New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-03-23
THE DEMOCRATS AND THE AQUEDUCT.

THE DEMOCRATS AND THE AQUEDUCT.
THE DEMOCRATIC AssEMBLYMEN DEFEAT A REsoLu-
TON PROVIDING FOR A NON-PARTisAN AQUE-
DUCT COMMISSION:
FROM THE REGULAR CORRESPONDENT OF THE TRIDUSE.l
ALBANY, March 22.-The conflict between
the taxpayers OF New-York and the politicians
OF that city over the Aqueduct Commission
began to-day In the Assembly. 1t was, perhaps
rather continuation Of tine conflict begun In the Senate
yesterday by Senator Boyd when he attempted in the
interest Of the taxpayers them larger repre-
sentation the commission The politicians then
showed that they determined to keep the
control OF the commission in their own hands by
GmOthering resolution OF Senator Boyds
which might have led TO the admission to
the commission of a controlling number OF tax
payers The same resoute aud determined opposi-
ton was made by them in the Assembly. 1t is appar.
entity part OF well considered plot TO secure to the
Democratic factions In New York all the spos connected
with the building OF the aqueduc and It's reservoirs
The false plea for having partisan commission has al
ready put forth II Is that Commissions OF citizens.
ike those that have had Charge Of the construction of
new Capitol and the Brooklyn Bridge. have been fail
ures and that therefore politicians must DO empowered
10 build the new squeduct
Jwilton Brooks. OF Con gresham James Brooks
and member Of the Assembly from Putnam County
the man who attempted ia the Assembly 20 obtain
larger representation for the taxpayers the commits
SION Mr. Brooke IS resident OF Putaam County, bat
for many years he lived In NewYork City and there
FORE fully appreciate the feelings Of it, taxpayers
when they see the Aqueduct Commission about TO be-
come tic prey Of the politicians Selling favorable
opportunity in the turmoil ~ the ASSEMBLY 30 offered
the following resolution;
Resoired, That the Committee Cites be fgtrueted
Increased water fSces Tor the city Of New York with
provision fGT the appolItnGpt o. non pasAn S com
conferred and crcaied by the bin. IN conformity
with the rocOmWendaOn OF the special committee ap-
pointed by the Mayor Of the city OF New-York
A. the resolution being read Michael C. Murphy,
OF New-York the Democratic leader came rushing down
the steps OF the Assembly Chamber leIdiag to the
arena before the Speakers desk and In greatly excited
protested against the Of the resolution
There followed conflict between him aud Mr.. Brooks
which deeply interested the Assembly. Mr. Murphy
stated that bill regarding the aqueduc had been Of
fercd In the Senate by SIR. DAILY, and now under
consideration; and further. that II Mr.. Brooks had
looked at the NewYork moaning newspapers he would'
not have offered these resolutions.
Mr.. Brooks replied that he had looked at
the newspapers, and it was ON that nc
count that no had introduced these resolutions
Bills had introduced In both the Senate and tue As
sembly yesterday. Senator Days bill appointed the
commission in way, Mr. Roesches in another But In
plain English the effect OF both would DO exactly Ia
samoa full Democratic commission. Mr. Brooks
then called the attention OF the House to
the magnitude Of the facts involved. The
aqueduct In use Is capable, he said. OF supply
ing the city with 0s0000O0 gallons OF water day.
When this aQueduo built the population OF the city
about $4,000; II is now 100000. The necessity
for a aqueduct is apparent II is proposed to build
capable Of delivering 100000 gallons daily. The
length TO be either 209 27 miles, according to the
decision OF the proposed commission. It's estimated
cost-and whom, he asked did ever public work come
within its estimated cOsti-is 100000 IA mile; and
81 900. 900 and Is the amount called for Ii Is
IN her IN at ed
cost of 50, 100000.
An Increased water suppy. Mr.. Brooks said, was
enormous partisan scheme disguised under these
bills The Republican majority In the last Presidential
election much over 10000 In this state. IL VIII
require time for the proposed commission tOget 10 work
OF anywhere from 900 10 5000 men. These would
become voters In Westchester and Putnam Counties
Mr. Brooks repeated with emphasis, "Voters, voters.
voters" The story was an old one
Mr. Brooks then read In support OF bis resolution the
following clauses from the report OF the committee ap
pointed by Mayor Edison TO look into this matter We
regard this question OF the greatest i'm |
portance, and recommend that be referred TO
unprejudced commission. which shall DO appointed in
a manner to SECURE the greatest impartality
again. referring TO estimated cost OF oOnstruc
ton " Everyhingis based upon the works bcin
under the direction Of commission removed from
tsan influences and from tue yexatioDs and extOrtons
which often surround public work"
Mr. Murphy replied that II the gentleman belonged, |
IA he should 10 the Democratic party he would not
ject TO partisan cOmmssion that the Democracy cer-
tainly intended 10 make the commission Democratic.
New-YOrk Democratic city. The Democracy could
be trusted ~ give the city good, pure water
Mr. BrOOks-Wlth something In IL,
Mr. Murphy-POssbly
Mr. Murphy then moved 10 lay the resolution OF Mr. |
So to 80. II. d. Nelson being tho only Democrat who |
voted In the negative.