New-York tribune., 1876-04-21
THE BROOKLYN CHARTERS DEFEAT
OPINIONS OF BROOKLYN POLITICIANS on THE RE-
sULT-REPoRTs or BRIBERY TO KILL THE BILL

OPINIONS OF BROOKLYN POLITICIANS on THE RE-
sULT-RFPoRTs or BRIBERY TO KILL THE BILL
DENIED.
A report was circulated among some of the
Republican politicians of Brooklyn yesterday that the
defeat OF the Ogden bill in the Legislature had been
brought about by the expenditure OF large sums OF
money s. 900 Of which had been subscribed by Police
Commissioner Ryburn, Commissioner Nm. A Fowler,
FircCommissoncr Mclaughlin, and oghers that Ed
ward Phelps. lobbyist, employed to do the work.
and that he paid 5000 each for TRIBUNE re-
porter called yesterday several Brooklyn politicians
I'm regard 10 the matter. Commissioner Ryburn smiled
when the report mentioned and declared tnat SO far
as he was concerned had any knowledge OF the matter
the story was entirely without foundation in fact not
dollar had been subscribed and efforts made beyond
the legitimate means urging upon their friends in the
Legislature 2y OF opposing the bill as 1t was
partisan measure lie said that the Republicans VINO
voted against the bill liberal in their tendeacesa
least two of them Messrs Gallagher and Watts were
and they tired Of voting in favor OF bills which were
strictly partisan. bat called nonpartisan Ihey
felt that Gov. Tilden would sign the measure and
the time Legislature would be wasted In esating
upon partisan questions for the single purpose of benefit
ing the party in power The action OF the Brooklyn
officials the Commissioner said has been only that OF
scltprotection SO far he concerned he admitted
that he reoced at It's defeat and declared that there
was hope for the Republican party whenever four OF
their number possessed independence W 'otS
corin to their convictions and in opposition to
tho party mandate. It was outrage, however TO
charge that because they had acted independently hey
had brlbed purchased Bribery, he fet assured
would not have succeeded with those gentlemen, but
would have driven them to vote with the other Repub
cans or not to at all He was satisfied that their
constituents who believed In local government would up
hold them in their course
Commissioner VIM. A. Fowler OF the Board OF city
Works sid he had not heard that he had been charged
with subscribing money 10 defeat the bill, bus II ich
statement had been made II entirely false ana with
out foundation He declared lac knew nothing about the
matter aud had not heard Of the until the reporter
mentono, IT to him. He had only been In Albany once
since TIE Legislature has been in session. ana tnat was 10
attend n meeting OF the Democratic state Committee
cay. is base lie, and wish you would state tnat SO
declare IT, In speaking iuItnep hnGu, Tue i uTgaJ,
preferred the present charter The ogden charter Was
simply introduced for political pnposes9r te 3ehSnt
of few Republicans and some dissatisfied local Demo
Gratis who hoped 10 ruin the Democratic party III Kings
County. It's success would have been me success OF
schemers and agitatOrs its defeat insured practical
trial OF the charter drawn by the COMMITTEE OF one
Hundred and passed under the auspices o Mayor schroe
der As the different departments OF the city Govern
ent fully conversant with the provisions
istin laws shond nave fair trial before they were
wiped and others substituted 1he Commissioners
thought the defeat OF the Ogden charter was severe
deal upon its passage In conclusion he declared that ne
was greatly pleased at the defeat OF the
Hugh Mclaughlin also declared there was not word
OF truth In the charges O corruption and that he knew
NOT one cent had subscribed paid TO defeat the pas
sage Of the He said that IL was currently reported
last week, however that prominent memberS OF tho
Slocam Committee had been at Albany with money To
nav for rs passage lie believed their attempts had
contributed To It's defeat Mr. Mclaughlin said that lie
had positive knowledge that members Of the slocun
committee had subscribed thousands OF dollars, and
these large subscriptions not raised without pur-
pose He had heard good authority that prominent
mcnbo OF the Committee, large contractor had offered
50 900 the passage of the bill some or te
members subscribed $500 each They desired said Mr.
Mclaughlin to get possession OF the patronage OF the
Board of City Works OF the Police and Of the Ere De
partment lie said he could speak Of his relative, Fire
Commissioner Mclaughlin, who absent; he never
subscribed paid cent 10 defeat the Charter b or
any other bill, at Albany or elsewhere.