New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1884-07-26
SHERIFF. DAVIDSON'S PERIL.
THE ASSEMBLY COMMITTEES CHARGES.
GOVERNOR cLEvTLAND's REAsoYs FOR DELAY
WHAT THE SHERIFF SAYS


tTRoM sPECIAL CORRESPONDENT OF TIE TRIBUNEl
ALBANY, July 25.-There was anew face in the
ranks of the Democratic State Committee when it
met here on Wednesday last Few cf the old
members knew the man. He quiet end very
retiring, apparently seeking TO keep in the back
ground. When people were told that he
Alexander Y. Davidson, the sheriff of NewYork,
they seemed SURPRISED. No " boss " was ever be-
fore known 70 take a back seat. There before all
eyes was Hubert @. Thompson the boss of
the County Democracy and Collector
of tho port of Ncw-York If Grover
Cleveland should be elected moving about the
committee rooms with such conscious air of inn
portancc that one might suspect HIM to be the
chairman. But Sheriff Davidson was more modest
Although " boss of another Democratic faction in
Ncw-fork-lrying IIall-hc did not parade himself
before his fellow members of the committee. TO
many he seemed to be shrinking from observation
and to be lpprehcndng that some serious misfor-
tune was about 10 come upon him.
This misfortune, some members whispered to one
another, might be- removal from his highly lucrl-
tive office of sheriff OF New-Yorl The Governor,
II was said, had under consideration very serious
charges against Mr.. Davidson. These charges, it
was further sad, were preferred by the committee
Of the Assembly headed by Nr. Roosevelt which
investigated many of the New York departments
during thc session OF the Legislature. Every de-
parment was iuvc tiootcd thoroughly aad no critI-
cISIn on The condGct OF any public Official was made
uni IS il wa, seemingly well grounded 1t would
be necessary, therefore, for the Governor to look
over the papers concerning sheriff Davidson with
great care. The charges against him could not be
dismissed lightly. al though he was Democrat
Davidson was "iu fix" and it was no wonder ne
looked gloomy ard avoided making himself con-
SpicIous at the meeting
Yesterday Governor Cleveland was asked what
was the present position Of the charge that had
been made against tho sheriff.
- haven't lad a Glance to lcol q. thcm," sad
TIE Governor, mot even 90 open the papers.
lou know | r,, Owed them IN the midst
OF the thirty DAYS allotted NJ by the Constitution
10 examine the hIli7 passed by the Legislature.
Following that period was s.c> for three weeks
with Tn" rheUWatl-m. A.'d tlcI came the business
which you ,cc before you.'
Here the Governor tnrncd and waved his hand
toward thc crowd o. pIIlt cau, autograph hunters,
and cIIlou, lepp.e g.. ali kinds t.,9t filled the
LXccutlIc Chamber Utcat upon having talk
with the cand.datc for President
M she fist chance J get, continued the Gov
crnOr, i viii cNuu.ur the charges carefully a. l.
nv custom 30 so p u1 tnrS, aud u think they are
serious cnouth t. Worraat my further attention
viii lu.oim Ga, ,L ii, Of their nature ana appoint
4 r,It.rc t. take Testimony. he referee would
tLca report 20 sac tlt would de. ao Whe, her or
not ihr sheriff ourii. I'D ID, removed. That Is the
course prescribed uy thr Constr utiOu. | have
he'd $50 communication viii! the sheriff yet on the
subject
Sheriff Davidson sid on thcsamc matter: The
Governor has 800 luIac, .eG mc 10 come "clofe MN
and answer these charges. The Grnd JUr, disposed
Oi all II them HUt cn" and tA1t one petty one OF
winch easily cleared myself before a jury. Inc
only charge they oau make against ne - 81 neell-
echcc lu one part OF my work. But am compelled
10 trust som" ~oi -psjnir,lii atcs / have "a tEOu-
sand things TO dc ed e. auct 10 all personally !!
-,t tEc Do % au1o- .u,tt:o can u do thc work and
then S!IDplIufpud ~