New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1866-11-09
FALLING or THE Az.

REMOVAL OF NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. DEATH OF POST
MASTER VAN KLEECK.
sr TsLEsHIPa TRIBUNE
PoUaHKEEPsIE Nov 8.-As was predicted, the work OF
removing Republicans from office in this Distinct, imne-
diaely after election has already commenced Comms-
sons arrived here last night for three new Assessors,
Messrs Hubbell and Jordan of Columbia County, and
James Deeren Of Fishkin Dutchess County. Tho va
capcy M the Post-Ofcs Department here caused by the
death OF Albert Van Kleeck whose funeral takes place to-
morrow has already become an oueet OF mueR interest 70
the COppsrheads.
connection with the office and those are Henry Smith Of
the CITY Bank and President Of the Democratle Assoca
ton here and +. B. Osborne esq., editor Of Inc P0hgh
keeDsis DAILY Press Some time ago Mr.. Osborne put l
claim for the PosOce IL having al that time been un
derstOod that Mr. Van keeck the deceased POSTMASTER,
was to have been removed immediately after election
am told that secret friends Of MY Smith hearing that
Mr. Osborne was AL applicant for the position, went to
the latter and gaining his confidence prevailed on HIM TO
put his IN their hands he to remain silent WINE they
pulled the wires Mr. Osborne, full OF confidence, DID 20.
His pretended friends then left him. and Immediately
commenced working for his opponent and the eonse-
IL fact IL Is already noised around that Smiths commits
sion has arrived and that either Judge Nelson Tden
Of Columbia County have II II their breeches pocket.
II such s not really the case Smith must keep eye
open else Osborne will come down the home stretch
ahead Mr. Osborne has many friends in the city, and his
appointment would certainly be satisfactory Mr.. Smith
ia also very fine man. and has considerable record.
The funeral Of Mr.. Van Keeck takes place tomorrow
afternoon at o'clock At that time the Pos-Ofce in
this city will be closed Of respect 10 bis memory. be
had long been an active politician IN hit district and in
former years made the acquaintance Of very many prom
nent political men. For few days previous 10 hs death
no had been complaining Of severe pain IN bic breast
and at Qua time on election day the pain 60 intense
tina, he stated TO friend he thought be should die
About ~ O'Clock on Tuesday night he in
the act Of passing Mr. Alley, Of the town OF Clinton IN
Main-st near the telegraph Office, when he suddenly
threw up his sms and gssped MI, Alley shoulders His
hold slipped and after staggering moment he fell 70 the
pavement. Mr. Alley at the time supposed that II
some person eborng under the influence Of liquor and
passed on Soon AFTER Poughkeeptie merchant Mr..
Peass aud Mr. Kenwortby, Assessor were passing the
spot when they discovered man lying upon the walk
STOPPING down 70 pick him up, they Immediately
tansd that It was Mr.. Van Kleeck. light struck
and be found 10 DO alive but perfectly unconscious
Raising him up, they conveyed hIM 10 bis residence
where medical attendance given him IN the persons
of Dn Campbell and Cooper; but all efforts TO him
proved ffutless he died in about one hour after falling
The announcement Of bis death in the paper the next
morning caused general feeling Of gloom over the entire
community.
thought BY many that the excitement consequent
upop the reception Of the election returns hssened his
deeaass and caused his DEATH He was thoroughly anti
slavery ia his views and his informs me- that lie
stsy made the expression that he wished the land
freed from Slavery when be would be ready TO die