The New York herald., 1879-09-01
GENERAL SMITHS MANIFESTO.

COLONEL BLISS CALLS IT BALDERDAsH-coM-
MISSIONER MORRISON VIEWS IT WITHOUT
ALARM
The return of General William F. Smith, his re-
union at the Astor House with his former official
associates. Mcssrs. Nichols. Wheeler and French.
and his manifesto that hc had come to act with
them as q member Of the Police Board. put poll
ticans who were in town yesterday in ferment Of
speculation. Every one was prepared for q coup
dttat. in view Of the already wide ramiAcations
Of the police muddle since the trouble began
last spring. Nor was tho excitement in the least
alay cd when report obtained wide currency last
evening, which WAS generally credited that double
guards had been placed within Police Headquarters
and every precaution takcn to prevent the removed
Commissioners, either Of them. from taking
possession Of the quarters from which they were
ousted. At Coney Island and the other nearby re-
sorts the matter discussed in oil its bearings by
the politicians who happened to be there gathered.
but the city there of course less discussion
and probably reliable information. owing the
fact that nearly every interested person was out OF
town.
A HERALD reporter met Colonel George Bliss, who.
as counsel tor Police Commissioner Wheeler,
was in position to speak advisedly the subject
at the Union League Club cary in the evening.
''What does tnis manifesto OF General Smith
mean p asked the reporter.
was the contemptuo response.
HAS lie not notified Messrs. Wheeler and French
that he has returned and IL ready to act with them
in the Police BoardY
..Precisoly; and that's why call that letter bal
derdash. The fact is just his-Mayor Cooper has
hlcd supplementary affidavit in response to Judge
Westb rocks decision in Nichols case. stating that
Nichols has abandoned his Office. Now Smith
turns from his vacation. and presume is served
with copy of his removal He says mentally,
They shall not catch me i'll that way; therefore
shall serve them with u notice that am back and
drlftn Dali ntrx.ia-
soner. That's all that letter means and that's all
that roast beef lunch in the Astor House that the
HERALD talks about meant
..But Wheeler and French went thore," the rc-
porter remarked.
'.Yes: but that was a mere matter of form or act
Of courtesy their part when they received Smiths
note. know matter of tact there is not tho
slightest idea OF any one recognizing Messrs. Smith
and Nichols Commissioners OF Police. Ger
ta.nly French and Wheeler will no. do SO. What
annoys that French and Wheeler should
be made to appe.r as weaker weakening by going
stances. General Smith is no more Police COM
missioner than you are. and he will not DO
cognizcd such until the courts put him back.
What surprises me is that General Smith has
served a similar notice on the clerk OF the Board.
but am prepared to hear that he has, IN order to
maintain his status in the following Judicial pro-
ceedings. As 1t stands the whole thing is balder-
dash the vcrcst in tho world he exclaimed. rising
from his seat
ONLY LEGAL PREcAurIoS.
Police Commissioner Morrison who succeeded
General Smith, called upon by HERALD
his residence in East Fifteenth street, in snok-
ing jacket and philosophcally watching the smoke
bubbles which were emitted from mis- meerschaum
pipe. The Commissioner received his caller
ously and told him. in answer to an inquiry. that
he had read General Smiths letter in the news
papers. He added
81 suppose the General wants to put himself as
straight possible on the record. so to take ad-
vantage OF all legal chances. l do not know that
can blame him for that certainly have nothing to
say against him..
'IIo seems to be sangpino of succcss?"
ssWell. in the courts. Judge Brady has GRANTED
stay in the of Nichols until Judge Westbrook's
return, which will be on Tuesday suppose that
letter of General smiths has other significance
than that he wishes place himself in a position
where he can avail himself of any favorable action
that may be taken In the courts in the of Mr..
Nichols. have not the slightest apprehension that
Messrs. French and Wheeler will attempt to recog-
nize Messrs. smith and Nichols Police Commits
sioners."
"wil tho action just taken Ivy General Smith have
any bearing upon the appointment of tho inspectors
OF election and poll clerks whose names have been
subinittcd?"
mot the slightest
.Do you think this Astor House move will have
any effectY'
'.None whatever. unless General Smith bc put bsck
by the courts. there by an indefeasible Il tie
and propose to remain as long as l advised" !"