New York, 1895
Honest Republican Criticism of a Debauched Journal.
The Jamaica Standard denounces the Herald for heartily supporting the Republican members of the board of Supervisors in every effort made by them to wisely and economically administer the county government. We plead guilty to the offence. The Herald is for good government first, last and all the time. Unscrupulous leaders shall not do the Republican party in this county a lasting injury if the Herald can prevent them. This policy, we know, is not the policy of the Standard; nor is it the policy that would have the approval of the Hon. William J. Youngs or Assemblyman Vacheron, but it is the policy of loyalty to the Republican party and to the people who placed that party in power last fall, relying upon the promises of the leaders that under Republican rule this county would enjoy better government than it had ever known before.
If the Standard had denounced the vicious character of the Commissioner of Jurors bill and informed the people that it was created simply for the purpose of making a high-salaried office for Assemblyman Vacheron, then the Standard would have done both the people and its party a great service for which it would have deserved the respect and confidence of its readers. But the Standard did not dare to come out and squarely endorse a measure, which was so unpopular with the taxpayers throughout the county, but it published an article, the apparent purpose of which was to disarm suspicion, if possible, and make the devil appear less black than he was painted.
If a Republican Assemblyman or Senator introduces a bad bill in the Legislature he ought to be promptly called to account. This is what the Herald has done and the Standard has utterly failed to do. It has tried in every way to shield William J. Youngs and Assemblyman Vacheron and to keep its readers in ignorance of their conduct at Albany.
The Standard exclaims fervently:
"Now is the time to face the situation." Indeed it is time, but we fear that instead of having the moral courage "to face the situation" our contemporary will evade it, as it has all along, for the purpose of misleading the people, and saving William J. Youngs and Assemblyman Vacheron from that condemnation which they so richly deserve. — Long Island City Herald, Republican.
—Reprinted in The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, May 10, 1895, p. 8.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Resumed Operations
New York, 1895
Sohmer's big piano factory at Astoria has resumed full operations again and about two hundred hands are back at work. The factory since the holidays had been run on half time.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, May 10, 1895, p. 8.
What Do Office Grabbers Care About Public Opinion?
Though the Commissioner of Jurors bill has been denounced by Republicans and Democrats, and the press of both parties, yet William J. Youngs and Assemblyman Vacheron last week continued their desperate efforts to have it passed in the Senate. They could not, however, induce Senator Childs to assist them in the passage of a measure so unpopular throughout the county, and the bill is practically dead. It seems almost incredible that two men who think that they are shrewd politicians, could be so blind to their own future as to insist upon forcing through the Legislature a bill after it had been condemned by the whole people, and especially by the members of their own party. — Long Island City Herald, Republican.
—Reprinted in The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, May 10, 1895, p. 8.
Sohmer's big piano factory at Astoria has resumed full operations again and about two hundred hands are back at work. The factory since the holidays had been run on half time.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, May 10, 1895, p. 8.
What Do Office Grabbers Care About Public Opinion?
Though the Commissioner of Jurors bill has been denounced by Republicans and Democrats, and the press of both parties, yet William J. Youngs and Assemblyman Vacheron last week continued their desperate efforts to have it passed in the Senate. They could not, however, induce Senator Childs to assist them in the passage of a measure so unpopular throughout the county, and the bill is practically dead. It seems almost incredible that two men who think that they are shrewd politicians, could be so blind to their own future as to insist upon forcing through the Legislature a bill after it had been condemned by the whole people, and especially by the members of their own party. — Long Island City Herald, Republican.
—Reprinted in The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, May 10, 1895, p. 8.
Barn and Contents Burned
New York, 1895
On Tuesday night a barn belonging to Mrs. Delta McNally, at Sag Harbor, was destroyed by fire with all its contents, including a horse, two sets of harness and many farm implements. The cause of the fire is not known. The property was insured.
Health Officer Gillette is Generous
The new law providing for a salary of $200 a year for health officers has proved a benefit to the Flushing hospital. George L. Gillette, a member of the health board of College Point, has offered his salary to the support of that institution.
New Long Island Corporation
The East Northport farmers' produce manufacturing company, limited, has been incorporated with the secretary of state, with its office at Huntington. It proposes to deal in farm produce. The amount of capital stock is $5,000.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, May 10, 1895, p. 8.
On Tuesday night a barn belonging to Mrs. Delta McNally, at Sag Harbor, was destroyed by fire with all its contents, including a horse, two sets of harness and many farm implements. The cause of the fire is not known. The property was insured.
Health Officer Gillette is Generous
The new law providing for a salary of $200 a year for health officers has proved a benefit to the Flushing hospital. George L. Gillette, a member of the health board of College Point, has offered his salary to the support of that institution.
New Long Island Corporation
The East Northport farmers' produce manufacturing company, limited, has been incorporated with the secretary of state, with its office at Huntington. It proposes to deal in farm produce. The amount of capital stock is $5,000.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, May 10, 1895, p. 8.
Forest Fire Near Brentwood
New York, 1895
A forest fire started in the woods north of Brentwood Friday. A call was made on the village for help and after hours of fighting the fire was subdued. Acres of pine, oak and hemlock trees, together with hundreds of cords of wood, were destroyed. The fire burned near the old Thompson farm and over the property of Henry R. Conklin and John Carll.
To Protect Little Neck Clams
The Fish Commissioner has sent a number of deputies to Little Neck to patrol the shores and prevent the taking of clams less than a square inch in size. This law has been openly violated for some time. The action of the commissioner was taken upon the complaint of several New York dealers.
No School Improvements Wanted
The proposition to raise $8,000 for the purpose of building an addition to the public school building at Islip did not meet with favor. A special meeting was held Wednesday to consider the matter, and upon a vote being taken, the resolution was defeated by a large majority.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, May 10, 1895, p. 8.
A forest fire started in the woods north of Brentwood Friday. A call was made on the village for help and after hours of fighting the fire was subdued. Acres of pine, oak and hemlock trees, together with hundreds of cords of wood, were destroyed. The fire burned near the old Thompson farm and over the property of Henry R. Conklin and John Carll.
To Protect Little Neck Clams
The Fish Commissioner has sent a number of deputies to Little Neck to patrol the shores and prevent the taking of clams less than a square inch in size. This law has been openly violated for some time. The action of the commissioner was taken upon the complaint of several New York dealers.
No School Improvements Wanted
The proposition to raise $8,000 for the purpose of building an addition to the public school building at Islip did not meet with favor. A special meeting was held Wednesday to consider the matter, and upon a vote being taken, the resolution was defeated by a large majority.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, May 10, 1895, p. 8.
Normal School Board Meeting
New York, 1895
The board of local managers of the Jamaica Normal school held a meeting on Friday to hear the report of Commissioners Reid and Hendrickson, who went to Albany to see the state superintendent of public instruction relative to plans for the school building. The superintendent informed them that he had no favorite architect, and advised that as soon as the appropriation was made that the board select an architect and proceed at once to prepare plans for the building. He examined the plan that had been approved by the board. It was the first time he had seen it. He said that his position on the question had been misunderstood. He was not opposed to the erection of the school at Jamaica. He believed that it should be the policy of the state to limit the attendance at a normal school to 400 scholars.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, May 10, 1895, p. 8.
The board of local managers of the Jamaica Normal school held a meeting on Friday to hear the report of Commissioners Reid and Hendrickson, who went to Albany to see the state superintendent of public instruction relative to plans for the school building. The superintendent informed them that he had no favorite architect, and advised that as soon as the appropriation was made that the board select an architect and proceed at once to prepare plans for the building. He examined the plan that had been approved by the board. It was the first time he had seen it. He said that his position on the question had been misunderstood. He was not opposed to the erection of the school at Jamaica. He believed that it should be the policy of the state to limit the attendance at a normal school to 400 scholars.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, May 10, 1895, p. 8.
Speedy Horse Prizes
New York, 1895
PROGRAM FOR THE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY'S JUNE MEETING.
Purses that Should Bring Fast Stock to the Track — Premiums for Home Made Wine Abolished — Income from the Ives Pool Bill — Judges Appointed
The board of managers of the agricultural society held a meeting at Mineola on Saturday. President Mott presided. Director Van Nostrand was absent.
The application of the managers of the Children's Home at Mineola for the use of the grounds for holding a fair the first week in September, was granted.
Treasurer Bacon reported that he had received from the state the sum of $1,506.02 on account of the Ives pool bill.
The horse committee were directed to secure a starting judge for the June fair.
Captain Dayton and Samuel Willis were appointed track judges for the first day, and Jessie Carll and D. J. Jones for the second day of the June fair.
The secretary was directed to obtain proposals for furnishing music for the June fair.
Judges for the June fair were appointed as follows:
Vegetables, Alexander Baxter, Frank Morrell, Charles Oakley; fruit, Isaac Coles, Nicholas Hallock, John Duryea; flowers, C. H. Allen, H. Kipperman, John Taylor; implements, Martin Southard and James C. Hendrickson.
A letter was read from the president of the Queens County Woman's Christian temperance union requesting the society not to offer premiums upon home made wine or wine jelly in order that there may be no encouragement given for the making or exhibiting of the same at the fairs of the society. The request was granted, and those articles will be expunged from the premium list.
It was decided to engage five Pinkerton men and two detectives for police duty.
The twenty-ninth summer exhibition will be held on the grounds at Mineola, Wednesday and Thursday, June 12 and 13. The sum of $2,729 is offered in premiums, of which $1,925 is for horses; $392 for flowers; $262 for fruit; $86 for vegetables, and $55 for farming implements.
Entries in all departments excepting horses close on Saturday, June 8, and in the horse department June 1. The premiums offered in this department are equal to those of any previous June fair. There is one $400 purse, one $300, one $200, four $150, three of $100, one of $75 and two of $25 each.
The special premiums are as follows:
Premium No. 3, $375 — Mares, geldings or stallions, either owned or bred in the county, with no record.
Premium No. 4, $100 — Single road horses, either owned or bred in the county, with no record better than 2.50.
Premium No. 5, $150 — Single road horse, open to all with no record better than 3.00.
Premium No. 6, $150 — Single road horse, open to all, with no record better than 2.45.
Premium No. 7, $150 — Single road horse, open to all with no record better than 2.40.
Premium No. 8, $200 — Single road horse, open to all with no record better than 3.30.
Premium No. 9, $300 — Single road horse, open to all with no record better than 2.25.
Premium No. 10, $400 — Single road horse, open to all with no better record better than 2.20.
Premium No. 11, $100 — Foals of 1891, mares, geldings or stallions, best 3 in 5, open to all.
Premium No. 12, $150 — Foals of 1892, mares, geldings or stallions, best 3 in 5, open to all.
Premium No. 13, $100 — Foals of 1893, mares, geldings or stallions, open to all.
All entries should he sent to Thomas H. Bacon, secretary of the horse department, Jericho, Long Island, or at the grounds, Mineola.
Good News for Workingmen
The news that the United States net and twine company of Whitestone is to again start work at their factory will be hailed with satisfaction. The factory was shut down several months ago because of the depression in business, throwing a number of hands out of employment.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, May 10, 1895, p. 8.
PROGRAM FOR THE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY'S JUNE MEETING.
Purses that Should Bring Fast Stock to the Track — Premiums for Home Made Wine Abolished — Income from the Ives Pool Bill — Judges Appointed
The board of managers of the agricultural society held a meeting at Mineola on Saturday. President Mott presided. Director Van Nostrand was absent.
The application of the managers of the Children's Home at Mineola for the use of the grounds for holding a fair the first week in September, was granted.
Treasurer Bacon reported that he had received from the state the sum of $1,506.02 on account of the Ives pool bill.
The horse committee were directed to secure a starting judge for the June fair.
Captain Dayton and Samuel Willis were appointed track judges for the first day, and Jessie Carll and D. J. Jones for the second day of the June fair.
The secretary was directed to obtain proposals for furnishing music for the June fair.
Judges for the June fair were appointed as follows:
Vegetables, Alexander Baxter, Frank Morrell, Charles Oakley; fruit, Isaac Coles, Nicholas Hallock, John Duryea; flowers, C. H. Allen, H. Kipperman, John Taylor; implements, Martin Southard and James C. Hendrickson.
A letter was read from the president of the Queens County Woman's Christian temperance union requesting the society not to offer premiums upon home made wine or wine jelly in order that there may be no encouragement given for the making or exhibiting of the same at the fairs of the society. The request was granted, and those articles will be expunged from the premium list.
It was decided to engage five Pinkerton men and two detectives for police duty.
The twenty-ninth summer exhibition will be held on the grounds at Mineola, Wednesday and Thursday, June 12 and 13. The sum of $2,729 is offered in premiums, of which $1,925 is for horses; $392 for flowers; $262 for fruit; $86 for vegetables, and $55 for farming implements.
Entries in all departments excepting horses close on Saturday, June 8, and in the horse department June 1. The premiums offered in this department are equal to those of any previous June fair. There is one $400 purse, one $300, one $200, four $150, three of $100, one of $75 and two of $25 each.
The special premiums are as follows:
Premium No. 3, $375 — Mares, geldings or stallions, either owned or bred in the county, with no record.
Premium No. 4, $100 — Single road horses, either owned or bred in the county, with no record better than 2.50.
Premium No. 5, $150 — Single road horse, open to all with no record better than 3.00.
Premium No. 6, $150 — Single road horse, open to all, with no record better than 2.45.
Premium No. 7, $150 — Single road horse, open to all with no record better than 2.40.
Premium No. 8, $200 — Single road horse, open to all with no record better than 3.30.
Premium No. 9, $300 — Single road horse, open to all with no record better than 2.25.
Premium No. 10, $400 — Single road horse, open to all with no better record better than 2.20.
Premium No. 11, $100 — Foals of 1891, mares, geldings or stallions, best 3 in 5, open to all.
Premium No. 12, $150 — Foals of 1892, mares, geldings or stallions, best 3 in 5, open to all.
Premium No. 13, $100 — Foals of 1893, mares, geldings or stallions, open to all.
All entries should he sent to Thomas H. Bacon, secretary of the horse department, Jericho, Long Island, or at the grounds, Mineola.
Good News for Workingmen
The news that the United States net and twine company of Whitestone is to again start work at their factory will be hailed with satisfaction. The factory was shut down several months ago because of the depression in business, throwing a number of hands out of employment.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, May 10, 1895, p. 8.
The Vultures of Politics
New York, 1895
The Republicans of Queens County owe a very large debt of gratitude to the Brooklyn Times for its patriotic and uncompromising stand in exposing and condemning the vicious legislation which William J. Youngs and Assemblyman Vacheron have attempted to rush through the Legislature to the detriment of the Republican party. The Jamaica Standard has been the accomplice of Youngs and Vacheron, but it did not reckon that the great Republican daily paper of Long Island was a sentinel who could not be deceived, cajoled or persuaded to wink at any jockeying with legislation at Albany. The Brooklyn Times and Senator Childs in this crisis have done nobly. They have not only saved the Republican party in Queen County from dishonor, but they have been the guardian angels of the people. — Long Island City Herald, Republican.
—Reprinted in The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, May 10, 1895, p. 5.
The Republicans of Queens County owe a very large debt of gratitude to the Brooklyn Times for its patriotic and uncompromising stand in exposing and condemning the vicious legislation which William J. Youngs and Assemblyman Vacheron have attempted to rush through the Legislature to the detriment of the Republican party. The Jamaica Standard has been the accomplice of Youngs and Vacheron, but it did not reckon that the great Republican daily paper of Long Island was a sentinel who could not be deceived, cajoled or persuaded to wink at any jockeying with legislation at Albany. The Brooklyn Times and Senator Childs in this crisis have done nobly. They have not only saved the Republican party in Queen County from dishonor, but they have been the guardian angels of the people. — Long Island City Herald, Republican.
—Reprinted in The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, May 10, 1895, p. 5.
The Supervisors' Clerkship
New York, 1895
The newspaper comments and the speech of the people indicate pretty clearly that the Supervisors have done the right and the popular thing by re-electing Mr. Seabury clerk.
The comments of the Brooklyn Times are not flattering to Boss Youngs, and the Times is a stalwart Republican paper, too. The Republican County Committee is censured for not agreeing on a candidate for the clerkship, but that was the way the Boss set the pins up, and that he could set up such a job shows how weak the committee is. Boss Youngs wanted a chance to foist his own man, Dr. Wright, on the Supervisors, and he thought he saw a way to do it by putting up a job to elect a Democratic chairman in exchange for votes for Dr. Wright, and he was only prevented from succeeding by the good conscience and strong courage of Supervisor Underhill, who stood out against the deal. The censure bestowed by the Times is well deserved.
The Long Island City Herald, the leading Republican paper of the county, stands right in line with the Times in condemning the wrong and harmful methods of Boss Youngs, and the independent newspapers, too, come squarely to the front in support of the Supervisors. What the several newspapers say will be found grouped together in another part of this paper, and is well worth reading.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, May 10, 1895, p. 4.
The newspaper comments and the speech of the people indicate pretty clearly that the Supervisors have done the right and the popular thing by re-electing Mr. Seabury clerk.
The comments of the Brooklyn Times are not flattering to Boss Youngs, and the Times is a stalwart Republican paper, too. The Republican County Committee is censured for not agreeing on a candidate for the clerkship, but that was the way the Boss set the pins up, and that he could set up such a job shows how weak the committee is. Boss Youngs wanted a chance to foist his own man, Dr. Wright, on the Supervisors, and he thought he saw a way to do it by putting up a job to elect a Democratic chairman in exchange for votes for Dr. Wright, and he was only prevented from succeeding by the good conscience and strong courage of Supervisor Underhill, who stood out against the deal. The censure bestowed by the Times is well deserved.
The Long Island City Herald, the leading Republican paper of the county, stands right in line with the Times in condemning the wrong and harmful methods of Boss Youngs, and the independent newspapers, too, come squarely to the front in support of the Supervisors. What the several newspapers say will be found grouped together in another part of this paper, and is well worth reading.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, May 10, 1895, p. 4.
Town Highway Work
New York, 1895
The Highway Commissioners are making commendable efforts to improve the roadways and will presently give Hillside avenue (eastward) the attention it deserves. This is our most important thoroughfare for pleasure driving and it cannot be too well kept, but the commissioners have not the funds in hand to reform the whole road, only $1,000 being available, and the commissioners would be justified in getting a loan for the purpose of doing a complete job.
Commissioner Baker has a plan for maintaining the roads which seems feasible and should be given a trial. The idea is to block certain highways and let the work of caring for them to an individual under contract. In this way the necessary number of men can be kept constantly at work upon a limited area of roadway and breaks repaired as soon as made. It does not seem that road work would cost any more than it is costing now, and the results must be better. The new way should be given a trial.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, May 10, 1895, p. 4.
The Highway Commissioners are making commendable efforts to improve the roadways and will presently give Hillside avenue (eastward) the attention it deserves. This is our most important thoroughfare for pleasure driving and it cannot be too well kept, but the commissioners have not the funds in hand to reform the whole road, only $1,000 being available, and the commissioners would be justified in getting a loan for the purpose of doing a complete job.
Commissioner Baker has a plan for maintaining the roads which seems feasible and should be given a trial. The idea is to block certain highways and let the work of caring for them to an individual under contract. In this way the necessary number of men can be kept constantly at work upon a limited area of roadway and breaks repaired as soon as made. It does not seem that road work would cost any more than it is costing now, and the results must be better. The new way should be given a trial.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, May 10, 1895, p. 4.
A Lying, Criminal Newspaper
New York, 1895
Last week's Standard said in its leading editorial:
"The editor of THE FARMER publicly stated in the corridors of the Court House, at the time of the meeting of the board of Supervisors, last Tuesday, that the Standard would not receive any portion of the printing patronage of the county as he (the editor of THE FARMER) had something to say regarding the designation of the official newspapers."
Boss Youngs made the same statement to Supervisors Wood and Denton on Friday. Mr. Wood asked Mr. Youngs if he knew personally that the editor of THE FARMER had made the statement. Mr. Youngs had to confess that he did not. The Standard simply lies, and lies with the hope of influencing the Supervisors to act against their better judgment.
THE FARMER does not hesitate to say, however, that if the Supervisors appoint the Standard an official paper they will be encouraging crime, and they cannot justify an act of that kind, and they may be required to do so, as in all probability the next Grand Jury will have its attention called to certain things.
The Standard tried to swindle the county out of $255. Through Counselor Van Vechten's discovery the Supervisors prevented the swindle. Every Supervisor knows this to be true. Therefore, how can the Supervisors justify the appointment of a criminal newspaper?
There are several honest Republican newspapers for the board to choose from.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, May 10, 1895, p. 4.
Last week's Standard said in its leading editorial:
"The editor of THE FARMER publicly stated in the corridors of the Court House, at the time of the meeting of the board of Supervisors, last Tuesday, that the Standard would not receive any portion of the printing patronage of the county as he (the editor of THE FARMER) had something to say regarding the designation of the official newspapers."
Boss Youngs made the same statement to Supervisors Wood and Denton on Friday. Mr. Wood asked Mr. Youngs if he knew personally that the editor of THE FARMER had made the statement. Mr. Youngs had to confess that he did not. The Standard simply lies, and lies with the hope of influencing the Supervisors to act against their better judgment.
THE FARMER does not hesitate to say, however, that if the Supervisors appoint the Standard an official paper they will be encouraging crime, and they cannot justify an act of that kind, and they may be required to do so, as in all probability the next Grand Jury will have its attention called to certain things.
The Standard tried to swindle the county out of $255. Through Counselor Van Vechten's discovery the Supervisors prevented the swindle. Every Supervisor knows this to be true. Therefore, how can the Supervisors justify the appointment of a criminal newspaper?
There are several honest Republican newspapers for the board to choose from.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, May 10, 1895, p. 4.
Robbery in the Name of the Law
New York, 1895
As matters stand to-day the county will be put in a hole for $9,000 for the improvement of a small and unimportant piece of road in the towns of Newtown and Flushing, while those towns will contribute but $2,000 each to the cost of the improvement. It is robbery in the name of law, and it will surprise all honest people to find the Flushing Journal supporting such jobbery and censuring Supervisor Pople because he does not pull in with its advocates.
There never has been a doubt as to the rascality of the whole proceeding, and the board of Supervisors should leave nothing undone to prevent the consummation of the rascality. The improvement is for the particular benefit of two corporations, but to be sure, some public benefit will result, and Supervisor Pople is right when he says that all the circumstances smack of dishonorable dealings, and all fair minded people will sustain him.
One particular piece of extravagance is outlined. The engineer said that a necessary bulkhead could be built for $1,400, but the contract provides for a bulkhead that is to cost $4,000. Then again, the roadway was to be eighteen feet wide, but the contracts call for a road fifty feet wide, and all the benefit inures to the Brooklyn City railroad company, whose agents have usurped the authority of officials and made the officials their figureheads in the whole business.
The law under which this improvement has been undertaken has been perverted. It provides that where a road improvement between towns is so costly as to be burdensome to the towns, one-half of the expense may be placed upon the county. Under the original plans the improvement would have cost $10,000, and the Brooklyn City railroad company agreed to pay $5,000, leaving $2,500 for Flushing to pay, and a like amount for Newtown, certainly not a burden within the intent of the law. Because the county could be made liable for one-half of the expense of the work, the scope of it was increased so as to double the expense, and there are those who believe that instead of $18,000 the work will cost $40,000.
The county was never made a party to the proceeding at any stage of the game, as it should have been, and we believe that the whole thing can be upset in an action at law, but George Wallace has demonstrated that he is not capable of grasping the question or promulgating a proper action, and it will be too bad if the county is put into a hole for from $9,000 to $20,000 without an effort to prevent it. We hope the Supervisors will rise to the occasion and engage special counsel to start a fight.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, May 10, 1895, p. 4.
As matters stand to-day the county will be put in a hole for $9,000 for the improvement of a small and unimportant piece of road in the towns of Newtown and Flushing, while those towns will contribute but $2,000 each to the cost of the improvement. It is robbery in the name of law, and it will surprise all honest people to find the Flushing Journal supporting such jobbery and censuring Supervisor Pople because he does not pull in with its advocates.
There never has been a doubt as to the rascality of the whole proceeding, and the board of Supervisors should leave nothing undone to prevent the consummation of the rascality. The improvement is for the particular benefit of two corporations, but to be sure, some public benefit will result, and Supervisor Pople is right when he says that all the circumstances smack of dishonorable dealings, and all fair minded people will sustain him.
One particular piece of extravagance is outlined. The engineer said that a necessary bulkhead could be built for $1,400, but the contract provides for a bulkhead that is to cost $4,000. Then again, the roadway was to be eighteen feet wide, but the contracts call for a road fifty feet wide, and all the benefit inures to the Brooklyn City railroad company, whose agents have usurped the authority of officials and made the officials their figureheads in the whole business.
The law under which this improvement has been undertaken has been perverted. It provides that where a road improvement between towns is so costly as to be burdensome to the towns, one-half of the expense may be placed upon the county. Under the original plans the improvement would have cost $10,000, and the Brooklyn City railroad company agreed to pay $5,000, leaving $2,500 for Flushing to pay, and a like amount for Newtown, certainly not a burden within the intent of the law. Because the county could be made liable for one-half of the expense of the work, the scope of it was increased so as to double the expense, and there are those who believe that instead of $18,000 the work will cost $40,000.
The county was never made a party to the proceeding at any stage of the game, as it should have been, and we believe that the whole thing can be upset in an action at law, but George Wallace has demonstrated that he is not capable of grasping the question or promulgating a proper action, and it will be too bad if the county is put into a hole for from $9,000 to $20,000 without an effort to prevent it. We hope the Supervisors will rise to the occasion and engage special counsel to start a fight.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, May 10, 1895, p. 4.
The Excise Board at Work
New York, 1895
The Excise Commissioners of Jamaica began their year's work on Monday last. Mr. Clayton was full of objections, as usual, and would have a man's character established by rumor rather than by legal evidence. There was no substantial basis for his objection to a license for Emanuel Miller, for he had been tried and the state failed to secure a conviction, and, legally, he is bound to be presumed innocent. Moreover, if Mr. Miller violated the excise law he was driven to it in self defence, Commissioner Bauman having voted against his application through malice and Mr. Clayton on prohibition principles. Under the circumstances public opinion sustained Mr. Miller.
It is clearly a business principle on which Mr. Clark proposes to grant licenses. It is a bad public policy to refuse a man a license and permit him to go on doing business unmolested. It is not the policy of the state to make criminals in this fashion. The unlicensed place has many advantages over the licensed place, and less responsibility. The efforts to enforce the excise law, such as they were, were not well sustained. The very persons who were loudest in complaining hid themselves when called upon to sustain their charges. The sensible thing would seem to be to give every person the license he is entitled to under the law, thus putting all persons on a common footing, for juries rarely convict a party selling liquor without a license who can show that he sought a license in good faith.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, May 10, 1895, p. 4.
The Excise Commissioners of Jamaica began their year's work on Monday last. Mr. Clayton was full of objections, as usual, and would have a man's character established by rumor rather than by legal evidence. There was no substantial basis for his objection to a license for Emanuel Miller, for he had been tried and the state failed to secure a conviction, and, legally, he is bound to be presumed innocent. Moreover, if Mr. Miller violated the excise law he was driven to it in self defence, Commissioner Bauman having voted against his application through malice and Mr. Clayton on prohibition principles. Under the circumstances public opinion sustained Mr. Miller.
It is clearly a business principle on which Mr. Clark proposes to grant licenses. It is a bad public policy to refuse a man a license and permit him to go on doing business unmolested. It is not the policy of the state to make criminals in this fashion. The unlicensed place has many advantages over the licensed place, and less responsibility. The efforts to enforce the excise law, such as they were, were not well sustained. The very persons who were loudest in complaining hid themselves when called upon to sustain their charges. The sensible thing would seem to be to give every person the license he is entitled to under the law, thus putting all persons on a common footing, for juries rarely convict a party selling liquor without a license who can show that he sought a license in good faith.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, May 10, 1895, p. 4.
Short Editorials Without Headlines
New York, 1895
The esteemed Herald of Long Island City expresses the opinion that if the Republican County Committee had indorsed one particular person for clerk of the board of Supervisors he would have been chosen. Practically the committee did that by directing that some worthy Republican of Flushing be appointed, on the ground that Flushing had no Republican county officer; but Boss Youngs bolted the committee and got two Republicans of Oyster Bay to enter the contest. Supervisor Pople lived up to the Committee's sentiments by supporting Clinton B. Smith of Flushing, and he was certainly the pick of all the Republican candidates and the only competent one. If Boss Youngs preferred to ignore the committee's action, on what ground could the Supervisors be held within the traces?
It is not creditable to the village that it has to beg for a room in the Town Hall for the accommodation of the board of Trustees and the citizens who attend the board meetings. The village should erect a suitable public hall on its own account. Such a building has long been necessary for the transaction of public business. The sum of $30,000 would provide a proper building, and the citizens should be asked to vote the money at the special election on the 21st inst.
Some henchmen of Boss Youngs claim that the Tax Arrears Commission bill would never have become a law but for him. Well, is that a reason why the people should pay him $2,500 a year as counsel when the commission does not need a lawyer's services?
When Boss Youngs goes to Europe will he give up his $5 a day job as clerk to a roving committee of the Legislature, or will he do the work by proxy and draw $5 a day just the same? Billy was never known to let go of anything, however small.
Vacheron has put another black mark upon his vicious record. Read the news from Albany.
We sincerely hope that Governor Morton will appoint Charles L. Phipps to the office of State Assessor. It would greatly advantage this county if Mr. Phipps were a member of the board of equalization, for then we would get justice. It might be proper for the Supervisors to pass a resolution commending Mr. Phipps to the Governor's consideration.
While the Greater New York question is pending the position of Colonel Degrauw as to sewerage construction will remain sound.
Boss Youngs is going to Europe, but not until after the Albany lobby has been dispersed, if you please.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, May 10, 1895, p. 4.
The esteemed Herald of Long Island City expresses the opinion that if the Republican County Committee had indorsed one particular person for clerk of the board of Supervisors he would have been chosen. Practically the committee did that by directing that some worthy Republican of Flushing be appointed, on the ground that Flushing had no Republican county officer; but Boss Youngs bolted the committee and got two Republicans of Oyster Bay to enter the contest. Supervisor Pople lived up to the Committee's sentiments by supporting Clinton B. Smith of Flushing, and he was certainly the pick of all the Republican candidates and the only competent one. If Boss Youngs preferred to ignore the committee's action, on what ground could the Supervisors be held within the traces?
It is not creditable to the village that it has to beg for a room in the Town Hall for the accommodation of the board of Trustees and the citizens who attend the board meetings. The village should erect a suitable public hall on its own account. Such a building has long been necessary for the transaction of public business. The sum of $30,000 would provide a proper building, and the citizens should be asked to vote the money at the special election on the 21st inst.
Some henchmen of Boss Youngs claim that the Tax Arrears Commission bill would never have become a law but for him. Well, is that a reason why the people should pay him $2,500 a year as counsel when the commission does not need a lawyer's services?
When Boss Youngs goes to Europe will he give up his $5 a day job as clerk to a roving committee of the Legislature, or will he do the work by proxy and draw $5 a day just the same? Billy was never known to let go of anything, however small.
Vacheron has put another black mark upon his vicious record. Read the news from Albany.
We sincerely hope that Governor Morton will appoint Charles L. Phipps to the office of State Assessor. It would greatly advantage this county if Mr. Phipps were a member of the board of equalization, for then we would get justice. It might be proper for the Supervisors to pass a resolution commending Mr. Phipps to the Governor's consideration.
While the Greater New York question is pending the position of Colonel Degrauw as to sewerage construction will remain sound.
Boss Youngs is going to Europe, but not until after the Albany lobby has been dispersed, if you please.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, May 10, 1895, p. 4.
The Honorable Way or None
New York, 1895
The South Side Observer, George Wallace's newspaper, sneers at the local board of commissioners of the Normal School and mildly censures them for not proceeding to build a $150,000 school with $100,000, trusting to some future legislature to make an additional appropriation. Perhaps George Wallace can see nothing dishonorable in such a course, but Governor McCormick and his colleagues have clear minds and good consciences, and therefore preferred to proceed in an honorable way to discharge an important public function. it would have been extremely dishonorable for the commissioners to have proceeded on the lines indicated by the Observer. To build and equip such a school as the population of the county requires $150,000 is necessary, and the commissioners would have to contract for $50,000 worth of work with no money in sight to pay for it, and if later on the legislature or the Governor should not be in a mood to make an appropriation just when the money was needed, the building would have to stand in an unfinished state and useless for any purpose. On the other hand, if the commissioners erected an inadequate school by keeping within the limits of $100,000 it might be years before an additional sum of money for its enlargement could be secured, and public buildings erected piecemeal never prove satisfactory. The commissioners have taken the sensible as well as the honorable course.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, May 10, 1895, p. 4.
The South Side Observer, George Wallace's newspaper, sneers at the local board of commissioners of the Normal School and mildly censures them for not proceeding to build a $150,000 school with $100,000, trusting to some future legislature to make an additional appropriation. Perhaps George Wallace can see nothing dishonorable in such a course, but Governor McCormick and his colleagues have clear minds and good consciences, and therefore preferred to proceed in an honorable way to discharge an important public function. it would have been extremely dishonorable for the commissioners to have proceeded on the lines indicated by the Observer. To build and equip such a school as the population of the county requires $150,000 is necessary, and the commissioners would have to contract for $50,000 worth of work with no money in sight to pay for it, and if later on the legislature or the Governor should not be in a mood to make an appropriation just when the money was needed, the building would have to stand in an unfinished state and useless for any purpose. On the other hand, if the commissioners erected an inadequate school by keeping within the limits of $100,000 it might be years before an additional sum of money for its enlargement could be secured, and public buildings erected piecemeal never prove satisfactory. The commissioners have taken the sensible as well as the honorable course.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, May 10, 1895, p. 4.
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