New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1876-11-29
THE CONTROLLERSHIP.

PROBABLE WITHDRAWAL OF Mr.. THAfER
HIS DISSEMINATION FOR oFIcE-HE SAYS HE MAY
ASK THE&fAYOR To WITHDRAW Ills NAME-BE-
LIEF OF POLITICIANS THAT JOHN KELLY WILL
BE APPOINTED NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. OF DRAKE
DE KAY.
In the municipal departments yesterday the
nomination OF James Thayer for Controller was talked
over from every point OF II was believed ON all
sides that Mr. Thayer would not accept, and that John
Kelly would receive the appointment Mr.. Thayer was
spoken of in favorable terms in the City Han and in all
the departments His fitness for place ques
toned but his known Discrimination to hold public Office
was commented a proof that he would ask Mayor
Wickham to withdraw his nomination. The "ity officials
seemed to considered the nomination Of John Kelly
for Controller as agreed upon by the leaders beyond the
possibility OF change and unwilling 10 receive In
earnest the mention Of any other name for that Office
Talks with local politicians revealed universal opinion
that in some way the appointment OF successors to
William c. whitney, Corporation Counsel ana Andrew
H. Green Controller, required concessions among the
leaders which would result in Mr.. Keys acceptance OF
the Office of Controller
A reporter Of THE TRIBUNE called on Mr.. Thaycr, at
the Office of the Estate Trust Company No II Mas
saust and convcrscd with him to his intentions con
ceruipg the nomination. Mr.. Thayer said: " l was out
of the city when Mayor WckaIn sent in my name to the
Board OF Aldermen for Controller. have the appoint
ment under consideration, but shall not act hastily The
long interval before the next meeting Of the Aldermen
will give me ample time to come to "A conclusion. II
vould hardly be proper for 10 say
whether l viii accept the office or not I'M
til tne Board of Aldermen confirmed the Mayors
nomination. There several considerations against
inv assuming the duties Of the Controllers Office en-
ioy ar health lust now but am subject To attacks OF
rheumatic govt which cOntne % the house Tor sew
eIal weeks Il time ] recognize the responsibility OF
accepting such important office, which would involve
great labor III mastering its details and becoming
familiar with it's duties My own business affairs require
close attention. aud do not way clear to arrange
them so rs TO admit my undertaking the charge OF inns
imuortgut municipal department. Besides | have had
ALWAYS a great dstastc for holding public ohce.
Twenty-Five years ago appointed Public Admins
traitor and discharged the duties for three
wears The office removed TO the build
ipg next TO my law ONCE, ana
was not nut 10 much Inconvenience But have
inclination for Office and have invariably cut sh0rt any
suggestions looking toward my acceptance OF any posi-
ton ON the other hand | enjoy political discussions,
aud have been actively engaged ON the stump Tor many
years IL has been great pleasure Tor me 10 take part
In the Presidential campaign. Mayor Wickham nell
toned this appointment 10 me several weeks ago. ana
asked me permit him TO make the NOMINATION. But
Thought could consent 10 become the Con
troer and frankly told him 50. The subject seems 10
nave rested there until Monday when the Mayor sent I'm
my name 10 the Aldermen. cannot say yetwlat snail
do about t. but may ask HIM 10 withdraw my name,
and To make another appointment 49,,
Col Drake De KAY assistant IN the Auditing Bureau OF
the Controllers Office, yesterday resigned his position,
and his resignation was accepted Changes in the Con.
trolcr's office indicated in Monday TRIBUNE, ana
Col DE Kays activity Republican III the Presidential
campaign gave him prominence when cOuld not fall 10
be remembered against him by Democratic head OF
department. Col. DE Kay was especially active In
causing the of the messengerboy OF the Demo
cratic National Committee, In whose possession were
found the counterfeit Republican electoral tickets pre-
pared by the Democrats for distribution throughout THIS