The New York herald., 1879-08-10
EFFECTS OF ITS EXPLOSION.
Everybody Dsaiened BY The Noise and
Blinded by The Smoke.
PRAISED AND DENOUNCED.
Mayor Cooper Unwilling TO Discuss "thc Legal
Bearings of the Question"

on the application of Sidney p Nichols for writ of
certiorari which to review Mayor Coopers action
in causing his removal from the office of Police Com.
missioner and the interviews with those concerned.
printed in the connection. fell like bombshell
among people generally 1t fell with especial force.
however, on those who are actively engaged in the
great struggle which has begun in the democratic
party of the city and State, between Tammany
Hall on the one side and Governor Rob-
inson and his friends the other Not
only was the LEGAL political SKY overcast, but
the politicians themselves, irrespective of party or
party affiliations, seemed to be moving about in
sort of and in state of doubt and uncertainty
No one seemed to understand correctly the meaning
OF the recent rapid moves the Police Commits
sionersnip chess board the actual status of af-
fairs III that connection while at the time there
apprehensious for the future, and the all
pervading and prevailing question was. "what Will
come next?' Perhaps the general sentiment
be best expressed by quoting the words of
Alderman Foster, who said, "f you find
me man who understands this police muddle
from top to bottom I'll treat" The newest phase OF
what many local politicians pleased to regard
fight for the control Of the Bureau of Elections
rather than for the mere honor and emoluments of
in the Police Board. was, of course the chief
topic of discussion. In the public offices and law
yers' chambers the HERALD in every ones
the OF the political battle which is by
common consent admitted to have begun.
ANTI-TAMsIANY's GAME.
The general impression was that the chief object
Of the struggle going was to obtain the
power of appointing inspectors of election, which.
either ny law or resolution OF the Board of Police
Conni toner's. must he done the 18th inst.
la ly IN the day rumor aioat that committee
o. the Irving Hall democracy had waited Commis-
sioner Morrison and demanded recognition in
the appointment of inspectors the regular
democratic party of the city and county OF New
York" This rumor was explained by Mr.. Thomas
Costigan, supervisor OF the City Record as fol-
lows:--"A committee Of FIVE. representing the
Irving Hall democracy and consisting of Messrs.
Maurice j. Power. colonel Michael c. Murphy
FrankA. Ransom, ex-senator Hugh II. Moore and my
self, Police Headquarters to-day to present
the claims of Irving Hall the regular democratic
organization of the county OF New York. We found
the two republican Commissioners had been absent
several days and there possibility of having
interview with the Board on that account"
PROBABILITIES POSSIBILITIES.
The rumor also gave rise to some curious specu-
lations = to what might result from the present
muddied condition OF affairs.
suppose" said one OF group Of politicians in
the Astor House. ''that French should refuse to
recognize the claims of Mr.. Morrison a member of
the Board, then there would lie two against one and
the Tammany and republican inspectors could be
appointed"
"But." said another. "in such event, suppose
Mr.. MacLean should stay away as the republican in
spectors now doing, then there would be no
quorum and consequently business could be
transacted
'Then there's chance that Nichols or Smith
might step in and claim they had never been
moved and act accordingly"
THAT is impossible" the reply, cas- Commits
recognized in their official capacity by the Supern-
tendent and the Chief Clerk, but the Headquarters
building is guarded that the ex-Com mis- sioners
could not get into their old rooms if they wanted
to-"
well. much the for the Super and the
Clerk if Smith aud Nichols ever reinstated, but
it's awfully mixed and so say all of u.s."
AT POLICE HEADQUARTERS.
judge Westbrook's IS decision was eagerly discussed
at Police Headquarters. Commissioner MacLean
called his private office during the after
noon. In response to a humorous inquiry by the
reporter. to whether his official head still on
his shoulders, he replied. with laugh, pointing
his neck -
at looks tolerably there. don't you think
2. l am not good case to interview, you prob
ably know by experience. You may say. however,
that my complexion good. my appetite fault,
less aud that would be perfectly happy If
s5 Rrsnfd sa1s Sa1e Sas,d wss only we'll a You
brook has rendered decision and that at
work trying to get the streets clean just the
same as II it had not happened. What Nichols
thinking about wonder, when he said he going
to demand my seat? he added, with laugh. With
out waiting tor answer the Commissioner seized
his hai aud cane and limped out OF the to keep
AL appointment.
Commissioner Morrison said that he supposed
General smith, If he desired TO take advantage OF the
decision, could go over the same ground that
taken by AIR. Nichols.
Chiei Clerk Hawley was in his usual happy mood
when the reporter met him Ia the marble palace.
cit reminds me-" h. said. ''ot the time when good
parsians used TO arise IL the ug. and first
question after their aUlutions was What is the poll
ncs OF France dayy When come to our desks
in the morning we mentally inquire, Il wonder VINO
IL going TO be Police Commissioner to-day?' Yes, 1
have read the decision OF Judge westDrook. Nichols
Is not back yet. He is only IN the ante-room, anI
has distance to travel before takes his seat
Yes. changes seem to be frequent. but there are
plenty OF good men. IL we had dozen Commits
sioners wish they mi ht all be competent as the
two new ones-lIcssrs Morrison aud MacIeau-
seem to be. Whore are all the Commissioner Won
ask? This is not good day tor Police Comm ission-
here. They between the tides aud the wind
has carried ali OF them away, except SlacIean Glad
you called Good day. Drop in again when the
storm clears"
superintenden, waling was walking mediiativeiy
hands locked behind llm. the reporter bade him
The compliment % the day. II vs. just trying to
Nichols and Suitl matters, ho0 many Police COM
mssioners have served UuOer since the first COM
mission was OrgaDl1e1 ln la55. Bat gave 1t up az
a bih JOB. "aa ",ndefine whether It wouldn't be
well t. go down a. tie City Hall and LOOK up the
statistics on that point.
The reporter suggested that II ho would delay his
purpose for few days lie might have more names
TO add to tue list. 1T looks very much ike it, tho
way things drifting the superintendent re.
Joined, with q merry laugh.
SPECULATION AsioSO LAwYEI3 AND POLITICIANS.
Among many well informed persons there is "a
belief that the decision Judge Westbrook Will
have some bearing IN the matter Of The inquiry Of
the charges against Commissioner Wheeler, and
that, 81 Jusge Van Brunt decides that the May can
hold the nearing, ihc latter official viii give Mr.
Wheeler the ueit Of council. In view OF the pres
condition Of affairs Judge Wcstbrooks decision
Is regarded by uch persons very important apart
from its aspect il tie case OF Mr. Nichols.
There is also vldaap pread opinion that Mayor
Cooper viii Immediately appeal from the decision
aud that the ~ pers the matter viii not DC sent
fAtO court until aftef tie Court Of Appeals shall have
pa,seu upon Mr.. NInnOla rgnt 20 llgate the mlttcr
az all. Upon tnis p0int prominent lawyer, who
requosted tnat his nae be omitted remarked to the
repOrtor.--