New-York tribune., 1875-05-20

meeting of the Board
RELATIONS OF EMIGRATION COMMISSIONERS
Fx-coMMrssioNER srEPnENsoN's REPLY TO STATE
MENTs MADE BY COMMISSIONER LYNcH-wHAI
HE PROPOSES 70 DO BEFORE LEGISLATIVE
COMMITTEE.
To me EdtfOr Of The rribune.
SIR: Nv attention is called to an article III
your Issue of this date the head of the Board Of
Emigration signed by james Lynch, in which he states
be has no desire into personal controversy
with Stephenson, but considers hs duty to contra
diet the allegations by him made in his letter OF resgna
ton to the He first proceeds to charge th
held position solitary and alone in reference TO the
standing OF the oiico members that was one out
of nine and alone in opposing the representatives OK the
nationaliies full powers in the Board In this state
ment he states what he Well knows to be false The
OF the Committee of Commerce aud Navigation
year show and the public journals OF this city re-
corded the fact at the tmc that my associates Henry A.
Hurlbu then President OF the Board and George starr
appeared. with myself. before that Committee at Aby
opposition 10 the hill giving full powers to the exolco
members. and that ne same gentlemen nave ths year
opposed the same bill.
Mr. Lynch next charges that never attempted to act
economy until my Official term was near expiring or hi
expired. refer YOU, Mr. Editor, - my statement made
and the reduction then proposed 10 make soon diter
this the Board. al meeting held, think on the l7th oi
March. 37i attempted Ia reduce the expenses OF the
commission upOn the recommendation Of George starr.
Chairman of Castle Garden Committee, and myself as
=
ing employees required and reducing the salaries of
those etaincd and in order to defeat the action OF the
Board III their efforts at economy, Mr. Lynch, with Ny
KaufImann and George Forrest abruptly left the room
order break MP the meeting of the Board. and upon
retiring, Mr.. Lynch bam4cd our, wow, you nave no
quorum"
nfctnt minority, when singled ont, be charged with all
the Gins of omission and commission the Beard mas 10
son held membership" ain not aware that have
made any such charge That other members OF the Board
Ir, eouallv respOnsibe frankly admit This question
and calculated 10 deceive. Will answer
10 how the ex- x-oiclo members hold the Daiance oI
power in the Board The rules OF the Board provide Tor
standing committees. of which there are three, The
Castle Garden Wards Island. and the Finance Commit
tee 10 which all questions OF Importance referred
Thc.o committees consist o five members each. The two
exOticio members referred 10 are members OF all tue
committees while active of the state COmms-
soners appointed by the Governor placed only on
Of the committees Seldom there more than four
members present the meeting of the committees, and
rarely if is there quorum at "A committee meeting
unless both ex-oicio members present with two
votes always solid against two, nothing OF Importance
he done hence tie balance of power in the hands
OF the two eXOifciO members
Again, Mr. Lynch further states that there Is not now
and never has been. any placed in office In the Co
mission OF Emigration at his request assert that II
the request Of Mr. Lynch and OF him alone that
WIN Lowe. in the employ OF the commission. VINO
had been dismissed from the department for immoral
conduct. reinstaed have letters In my posse
in the handwriting of Mr.. Lynch which would publish
did space allow but which shall produce before the
affairs OF the commission during the recess IL VIII De
his statements have really been. IL IL wen known to
month Mr. Clark, member oi the Assembly ,H
floor OF the House. aud branded the statement made by
Mr. Lynch al the last meeting OF the Board Of Commits
sOues in reference TO the report OF the Committee OF
Commerce and Navigation OF the House utterly false
and without foundation II is also well known To every
member Board that by the written letter OF Judge
Geo C. Barrett. which have in possession to-day
showed that Mr.. Lyncfi's statement, which he made
against Assistant Distrct-Attorney Geo Lyons in the
case OF Eliza Collins incorrect desire To that
had personal quarrel with Mr. Lynch nor do de-
sire 10 have except defend myself unless he Wills
otherwise. r. 80 he will find my face 10 the front
| will promise not 10 tresIass again upon your space
in answer any further attack upon by Mr. Lynch or
any other member OF the Board but will await the meet
ing Of the committee OF the Legislature, clothed with
authority make full investigation OF the affairs OF the
commission. when l will meet Mr.. Lynch face to face
and him there fully than have at present
EDMUND STEPHENSON.
Ner- York, May 10, 1875.