The New York herald., 1871-11-11


for Aldermen
al cannot. OF course, speak decidedly about
whether the election was or was not legal. That Is
a matter Tor the lawyers 10 determine. only know
what have been told. have heard several opir-
ions expressed about II, but as was never invited
TO attend the
rNoFFIcI.L CONSULTATIONS
OF the Aldermen and was not connected with the
majority, am not, perhaps, the best qualified mem.
ber OF the Board to discuss It."
"But what were the opinions that you heardsn
"Weli several months ago. IN discussion about
the Fowler decision in the Court OF Appeals, heard
an opinion expressed to the effect that that decision
would not have any direct bearing upon the status
OF the Alderman That decision was understood
simply TO deny the right OF any body to extend the
terms OF any judicial officers who had been elected
for certain term only by the people, A distinction
was drawn between Judicial and other officials, such
as tne Aldermen ana We were led to believe that
the Legislature had
to prolong our term OF ofiice."
out OF the difficulty by the Mayor reappointinR the
present Aldermen to NIL up the seats vacated by the
"Yes, there was something said about that. The
new charter gave the Mayor authority to I'LL all va
canciss until 1872. oi course, this Is only what
have heard have no OPT nion on the subject my
self"
''Have you heard about proposed movement on
tne part oi tne ola Board 10 contest the legality OF
"Well, as l have said, have not been invited In
was invited, however, lew days ago, out did not
attend. ! cannos, or course, say what they did.
Perhaps they discussed thIs question at length.'
Tuesdays struggle2,
"No. never knew that was to run again until
saw my name down on the ticket l certainly
should not have been anxious for the nomination.
would rather not be member OF the Board, II 1
simply consulted my own personal Wishes"
cA a a
the residence OF Alderman Jerome but learned that
that that gentleman had lett town the day previous
SO Off he started for 200 West Ihrtythird street. In
hopes Of finding Alderman Dimond cat hOme.n He
was at nome, but the servant stated that he was
quite Ill ana could not be disturbed. The resi-
ALDERMAN HENRY scHLIcIfrrNa
was next visited. The Alderman is a very domestic
sort OF man and prefers to spend his evenings at
home with his family wnen political duties do not
require his presence elsewhere rather than with the
"nob-nobbers" about the ward. The room into
which the reporter was ushered was neat little
Office on the ground floor. the chief ornament in 1t
being an elegant portrait OF that great
FATHER or THE DOOMED CHARTER
Alec Frear. The Alderman seemed to be rather
taken aback when he found out what the reporter
was after, and as he sat down. looked as though he
had made up his mind to give the scribe hard tug
OF IT II he made an attempt 10 Interview him TOO
"Ihave come to know, Alderman" was the report
er's first question, .what you think about the move
with the view OF keeping the newly elected Alder.
'swhat do You meanr' querIed Mr.. schlichtng,
Haven't yca heard anything about the thing"
"Why the evening papers have given Il out that the
present Board will contest the newly elected men,
bers right TO their seats on the ground that their
term does not expire until 1872.
"Ah yes. Well, Idon't know ANYTHING about It.
You see | haven't thought much about the thing
sThen you have no opinion in the matteran
''You certainly must have your own opinion about
u a nn I'm thor ,.of
cognizant OF what your. .CGntreres may do. What do
you really think yourself, Alderman-now, can
"f~;sii You I have not given the subject much
Attention. or course think that
THE TERM OF THE GENERAL BOARD
was extended legally by the amendment TO the new
'rHen you would not, dare say, allow anybody
to take your seat IN the Board without taking legal
measures to make the new conner show by what
authority he claimed 1t ~
q 81 do not know what I might do. I certainly
could NOT want to give up my seat without a legal
test II Iet certain that was entitled to keept
.Do you feel certain that the Legislature had
right to extend the term OF the Boardr'
"Weli, then. what do you think Of the decision Of
the Couit OF Appeals In the Fowler case 7"
'Why. think 1t had nothing to do with the mat
40 not think will stand in the way OF the present
Boards right to their seats for the full term the
aYou believe, then tnat the present Board has
legal right to q year longer?'
"Ihat IS my Individual view OF the case"
s'What makes you think tnat Lne Fowler decision
of Court OF Appeals Will not reach the case OF
the Aldermen Does the decision not announce
that the Legislature has
NO RIGHT TO EXTEND THE TERN
Of an elective onlcery'
"lt does but 1t refers TO law passed long before
the new charter, and the term OF the Aldermen was
extended In an amendment to the new charter
passed last session."
"Have the Board as a body taken any action In
regard to what they shall do In the way Of testing
the question OF their right to Sit till 72r'
81 do not know. ! have learned nothing about
any plan on that score, II any has been adopted.u
sBut heard 1t rumOred down -sOwn to-day that
the Board held secret caucus this afternoon,
'Did your Well, 1t was not In reference to the
question OF whether or not we have right TO our
seats till '72. You know we can
TALK OVER THE SITUATION
without referring TO that"
"What about the threat Of the Board to impeach
Mayor Hall II he would not, In certain contn.
gency, reappoint the present members on the
ground That there were vacancies In the BOard2n
"That Is all talk. There Is not word OF truth in
II. II there was would be certain to know OF it.n
"Will the Board OF Canvassers refuse to count The
vote cast for Aldermen ut the late electionsr'
II do not know"
"What do you know ?"
81 have no opinion on the subject.D
This ended the conversation, and the reporter
plunged into the rain TO pursue his search alter
another SubjeCt