New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1873-03-26
CONNOLLY'S CONFEDERATES.
WHO SHARED IN THE MARKET FRAUDS.
HALF MILLION DOLLARS STOLEN.

AND JEREMIAH FEoRE - BLACKMAILING Iib
WASHINGTON MARKET AIL-owNERs--ARE TIEsE
MEN TO BE PROSECUTED
In the annual report of the Controller, which VIII
soon be given to the public, there will be contained
some remarkable exposures with respect 10 tne
manner whereby the stand-holders in Washington
and West Washington Markets, while they were
under the control of Superintendent Carroll ana
Feore were robbed and ill-treated. These two per-
sons il will be remembered were appointed by ex-
Controller Richard B. Connolly. The result OF an
investigation made by the Controller and Coi. lie
Voc will be given, and will show much more than
the few facts which have been heretofore published
concerning the Matchmaking prevalent under Con-
Molly and in fact the whole story of outrage and the
full amount obtained illegally and appropriated by
the members of the Market Ring"
The persons shown to have been interested IN the
bargains whereby stand-owners were taxed NOR
dinately, deprived summarily Of their stands, ana
removed from certain positions by caprice OF TO SUD-
serve some political end, were Harry Genet, James
O'Brien, Mr.. Tracy, now Warden of Ludlow-st. Jail
Patrick Carroll, jeremiah Feore, James Feore, and
the clerks of the two markets with number of sat
elites who kept liquor saloons near the markets.
Every opportunity for obtaining black-mail was
resorted to and improved by these persons. These
opportunities were afforded sometimes by the sta nd
owners, who desired OF were compelled to rebuild
their stands or to transfer them to persons who had
purchased them. In such cases amounts were de-
manded from 800 to 900 for the privileges OF re-
building or transferring. Where money enough was
not obtained from these other devices were
resOrted to. The owner of q stand would suddenly
find his premises in possession of another person who
would present permit signed by the Controller,
claim legitimate possession of the stand, and refuse
to remove except by the payment of large sum OF
money. OF course the demand was usually complied
with and the amount presumably, shared with the
members Of the Ring.
Danger of exposure, however, attended these
schemes and the market ring" with all their reck-
lessness did not dare to press their claims in this
manner too urgently. Some other mode must be re-
sorted to in order to supply their rapacity for
plumber. 1t was suddenly discovered that the roof
of Washington Market needed repairs and this was
recognized as the great opportunity which had been
looked for. The stand-owners were told that the
Market was to be repaired new roof would be pro-
vided and every one would be compelled to pay his
share of the expense. The necessity OF new roof
was generally acknowledged, and the stand-owners
became jubiant in expectation OF an improved
Market and a secure cover overhead-a thing I'M
known for years. The work began, and as it pro-
ceeded the stand-owners were appealed to for pay
ment of their respective amounts but were appalled,
when they discovered that they were mulcted in
sums varying from 800 $500 for their share Of the
expense. The charges however, were paid-in many
cases refusal to do so would have
resulted In the loss of the stands Many stand-own-
ers deeming this desirable opportunity to enlarge
or rebuild their stands made preparations to that
end but when the stands in course of erection.
OF after the old stand had been removed. were in
formed by Mr. Feore, the Market clerk, that they
would have to obtain a permit TO rebuild. These
permits had no established value to the members of
the Ring although the law makes themlo lone dollar,
but were estimated according 10 the necessities Of
the stand owners. In cases where the rebuilding
was only contemplated, 800 was considered snfii-
cient remuneration. But in cases where the old
stands had already been demolished before an un-
derstanding had been reached, $500 was required.
Mr. Spring, who has a stand at Nos 49, 114 and lis
Merchants Row, in West Washington Market, tore
down his stand and began to rebuild after having
spoken on the subject TO Mr.. Feore, who acquiesced
in his action, but was waited on a few days after
ward by an emssary from the Superintendent, who
informed him that he would not be permitted to re-
build unless he paid $500 for the privilege. Spring
refused to pay the demand, and the clerk stopped
the erection of the building, but in order to save
$4,000 worth of perishable goods which would have
been spoiled by exposure TO the weather Mr. Spring
was compelled to pay the amount demanded, where
upon the permit to rebuild was granted.
On March 49, 1870, an order was issued by Super
intendent Feore that Mr.. Hanfords stand, No. 4lO
Washington Market, should be divided, and one
half given to Peter Hagan, brother-in-law of War
den Tracy Mr.. Hanford presented his permit and
receipt for rent, emitting him to the stand for one
year. 1t was of no use. The new conner took pos
session. and Immediately sold his portion to Van
Zant & Brennan, who in turn sold it for $1,000 The
last purchaser remained in possession until Col. De
Voc became Superintendent, when he learned the
above fact, and in June of last year restored Mr..
Hanford to the full possession of his stand.
II. L. Liftchild had stand for many years in
Washington Market, hut lost it by bargain made
in Albany between Harry Genet and Controller
Connolly. At one time it was doubtful whether the
charter of 1870 would be framed TO retain Con-
molly in the Conrollership, and lobbying was car
ried on by himself and his friends at Albany to
secure bis retention. Mr. Genet, who then Sem
ator was not disposed to vote in Connolly's favor
but finally agreed with the latter to favor
his claims if he would give Litchfeld's |
stand to jeremiah Feore, and subsequently |
appoint hm Superintendent of Markets. |
The agreement entered into in writing and the
stand was summariy taken from Litchid and given to
Feore The latter kept 1t only short time and sold 1t to
Mr. ]. Kstz, who holds it, but who few days ago.
in accordance with the judgment OF Commission ap-
pointed by superintendent Devoe TO investigate the
matter, yesterday, paid 1880 TO Lftchid for clear
title to the stand.
DOUBLE PAY COLLECTED
ghe amount OF $4,000, which collected from the
for roofing the market paid 10 the SUI
perintendent of Markets. and divided between him and
Connolly On the Controllers books there also appears
similar charge which was paid by the city. The per-
Sons whose names appear below were blackmailed for
permits In rebuilding. the amounts opposite their
IL could the legal charge have exceeded
u: