New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1857-11-18
FERNANDO WOOD As MAYOR.
THE JOSEPH WALKER sWINDLE.

We frequently hear the remark that, no matter how
many forgeries Fernando Wood committed before bic
election to the msyorsy since he occupied that posi-
ton he has been honest and faithful Let as, tAss
look at him 10 an official capacity. Tho fret oct Of
vlainy perperated by him after his election, Of
least the fret act that attracted much Of public asn
ton, was The attempt to plumber the Treasury Of q
least 1900, oensbly 10 be paid 10 his friend Jones'
on contract to raise the sunken wreck Of the chip
Joseph Walker then lying .. the foot of Dover street.
East River. Jones and tho Mayor entered into o.
tract by which Jones to have $l3 600 10 raise the
wreck. This bargain was closed on the 2Ssh day OF
April, 1855, about four months after Wood became
Mayor BY the terms of the contract, Jones was to
be paid as the work progressed. For several days no
one but the Mayor and Jones knew anything OF the
contract. On the 9Th Of May, seven days after tie
contract bad been made the Mayor convened the
Com mssioIers of Health. He (the Mayor did not,
however tell them tina. he hal made such contract,
but offered resolution in that body authorizing him,
in conjunction with the Controller and Stree, Comis
oner, to have the wreck removed on the ground that
ITS presence there Injurious to the health Of the
city. As core Of the Commissioner of Health knsW
anything Of the facts Of the case, they assumed that
the reasons assigned by the Mayor correct, end,
out OF difference to his suggestions adopted the reso
luton. AL Of the Commissioners testified before Q
Committee Of the Board Of Alderman that their action
was based wholly the representations Of the Mayor,
and that they did not know that by pairing the rsso-
luton they confirmed any previous contract the Mayor
had entered into.
Although by the terms Of the contract, Jones was 10
be paid the work progressed yet on or before the
day the Commissioner were convened by the Mayor
o pass the resolution authorizing him TO have the
wreck raised and removed, Jones drew from the City
Treasury 81 COO. This was before any work bad been
done ON the contract. few days aferwnd, Jones
had another rquiston upon the City Treasury for
5000; but as one Of his creditors had judgment
against him for 81 500, be got only 60 500 Thus We
zee he received 81 500 in two payments Of which
was about the time the contract entered into, and
before be bad done any work, aud the other within
few days AFTER and alec before he had expended dol
lar On the contract.
Soon after this the subject found i.s way into the
public press, and fraud suspected. The Board Of
Aldermen appointed Special COMMITTEES of three 10
examine into it and report the facts for further action.
The Committee met, and they pretty fully invssti-
gated the subject. The Mayor had been requested,
by resolution of the Board Of Aldermen, to furnish
copies Of all the corespondet cs be had bad With Jones
on the subject, a c'py of the agreement made
win bin, copy Of the resolutions passed BY the
Commissioners OF Health, AID also Of any communi'
cati'n be might have received from citizens or others
relative to the danger that might arise shoaA ths
wreck not be removed. His Honor complied wita TINS
request Of the Board far as be said could b, Done
u', unfortunately for him. he had mislsd OF lott
eOn munication petition, or memorial, which no ssS
lie had received from any erinen. nerchsnt sa's
: business in the immediate vicinity OF .he wfsN,
aid vino, as be said urgently solicited him to hs's'''