New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1876-11-28
REASONS FOR THE MAYORS ACTION.

The nomination of Mr.. Thayer was wholly
unexpected by the throng Of people In and about the
chamber of the Board OF Aldermen as they were anilcl-
patng that the clerk would read the name OF John he
when the President laid before the board the Mayors
message It was evident however, that the Tammany
Aldermen had received notice Of the Mayors intention
and were prepared for the disappointment. Rumors
that important would compel the Mayor TO send
in convenient substitute for Mr.. Kelly until certain
combinations could be arranged were quietly circulated
about noon among the Aldermen and few city officials
who were believed to be Trustworthy 10 was very dill
cult to get at the for this unexpected action
of the Mayor very bitter feeling showing llcon-
cealed resentment and modification was easily dscerned
OH the conenances Of of the leaders. Late in the
afternoon IL asserted that disagreement had arisen
between the Mayor and the Aldermen as to the ap-
pointment of the Counsel to the Corporation.
Tho term OF Office of William c. whitney the
present Corporation Counsel, will expire on next
Sunday Dec 8, aud il was reported that Mayor
wfckham had been able to arrive at satisfactory
understanding with the Aldermen as to the confrma-
ton Of Mr. whitney 1t well known that the Mayor
intended to reappont Mr., Whitney. number Of the
Tammany Aldermen, influenced by Of
the party managers, were in favor OF Fred
erick smyth, and his name had been urged
upon the Mayor but il found that Mr. Wckham was
fully committed to Mr.. Whitney's reappointment Gov
den il was asserted supported the Mayor IN the re-
appointment of Mr. whitney. Prominent local politicians
said that Gov Iflden and John Kelly had been in con-
sultaton about the Controership yesterday morning
and that Mayor Wickhan and John Kelly had conferred
on the same subject No could be found who believed
that Mr.. Thayer expected TO take the Office.
Conversations with Democratic politicians last evening
resulted In obtaining from them the version of the
situation The time prescribed by the law in which the
Mayor is compelled to make nomination to the Alder
men Of successor TO Controller Green will expire on
Thursday, or on Friday If Thanksgiving Day Is not
counted as one of the ten days. Mr.. Thayer 1t was
said had been mentioned several weeks ago
as possible candidate for the place But
be had refused to accept the nomination. Mr.
Kelly's name was then brought forward as the
choice of all the local leaders and acceptable to the
rank and file in every Assembly district Mr. Kcly's
wish to withdraw from active politics was well known to
the party managers. His retirement after the Presiden
tal election had been expected by those in his conf
dence For a little than two weeks the pressure
upon Mr. Kelly to accept the Office Of Controller has been
constant and persistent Through the nterven-
tion of friends the estrangement between Mayor
Wickham and Mr.. Kelly has been reconciled. Every
obstacle IN the way of his acceptance, 1t was
thought, had been removed. But his aversion
10 assuming the burdens of the important Office OF Con-
troler and his determination expressed several months
ago to get out of the hard work OF politics were very
strong and it was stated that positive expression Of
acceptance could not be obtained from him. In the
mean time was necessary the Mayor to send in nom
nation to the Aldermen. and Mr. Thayes name was used
10 prevent further complications. The board postponed
the consideration OF the nomination until Thursday, Dec
T. This was done said to give ample time for the
Mayor and the Aldermen 10 agreement TO
the rtapponment OF Mr. Whitney Counsel to the Cor
PORTION The efforts to persuade Mr.. Kelly TO accept
Tie Office of Controller will be continued, ana there seems
60 be tte doubt that he Will be induced TO yield to
the wishes Of his party associates