The New York herald., 1879-10-02
BILL POSTERS PERTURBED.

THE CITY FATHERS OFFERED FIFTY THOUSAND
DOLLARS FOR A MONOPOLY OF DEAD WALL
DEcoHATIoN-vIEws OF THE TRADE.
The bill posters dream Of the realization of
wealth took something like definite shape yesterday
when it learned that Mr.. L. G. Gilmore. OF Nib
los Garden, had made proposition to the Board of
Aldermen for the exclusive privilege of posting bills
within the corporate limits of the city. The ordi-
nary citizen read the announcement among the pro-
ceedings of the Aldermanic sages and rubbed his
eyes with astonishment at tho offer Of $4,000
for the privilege of sticking up bills around
the city, To the average mind it seemed
wonderful that such sum should be
offered and still more wonderful that the Alder
should reject the proposition. Besides. tho
offer caused furry OF excitement among the bill
posters themselves. No has ever heretofore
paid anything the city for the privilege of post
ing bills and has supposed that the
city could grant any privileges in the matter. The
posters themselves scout the idea. and claim that
suoh order from the Board would be clearly and
positively unconstitutional. From the evidence Of
these men it would appear that could such an ex-
elusive privilege be granted the amount to be paid
for it should be much greater than $J0.00u.
FOSTERS VIEWS
order that the views Of tho posters who certainly
are the best posted people in the community on the
subject OF posting, might be learned. the reporter
went along one OF the downtown streets in search
Down old pair Of stone steps. crumbling into
decay. through low archway into cellar. which at
in the dim light seemed small and cramped, the
writer made his way. As his eyes became more ac-
customed the gloom however. the walls stretched
out on all sides. and huge bales OF posters could
be seen standing about. Loungng in hooks and
corners twenty thirty men. employees or the
establishment. and in an adjoining room stood
desk, behind VIII .ch the proprietor sat.
you want to know something about bill post
ing?' he said, he wheeled his char around and
faced the reporter ..well, it has taken me good
many years to learn somcth hing about the business
but guess know something ABOUT 1t now"
This assertion WAS supported by condrmatory
''Gilmore has offered $4,000 for the exclusive
privilege. you know. no doubt"
What does he know about bill posting"
"Well, he don't know anything about it. or he
would not make such an offer. Why. do more
| business than any could do IL ho had the
! exclusive business.
Eyes. but he might stop you.'
'Stop mel" Chorus of laughter long continued
from the gloomy recessesJ sWhy. no man could
| stop The police? Guess not. Why 1 could
'snipe broadway from the Battery to Thirty-fourth
street In thirty minutes. aud tho police wouldn't
| know it,"
.But the regular man might get all tho business"
| might hey Well. I'M sorry the Aldermen did not
give 1t to him and get his bonds. Somebody would
be BROKE sure The whole thing IL utional.
anyhow How could tho Board OF Aldermen any
body else control your fenccr suppose you had
vacant lot and fence on 1t. and you to me and
gave me the privilege of putting bills on it--who
could stop moY would put them anyhow"
| suppose man could got such q privilege what
| would 1t be worthY'
1T would be worth great deal of money to me-"
..oh. there could be no such privileges given"
| eyes, but IL IL couldy'
''It would be worth 100000 easy"
| Another postor thought that million of dollars
would be small amount for 1t. and yet another
| men the reporter saw seemed to have any fears
| of such . privilege being given 10 any one, and
every ono of them Expressed himself freely being
able to post his bills In defiance OF anybody or any
| law of tho kind.