The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1878-12-03
THE rnfRD ASSEMBLY RHPUBnIeANs.
Using Pistols and n Razor ne the Most Foret-
HE Mcans OF Persuasion.

HE Mcans OF Persuasion.
The Republicans Of tho Third Assembly
District held special meeting lust evening to
adopt the usual after-eleciion congratulatory
resolutions. ostonsibly. hut really to expel a
member who was accused OF having mado faso
and malicious affi1avits against certain mem
beers OF the organization. Thor meeting place
was in the second land tOp) story OF a woe-bc-
gone frame building ut Mott and Grand streets.
and WINS crowded 50 densely that movement at
the opening Of the proceedings was hardly pos
sible. There we're windows In the room. but
they would not stay opon. and thus the heat and
stencil were almost unbcarable. Conspicuous
among tho members Of the organization were
three cOored men. one OF whom was William
Freeman, n messenger in District Attorney
Phelps's Office. who distinguished himself dur
ing the evening by tho dexterty with which no
brandiahod n favorite tool Of his race.
Thomas II. Riley presided. but back Of him
stood Thomas Il. Goary. nm official OF the Uni
ted States Internal Revenue. who has tho repu-
tation Of engineering the district Near the
table stood James H. McManus porter In tho
Custom House. the young man to be expelled
lie was supported by his brothers. Stephen and
Charles, Joseph Costello. aud several others.
and 1t was evident from the start that tho meet
ing was destined to be stormy one.
While the roll WIS being called. some one
moved that II be- dispensed with. James II.
McManus moved that II be continued but his
amendment was ignored. and the Chair decided
that the original motion had prevailed. Then
tho fun began. A brother OF Goary's pushed
one Of tho McManusee, and the compliment
WIS returned with interest A Geary adhercnt
raised n chair to strike Charles McManus.
who had rushed to the aid Of his brother. and
Al Ia
followed by several Of his adhcrents For
about two minutes the two factions so closely
mussed that they could deliver no telling blows
at each other. were swaying to and iro. and the
crowd outside, dreading the appearance OF tho
police and the use Of revolyers took care 81
themselves as best they could Several took
refuge ON the stairway Leading to the garrett
others hid behind chairs, while small mon
huddled Themselves closely together behind tho
backs OF those who CHANGED to be- big enough to
afford shelter. and peered out cautiously at the
tray. One Of the officers. doubtless with moro
regard for the documents he held than for his
own person, Owed under the table. and another
person WAS seen vainly trying TO force himself
through u barred window in the rear.
Freeman, the colored messenger, kept his
place near the Chairman's table. and AS soon as
the r"volNcrs began To appear whipped out u
big razor, TINT soon cleared space around him.
Two OF the McManuses drew pistols hut a
third. who was unarmed, did Just as much exe-
cntion with paper OF chewing tolueco that ne
that side several weapons were drawn also. but.
although tho showing and pushing went on
l y
dangerous weapon in constant motion, and,
being threatened by an opponent with re-
Put down dat pistol I've hocn whore dere
was lots o bullets Ell you shoots me. u cut
your throatl'
That pistol was put down. and Freeman re-
/ coived no hurt Meanwhile the rumpus up
stairs had attracted the attention OF the police
! mon In tho street and the entrance Of two ON
GERS somewhat Gained the excitement Free
man iurtyely showed his razor into his pocket
reviewers disappeared ns it by magic. and the
| McMauus who had made such good use OF his
| paper of tobacco. coolly took char.
| Chairman Riley triod To call the meeting 70
| order. but. failing. started Tor tho Mulberry
! street police TO demand assistance. Four otii-
| GERS returned with him. but while he WIS away
| there had been renewal OF hostilities, and he
! found that one or two members had been
| adorned with neat black eyes As they went on
| in search of raw beef steaks no complaints
were made and aided 10y the police officers he
| succeeded in rcorgani2ing the meeting. Then
would not be siienced. Tho Chairman ap;
| pointed committee 20 eXpol him on the ground
| that ne was not member. but the MrMinurn I.
| rallied around him, and there was danger OF
more trouble. Finally an officer volunteered To
arrest Costello II Chairman Riley would prefer
| charges against him. ana the official quilted
| the chair for the second time 20 go u the sta
| ton. There Costello wanted to prefer counter
charge against Riley; but II was not enter
| tanned and no was locked up. He ia painter
| Of 81 Spring street and saws he belongs To- the
| organization. This little business done. Chair.
| man Riley again roorsaniN'd the meeting. and
! stephen Mchanus, being declared not nom
|
| number OF Onlc"r 1000. threatening diro ven
| goanca: but 800 did not seem alarmed.
| The charges against James II McMnnus were
that prior 20 IN" election he had made iAlse and
malicious aiiiuAylis against Michael Dwy"r
! James T. Malone. William Tuite. james Cole'
man. aud Thomas I. Dalton, some u tho per
! sons unmed by the organization rs Republican
| supervisors 81 election. and that through thes'
! afiiIaNlts the organization was deprived OF itt
| representation. They were supported by IA,
! report 90 a Committee ot Investigation recon-
! mruimg McMurus's expulsion.
James H. MrMauus gained tho floor. ant
| practically held II until tho adjournment III,
| sad there were no valid charges against him
and that the demand for his expulsion CANT
| from Thomas r. Geary. because lie lMcManuS
| would not Join him ia some political rascal fty
James II. McManus says that in the rscen
election bee held certain money that was to b,
paid 10 Geary, provided the lat,er would engage
! 20 run "a Republican candidate Tor Assembly. II
| order 10 take votes away from John Hayes. th'
! anti Tammauy man. Tho money was nut VI
| by rnmmany. Gtsry Che says nominated Mr.
| Smith. but played him false on the day ~ elec
/ ton. So that he received only % votes whereas
/ he should have received nearly COO. Known.
| this. he lMcMnnusl refused 10 give w th'
money and hence the trouble. Geary donie
| this story in toto.