The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1874-06-02

is not one of the methodical and mathematical
sort of men who understands how to ADJUST ac-
counts by the precise rules OF arithmetic lie
did not proceed TO ascertain with critical accu-
raev what the liabilities of the city were and to
senarate the lust from the fraudulent demands.
On the contrary, his policy was to refuse pay
ment to all demands, without taking the trouble
to inform himself whether they were genuine
or spurious. Naturally enough this course,
brought upon him an avalanche of law suits.
To layman this of ITSELF would have seemed
appalling, as litigation in the courts is at best,
tedious, expensive and uncertain. But Mr..
Green is a lawyer, and probably views the
Claws della" with the complacency habitual to
the gentlemen of that philosophical profession,
Already he has made the fortune of one of his
legal friends, Mr.. Strahan, young member
OF the bar, who first became known
to fame as the counsel of John Fo-
ley in his application for njunc-
ton against the Tweed gang, had the
good luck to attract the Comptrollers attention,
and he retained him to contest claims against
the city After he had received fees to the
amount of $57, 900 for these services, the con-
tractors who are remarkably keen scented
men the world over, discovered that Strahan
was just the sort of man to prosecute their de-
mands upon the treasury. Accordingly they
made it an object for him to go over to the
other side. His knowledge of all the weak
points of the defense, made him an invaluable
attorney for this class of claimants, and Stra-
han is now enjoying the affluence which comes
of liberal clients and an easy conscience. 1 am
not sufficiently posted as to the ethics of the
profession to decide whether this mode of &C.
quiring wealth is strictly in accordance with
the etiquette of his order, though from Puri-
tan point of view, there is no escape from the
conclusion that this Protean facility for chang
ing sides is indefensibly discreditable. But
| without DEPRESSING into discussion of Mr..
Strahan's conduct, the fact remains that his
change of front has increased the difficulties
which lie in the Comptroller's way, and there
is very little to be hoped from the courts Cor
porations are proverbialy at a disadvantage in
all such contests, and litigation ought never to
be resorted to, until every other method of adj
| justment has been exhausted. The true fun
damental errors of Mr.. GREEN'S administration
have been want of despatch and fondness for
lawsuits. When to these defects is added the
| incurable propensity to manage and dictate to
coordinate branches of the city government,
| it is easy to see why so honest an officer has
become exceedingly unpopular with many of
our best citizens
Still, Mr.. Green is fortunate in his enemies.
AS long as there are arrayed against him all
the jobbers, lobby-men and adventurers, who
regard the treasury as legitimate source Of
spoil, he will have a strong hold on the sympa-
thy of the honest masses. 1t is pity he
should weaken it by displaying an inordinate
thirst for power and patronage Most of the
attacks which have been made upon him,
hitherto, have emanated from parties whose
censure is far more desirable than their appro-
baton would be. But when thoroughly up.
right, high minded and public-spirited citizen
like Mr.. Wales, applies the scalpel to faults,
which detract from his usefulness and are
gradually tending to make association with
him in municipal service uncomfortable and
irksome, he is in serious danger of alternating
| from himself, the respect and confidence OF
the men, whose countenance and support is
| indispensable to his successful administration
of the finances of the city.
If time and space permitted I should have
something to say of the Indictment recently
found by the grand jury against two of the
Mayors police commissioners, Messrs. Char
lick and Gardner-of the recent white washing
| inquiry into the conduct of one of bis commits
sioners of charities-and of the various indi-
| cations, that are apparent in all directions,
that the palpable incompetency, which has
characterized the chief magistracy of Have
meyer has interfused itself with contagious
effect, among many of the departments, which
he has been called upon to fill These topics
must be reserved for future letter.
YARMOJrTrI