooker, Coleman vs Bartlett.
Dodts vs Jamaica & Brooklyn Road Co., Davren vs Caledonia fire insurance company, Davren vs Westchester insurance company, Delaney vs Steinway railway company, Darmour vs Chapman, Dudak vs Fowler, Doty vs Sammis.
Evers vs Long Island City, Eisner vs Houser, Eato vs Pease.
Freeman vs Freeman, Fitzpatrick vs Allen, Fernidal vs Long Island railroad company, Fanning vs Long Island railroad company.
Gillies vs Leavitt, Goodade vs Goodale, Greentree vs Brady, General electric company vs Newtown jocky club, Garrison vs Remsen, Gedgard vs City of Brooklyn.
Hill vs Ruland, Heckman vs Elliott, Holland vs Brown, Hicks vs village of Whitestone, Hildreth vs Willetts, Hudson vs Von Hafen, Hegeman vs Raume, Hoeffman vs Rudiger, Hoyt vs Walter, Harris vs Hendrickson, Horning vs Bergner & Engel brewing company, Hicks vs McNeill, Hadden vs. Hall, Hinch vs Brooklyn Heights railroad company, Higgins vs Long Island railroad company, Hamilton vs Manhattan electric light company, Hunter vs Estergard, Hillside avenue land improvement company vs Sussman, Hegeman vs Travis, Hawlins vs Maine Central railroad company.
Jones vs Feldman, Joy vs City of Brooklyn, Jamison vs New York and Rockaway Beach railway company.
Kelly vs Mesier, Kolinski vs Cating, Kelly vs McMillan, Kraemer vs Stimmel, Koester vs First German Baptist church, Kottvelyessy vs Woesthoff, Kuhl vs Long Island railroad company.
Liebinger & Oehm brewing company vs highway commissioners of Newtown, Long Island City electric illuminating company vs Long Island City, Lawler vs Long Island City, Lawrence vs Feist, Lutzel vs Metropolitan Street railway company, Levy vs White, Leonardi vs village of Jamaica, Lawrence vs Steinhardt, Laporte vs Wilson, Long Island wall paper company vs Campbell, Liebinger & Oehm brewing company vs Hart, Morgan vs Morgan, Mahoney vs McWalters, McGraw vs McGraw, Malloy vs Malloy, Mickle vs Steinhardt, Mahoney vs Clark, McCarthy vs village of Far Rockaway, Mills vs Bronson, Mansfield vs City of Brooklyn, McFarland vs Landman, McGlinchey vs Central stamping company, Metzger vs Steinway railway company, Morgan vs Steinway railway company (2), McGraw vs Fred Hower brewing company, McKenna vs Doht, Mansfield vs City of Brooklyn.
Noyes vs Woolsey, Nitz vs Febie, Nitz vs Fitze, Neimis vs Wilkinson.
Orth vs Orth, O'Donnell vs East River gas company.
Phillips vs Steinway railway company, Pope vs Van Cott, Purcell vs Long Island City, Penders vs Heerman, Platz vs Steinway railway company, Pritchard vs Harley, Peck vs Soper, Perry vs Rogers, Pearsall vs Van Vliet, Pearsall vs Rohe, Perkins vs Commercial Advertiser association, Pettit vs City of Brooklyn.
Queens County Bank vs Herring, Queens County Bank vs Hanly.
Ries vs Smith, Richensteen lumber company vs Malloy, Romer vs Steinway railway company, Ries vs Smith, Reilly vs Beard, Rund vs Terrence, Raucher vs Schmid.
Scudder vs Strakosh, Simonson vs Simonson, Smith vs Smith, Schwarz vs Long Island City, Switzer vs Norton, Sherwood vs Woesthoff, Schiel vs Long Island City, Stoddart vs Doht, Storm vs Lasow, Smith vs Alsgood (2), Sprague vs Ruland, Smith vs Village of Sea Cliff, Schook vs Rock, Smith vs Work, Schulz vs Baird.
Tyrrell vs Board of Education of Long Island City (2), Tyrrell vs Long Island City, Tomko vs Central railroad company of New Jersey, The Mission of the Immaculate Virgin vs Cronin, Tyrrell vs Hill, Tyrrell vs Ferris.
Usher vs Zuber, Van Wicklen vs Daly.
Weeks vs Crawford (2), Weinberger vs McGuire, Wolfort vs McKee, Walden vs Flushing Jocky Club, Walsh vs Steinway railway company (2), Werner vs Steinway railway company, Wynn vs Bechstedt, Worth vs Chapman, White Dental manufacturing company vs Overton, Wiener vs Chapman, Woods vs Long Island railroad company, Watkins vs New York Bowery fire insurance company.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, April 5, 1895, p. 1.
Note: That's a lot of fun reading. Crooker vs. Crooker is in there twice. Wiener vs. Chapman could possible be Wierer vs. Chapman, but I don't think so. It looks like the "n" is missing a tiny piece. My favorite just for the sound of it is Nitz vs Fitze. It's interesting to see how many railway company disputes there were.
WILL PRESIDE IN THE CIRCUIT AND OYER AND TERMINER.
The Napoleon of the Bench Will be Heartily Welcomed by Lawyers and Laymen — The Longest Calendar in the County's history.
The April term of the circuit Court and Oyer and Terminer will begin at the Court House in Long Island City on Monday next. Judge Barnard will preside.
He will receive a hearty welcome from lawyers and laymen. His Honor retired from the bench under the age limit, but he has been restored to full functions by Governor Morton under the provisions of the new Constitution. Judge Barnard will be confronted by the largest civil calendar in the county's history, as follows:
Allen vs Steiner, Appleford vs Remsen, Ayers vs Van Allen (2), Adams vs Roscoe lumber company, Adams vs Mackintosh, Adriance vs Schlank.
Bruehl vs Straube, Brockman vs Sprick, Bedell vs Ryder, Bierschenk vs Dunphy, Boyes vs Boyes (2), Reiners vs Gebhard, Belcher vs Belcher, Brush vs Long Island railroad company, Byrn vs Doyle, Brooks vs Norman, Benson vs Weber, Brooklyn railway supply company vs Jamaica and Brooklyn road company, Baldwin vs Chadwick, Brauer vs Prudential insurance company, Bamber vs Bannon, Beard vs Reilly, Bruens vs Bereau, Bayer vs Marine steamship company, Boske vs Delaware, Lackawanan and Western railroad company, Benjamin vs Kaiser, Berry vs Spiers, Bierschenk vs Dunphy, Bennett vs Long Island railroad company, Bergen vs Long Island rattread, Bostwick vs Joy, Baldwin vs Smith.
Crooker vs Crooker, Cappiella vs Hart, Carraher vs Steinway railway company, Camden vs Theuret, Crew vs Astoria silk works, Clegg vs Metropolitan street railway company, Clayton vs Dorlon, Crooker vs Crooker, Coleman vs Bartlett.
Dodts vs Jamaica & Brooklyn Road Co., Davren vs Caledonia fire insurance company, Davren vs Westchester insurance company, Delaney vs Steinway railway company, Darmour vs Chapman, Dudak vs Fowler, Doty vs Sammis.
Evers vs Long Island City, Eisner vs Houser, Eato vs Pease.
Freeman vs Freeman, Fitzpatrick vs Allen, Fernidal vs Long Island railroad company, Fanning vs Long Island railroad company.
Gillies vs Leavitt, Goodade vs Goodale, Greentree vs Brady, General electric company vs Newtown jocky club, Garrison vs Remsen, Gedgard vs City of Brooklyn.
Hill vs Ruland, Heckman vs Elliott, Holland vs Brown, Hicks vs village of Whitestone, Hildreth vs Willetts, Hudson vs Von Hafen, Hegeman vs Raume, Hoeffman vs Rudiger, Hoyt vs Walter, Harris vs Hendrickson, Horning vs Bergner & Engel brewing company, Hicks vs McNeill, Hadden vs. Hall, Hinch vs Brooklyn Heights railroad company, Higgins vs Long Island railroad company, Hamilton vs Manhattan electric light company, Hunter vs Estergard, Hillside avenue land improvement company vs Sussman, Hegeman vs Travis, Hawlins vs Maine Central railroad company.
Jones vs Feldman, Joy vs City of Brooklyn, Jamison vs New York and Rockaway Beach railway company.
Kelly vs Mesier, Kolinski vs Cating, Kelly vs McMillan, Kraemer vs Stimmel, Koester vs First German Baptist church, Kottvelyessy vs Woesthoff, Kuhl vs Long Island railroad company.
Liebinger & Oehm brewing company vs highway commissioners of Newtown, Long Island City electric illuminating company vs Long Island City, Lawler vs Long Island City, Lawrence vs Feist, Lutzel vs Metropolitan Street railway company, Levy vs White, Leonardi vs village of Jamaica, Lawrence vs Steinhardt, Laporte vs Wilson, Long Island wall paper company vs Campbell, Liebinger & Oehm brewing company vs Hart, Morgan vs Morgan, Mahoney vs McWalters, McGraw vs McGraw, Malloy vs Malloy, Mickle vs Steinhardt, Mahoney vs Clark, McCarthy vs village of Far Rockaway, Mills vs Bronson, Mansfield vs City of Brooklyn, McFarland vs Landman, McGlinchey vs Central stamping company, Metzger vs Steinway railway company, Morgan vs Steinway railway company (2), McGraw vs Fred Hower brewing company, McKenna vs Doht, Mansfield vs City of Brooklyn.
Noyes vs Woolsey, Nitz vs Febie, Nitz vs Fitze, Neimis vs Wilkinson.
Orth vs Orth, O'Donnell vs East River gas company.
Phillips vs Steinway railway company, Pope vs Van Cott, Purcell vs Long Island City, Penders vs Heerman, Platz vs Steinway railway company, Pritchard vs Harley, Peck vs Soper, Perry vs Rogers, Pearsall vs Van Vliet, Pearsall vs Rohe, Perkins vs Commercial Advertiser association, Pettit vs City of Brooklyn.
Queens County Bank vs Herring, Queens County Bank vs Hanly.
Ries vs Smith, Richensteen lumber company vs Malloy, Romer vs Steinway railway company, Ries vs Smith, Reilly vs Beard, Rund vs Terrence, Raucher vs Schmid.
Scudder vs Strakosh, Simonson vs Simonson, Smith vs Smith, Schwarz vs Long Island City, Switzer vs Norton, Sherwood vs Woesthoff, Schiel vs Long Island City, Stoddart vs Doht, Storm vs Lasow, Smith vs Alsgood (2), Sprague vs Ruland, Smith vs Village of Sea Cliff, Schook vs Rock, Smith vs Work, Schulz vs Baird.
Tyrrell vs Board of Education of Long Island City (2), Tyrrell vs Long Island City, Tomko vs Central railroad company of New Jersey, The Mission of the Immaculate Virgin vs Cronin, Tyrrell vs Hill, Tyrrell vs Ferris.
Usher vs Zuber, Van Wicklen vs Daly.
Weeks vs Crawford (2), Weinberger vs McGuire, Wolfort vs McKee, Walden vs Flushing Jocky Club, Walsh vs Steinway railway company (2), Werner vs Steinway railway company, Wynn vs Bechstedt, Worth vs Chapman, White Dental manufacturing company vs Overton, Wiener vs Chapman, Woods vs Long Island railroad company, Watkins vs New York Bowery fire insurance company.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, April 5, 1895, p. 1.
Note: That's a lot of fun reading. Crooker vs. Crooker is in there twice. Wiener vs. Chapman could possible be Wierer vs. Chapman, but I don't think so. It looks like the "n" is missing a tiny piece. My favorite just for the sound of it is Nitz vs Fitze. It's interesting to see how many railway company disputes there were.
A Bad Record
New York, 1895
Partial Review of Vacheron's Albany Work.
COUNTY BILLS HELD UP.
Corporations More Influential Than Supervisors.
A $150,000 BRIDGE JOB.
Other Things Which Menace Tax-Payers.
READ AND REFLECT.
Ruffian Eugene F. Vacheron and all other ruffians of his stamp may as well understand that THE FARMER is a newspaper that cannot be swerved from its course of serving the people fearlessly and honestly by assault upon its editor or threats to take his life. The ruffian and blackguard respects no law and has recourse to brutal means to answer a criticism as naturally as a fly takes to molasses. If THE FARMER ever did Mr. Vacheron a wrong of any kind, these columns were open to him to correct it, and we would be glad to correct an error in his case or the case of any person. If a guilty conscience be a man's best accuser, making a coward of him, then Mr. Vacheron's silence under criticism is perfectly understood. He has complained of no wrong done him by THE FARMER. He thinks that we have no right to criticise his public acts, but that, of course, is ridiculous, unAmerican, and in conflict with law, which guarantees to every citizen the right of criticism of a public officer within the facts and within reason. And THE FARMER has kept itself well within the law.
Mr. Vacheron took umbrage at THE FARMER several months ago because it published as news, and without any comment whatever, the fact that Mr. Haywood, of Woodhaven, had brought an action in the Supreme Court against the Assemblyman to recover money that the plaintiff had loaned him. Mr. Vacheron put in an answer denying that he owed the money. The plaintiff produced his check in proof of the indebtedness with Mr. Vacheron's indorsement on it. When the trial could be staved off no longer Mr. Vacheron paid the money, thereby confessing the falsity of his defense. This news came direct from the court room and was published just as all news is published. There was no reason why we should suppress news affecting Mr. Vacheron any more than we should suppress news respecting any other man. To hide one man's offense while exposing another's would be dishonest journalism. THE FARMER is not that kind of a newspaper.
THE FARMER took Mr. Vacheron to task for sitting idly by while the people of Binghamton were trying to steal the Normal School from Jamaica. A great wrong was attempted to be done. Our citizens had labored for years to secure this educational advantage. The town of Jamaica had given $10,000 for a site and deeded it to the state. The loss of the normal school under the circumstances, and in a general way, would have been a gross outrage. The bill to steal the school had been progressed to second reading in the Assembly without any opposition from Mr. Vacheron. Either he was ignorant of it or he wilfully permitted it. In either case he had no valid excuse to make to his constituents, and he made none. What THE FARMER said and felt about it every citizen must have thought and felt.
In the public interest we were obliged to take Mr. Vacheron to task for his attitude toward the tax arrears bill. At home he denounced the bill as a job. At Albany he declared that he would kill the bill if he were not allowed to increase the number of commissioners, so that if the bill was a job he was perfectly willing to get into the job for patronage. But the bill was an honest bill, having the approval of the board of Supervisors, and being intended to relieve the tax-payers of the heavy burden of unpaid taxes. There were already three persons named in the bill as commissioners who reside in Mr. Vacheron's district, therefore he could not complain that his district was slighted. The man he wanted to put in the commission lives in Flushing, which is Mr. Fairbrother's district, with what motive, or for what purpose, the people may judge for themselves. The addition of another commissioner meant an increase of $4,500 in the expense, but that was too insignificant a thing to bother Mr. Vacheron, who is so good a citizen that he lets his small property be advertised for sale rather than pay his taxes. The Long Island City Herald says that Mr. Vacheron desired to increase the commission to make a place for a political friend of Boss Youngs, and the Herald is a Republican paper. If this be true it makes the attempted wrong all the greater, for there never can be invented an excuse for making the people pay to uphold a political boss. Mr. Vacheron held this bill in the Assembly so long that Senator Childs came to the conclusion that he meant to kill it, and knowing the importance of the measure to the public welfare the Senator went over to the Assembly and had the bill favorably reported over Mr. Vachcron's head without the name of Boss Youngs' political lieutenant getting into it. This job the public can digest to their own satisfaction.
We have had occasion to disagree with Mr. Vacheron over a bill to put $20,000 of the people's money in the pocket of Lucien Knapp of Long Island City. Mr. Knapp had not warmed his seat as City Treasurer before he sent to Albany a bill to make the city pay him $10,000 a year for two years for settling some back tax accounts. The grab bill was not sent to the representative of Long Island City, but to Mr. Vacheron, who introduced it, and is supporting it. Senator Childs spurned it. The selfishness of the thing is apparent from the fact that the law was to be operative during Mr. Knapp's term of office only. The people of Long Island City rose up against it, public meetings were held to denounce it, and every newspaper in the city spoke against it. These things make no difference to Mr. Vacheron.
A recent occasion for adverse comment was the alteration of a bill in the Assembly which had been approved by the board of Supervisors and passed by the Senate in its original form. For years Brooklyn politicians and others have been trying to compel the Supervisors to build a bridge over Newtown creek at Maspeth avenue. The expense would be $150,000 at least. These plotters tried to force the building of a bridge by an action at law. The Supervisors have been fighting against it in the courts, and have been to the Court of Appeals twice, and the case is now just where it started. The Supervisors had an act drafted giving them discretionary power as to building bridges, which is right, and Mr. Childs passed it through the Senate. In the Assembly the bill has been amended to compel the Supervisors to build the bridge. In addition to the politicians who want the bridge a railroad company wants to cross the creek and prefers that the county should provide a way. So in this matter the taxpayers are confronted with a possible addition of $150,000 to their burdens without any good reason whatever, and Vacheron does not care.
The Supervisors sent to Albany still another bill. It was intended to improve the method of assessing property. One clause provided that all contractors should file with the board of Assessors a statement as to all new buildings erected and their cost. The purpose was to furnish reliable figures from which the assessors could fix the percentage of assessments. It was an essentially just provision. The bill went through the Senate all right, but in the Assembly it was held up and this provision was stricken from it. The only reason for cutting it out is that speculators did not want it in. It would prevent them from getting low assessments by misrepresentation or a worse offense.
There is still another bill that has been held up in Assembly. The Brooklyn City railroad company induced the authorities of Flushing, to provide for an improvement of Strong's Causeway, including the erection of a bridge, at an estimated expense of $25,000, one half of the sum to be a charge upon the county at large. The railroad company has a franchise to lay tracks on the causeway when it shall be completed, and some of the railroad people have started a cemetery close by, and the improvement is really in the interest or these two corporations. Supervisor Pople fought against it, but he was overruled. The board of Supervisors protested that it would be an outrage to compel the property owners of the whole county to pay one-half the expense of what is really a private improvement over in Flushing, and they sent a bill to Albany to prevent the wrong. The railroad company appeared at Albany in opposition to it. Nevertheless, it passed the Senate. From the time it reached the Assembly until now it has slumbered. The contract for the work has been let and the outlook is that the county will have to foot half of the expense. It is not a pleasant reflection for tax-payers in these hard times.
The Supervisors have worried and fretted under this miserable condition of things. They have passed resolutions urging action on these bills in Assembly, and they have sent committees to Albany to see Mr. Vacheron, but the bills do not move. Politicians and rings have more influence than the Supervisors.
Vacheron's conduct has been such that the Brooklyn Eagle, Brooklyn Times, New York Herald, New York World, New York Sun have made editorial protests, and the Albany correspondents of many daily newspapers have felt justified in flaying him.
For printing these statements and apprising the public of the character of the man who represents them in the Legislature, a brutal assault has been made upon the editor of this paper and threats have been made to kick his head off. We were fully aware of the risks we run when we denounced ruffians and scoundrels. We have taken them before and will not shrink from taking them again. This late act of ruffianism will not swerve us for one moment from the exposure of Vacheron's acts.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, April 5, 1895, p. 1.
Partial Review of Vacheron's Albany Work.
COUNTY BILLS HELD UP.
Corporations More Influential Than Supervisors.
A $150,000 BRIDGE JOB.
Other Things Which Menace Tax-Payers.
READ AND REFLECT.
Ruffian Eugene F. Vacheron and all other ruffians of his stamp may as well understand that THE FARMER is a newspaper that cannot be swerved from its course of serving the people fearlessly and honestly by assault upon its editor or threats to take his life. The ruffian and blackguard respects no law and has recourse to brutal means to answer a criticism as naturally as a fly takes to molasses. If THE FARMER ever did Mr. Vacheron a wrong of any kind, these columns were open to him to correct it, and we would be glad to correct an error in his case or the case of any person. If a guilty conscience be a man's best accuser, making a coward of him, then Mr. Vacheron's silence under criticism is perfectly understood. He has complained of no wrong done him by THE FARMER. He thinks that we have no right to criticise his public acts, but that, of course, is ridiculous, unAmerican, and in conflict with law, which guarantees to every citizen the right of criticism of a public officer within the facts and within reason. And THE FARMER has kept itself well within the law.
Mr. Vacheron took umbrage at THE FARMER several months ago because it published as news, and without any comment whatever, the fact that Mr. Haywood, of Woodhaven, had brought an action in the Supreme Court against the Assemblyman to recover money that the plaintiff had loaned him. Mr. Vacheron put in an answer denying that he owed the money. The plaintiff produced his check in proof of the indebtedness with Mr. Vacheron's indorsement on it. When the trial could be staved off no longer Mr. Vacheron paid the money, thereby confessing the falsity of his defense. This news came direct from the court room and was published just as all news is published. There was no reason why we should suppress news affecting Mr. Vacheron any more than we should suppress news respecting any other man. To hide one man's offense while exposing another's would be dishonest journalism. THE FARMER is not that kind of a newspaper.
THE FARMER took Mr. Vacheron to task for sitting idly by while the people of Binghamton were trying to steal the Normal School from Jamaica. A great wrong was attempted to be done. Our citizens had labored for years to secure this educational advantage. The town of Jamaica had given $10,000 for a site and deeded it to the state. The loss of the normal school under the circumstances, and in a general way, would have been a gross outrage. The bill to steal the school had been progressed to second reading in the Assembly without any opposition from Mr. Vacheron. Either he was ignorant of it or he wilfully permitted it. In either case he had no valid excuse to make to his constituents, and he made none. What THE FARMER said and felt about it every citizen must have thought and felt.
In the public interest we were obliged to take Mr. Vacheron to task for his attitude toward the tax arrears bill. At home he denounced the bill as a job. At Albany he declared that he would kill the bill if he were not allowed to increase the number of commissioners, so that if the bill was a job he was perfectly willing to get into the job for patronage. But the bill was an honest bill, having the approval of the board of Supervisors, and being intended to relieve the tax-payers of the heavy burden of unpaid taxes. There were already three persons named in the bill as commissioners who reside in Mr. Vacheron's district, therefore he could not complain that his district was slighted. The man he wanted to put in the commission lives in Flushing, which is Mr. Fairbrother's district, with what motive, or for what purpose, the people may judge for themselves. The addition of another commissioner meant an increase of $4,500 in the expense, but that was too insignificant a thing to bother Mr. Vacheron, who is so good a citizen that he lets his small property be advertised for sale rather than pay his taxes. The Long Island City Herald says that Mr. Vacheron desired to increase the commission to make a place for a political friend of Boss Youngs, and the Herald is a Republican paper. If this be true it makes the attempted wrong all the greater, for there never can be invented an excuse for making the people pay to uphold a political boss. Mr. Vacheron held this bill in the Assembly so long that Senator Childs came to the conclusion that he meant to kill it, and knowing the importance of the measure to the public welfare the Senator went over to the Assembly and had the bill favorably reported over Mr. Vachcron's head without the name of Boss Youngs' political lieutenant getting into it. This job the public can digest to their own satisfaction.
We have had occasion to disagree with Mr. Vacheron over a bill to put $20,000 of the people's money in the pocket of Lucien Knapp of Long Island City. Mr. Knapp had not warmed his seat as City Treasurer before he sent to Albany a bill to make the city pay him $10,000 a year for two years for settling some back tax accounts. The grab bill was not sent to the representative of Long Island City, but to Mr. Vacheron, who introduced it, and is supporting it. Senator Childs spurned it. The selfishness of the thing is apparent from the fact that the law was to be operative during Mr. Knapp's term of office only. The people of Long Island City rose up against it, public meetings were held to denounce it, and every newspaper in the city spoke against it. These things make no difference to Mr. Vacheron.
A recent occasion for adverse comment was the alteration of a bill in the Assembly which had been approved by the board of Supervisors and passed by the Senate in its original form. For years Brooklyn politicians and others have been trying to compel the Supervisors to build a bridge over Newtown creek at Maspeth avenue. The expense would be $150,000 at least. These plotters tried to force the building of a bridge by an action at law. The Supervisors have been fighting against it in the courts, and have been to the Court of Appeals twice, and the case is now just where it started. The Supervisors had an act drafted giving them discretionary power as to building bridges, which is right, and Mr. Childs passed it through the Senate. In the Assembly the bill has been amended to compel the Supervisors to build the bridge. In addition to the politicians who want the bridge a railroad company wants to cross the creek and prefers that the county should provide a way. So in this matter the taxpayers are confronted with a possible addition of $150,000 to their burdens without any good reason whatever, and Vacheron does not care.
The Supervisors sent to Albany still another bill. It was intended to improve the method of assessing property. One clause provided that all contractors should file with the board of Assessors a statement as to all new buildings erected and their cost. The purpose was to furnish reliable figures from which the assessors could fix the percentage of assessments. It was an essentially just provision. The bill went through the Senate all right, but in the Assembly it was held up and this provision was stricken from it. The only reason for cutting it out is that speculators did not want it in. It would prevent them from getting low assessments by misrepresentation or a worse offense.
There is still another bill that has been held up in Assembly. The Brooklyn City railroad company induced the authorities of Flushing, to provide for an improvement of Strong's Causeway, including the erection of a bridge, at an estimated expense of $25,000, one half of the sum to be a charge upon the county at large. The railroad company has a franchise to lay tracks on the causeway when it shall be completed, and some of the railroad people have started a cemetery close by, and the improvement is really in the interest or these two corporations. Supervisor Pople fought against it, but he was overruled. The board of Supervisors protested that it would be an outrage to compel the property owners of the whole county to pay one-half the expense of what is really a private improvement over in Flushing, and they sent a bill to Albany to prevent the wrong. The railroad company appeared at Albany in opposition to it. Nevertheless, it passed the Senate. From the time it reached the Assembly until now it has slumbered. The contract for the work has been let and the outlook is that the county will have to foot half of the expense. It is not a pleasant reflection for tax-payers in these hard times.
The Supervisors have worried and fretted under this miserable condition of things. They have passed resolutions urging action on these bills in Assembly, and they have sent committees to Albany to see Mr. Vacheron, but the bills do not move. Politicians and rings have more influence than the Supervisors.
Vacheron's conduct has been such that the Brooklyn Eagle, Brooklyn Times, New York Herald, New York World, New York Sun have made editorial protests, and the Albany correspondents of many daily newspapers have felt justified in flaying him.
For printing these statements and apprising the public of the character of the man who represents them in the Legislature, a brutal assault has been made upon the editor of this paper and threats have been made to kick his head off. We were fully aware of the risks we run when we denounced ruffians and scoundrels. We have taken them before and will not shrink from taking them again. This late act of ruffianism will not swerve us for one moment from the exposure of Vacheron's acts.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, April 5, 1895, p. 1.
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