The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1875-03-05
THE FIGHTING FREEHOLDERS.

A REMARKABLE MEETNG-No FIGHTING AND
NO JOBS.
1t would not require any stretch of the imaptna-
tton to perceive that the Board OF Fighting Free.
holders that has made so many modifying displays
In Jersey City is In the last stage OF consumptlon
The meeting yesterday was very remarkable in one
respect-t was gloomy. The members anticipar.
ing the late which Is now at their DOORS seemed
to have lost all their penchant for pugnacious
exhibitions The meeting was liKew remark
able in another respect-there were ne 81 BIS"
perpetrated. The Chairman, Mr. Throck.
morton, was full OF gravity. especially
when he handed document to the
Clerk to read. 1t was communication from the
Chairman to the members OF the Board setting up
defence for the transactions OF the past year in
reply to the charges Of extravaganza, which are
thick as berries In autumn. He promised to
prepare financial statement at the close OF his
official career and submit 1t to the Board. In
support OF his assertions with regard to the
economical administration OF the affairs OF the
county he stated that the expenditures OF the pre-.
cedlng Board amounted to s. 6S, 7Os A. aud OF the
present Board $279177 10. From the latter he de.
$4,000 for bridges contracted Tor by the
previous Board, leaving the actual net
Board S2ls,429 IL. tie considers that the Board
is too large, and, like all large bodies 1t moves
VITA NActlon." Either OF the blilS now pending IN
tine Leglsa ture Tor the diminution OF the number
of members, would be cnange for the better.
He admits that mistakes have been made, but that
mistakes are inevitable in all public bodies. This
remark was not intended TO apply TO the Board OF
Public wOrkS.)
The counsel for the Board reported that he had
commenced suits Tor the payment OF taxation
against Jersey CITY ($200000 BayOnne West HO-
bOken Harrison, Kearney and MOI tn Bergen.
AS soon as Mr. Rub moved for u committee to
confer with the legislative members In relation TO
tie two bills affecting the ireeuoders there was
scene, Mr.. Gibson protested against members OF
the Board trying to influence legislation Tor the
purpose vi perpetuatlng their own tenure OF Of
nee. In spite OF his remonstrance a committee
consisting OF Messrs. Run, O'Relly and Joyce were
appointed the expenses to be limited TO one trip,
but that trip may extend over period of three
weeks. Gibson wanted the expenses limited to
$40, but II was OF no avail.
Then arose the Committee on Stationery. who
set themselves on the stool oil repentance.
Schroeder, chairman OF the committee confessed
to having distributed paper and blank and
printed forms, not to mention expensive pocket
books, at the expense OF the taxpayers to coun-
try oficers, one OF whom draws a salary IN fees
amounting to over $685. 600, but he promised not TO
do so again unless the Board ordered HIM. The
pocket book business was, perhaps the greatest
extravaganza OF the whole year. Run attacked
the whole stationery business fcrcely, but
the Board took compassion on Schroeder and
accepted his promises OF repentance. Two OF the
members OIL the committee were so affected by
this unexpected act oil clemency that they in-
formed the HERALD reporter that they would
retire Tor ever from public lie when their present
terms OF office EXPIRE