Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1885-01-01
THE NEW YORK ALDERMEN.
Mayor Edison Appointments a Successor
to ThompsOn-A Hearing Before
Judge Truax.
New YORK. Dec. 81.


A second unsuccessful attempt was made
today at Mayor Edson's office to
secure subpoena on him, personally Ii
Is claimed that under the provisions of the
act and law passed this year, Mayor Edison
can make appointments for offices now held
by Commissioner Thompson and Corporation
Counsel LacOmbs, tomorrow morning, inde-
pendent OF the aldermen, and that he will do
so. Members of the county democracy say
that any attempt of the kind will be defea,ed
by legal measures.
The board reassenbled at o'clock AT.
ter some routine business had been transact
ed the mayor sent il the name of Roland NJ
Squire as a nominee for commissioner of
public works. The board promptly con.
tirmed the nomination by unanimous vote.
Alderman Kirk being absent and Alderman
OCorner excused. Then the nomination OF
exit Gov. Dorsheiuer was received. This
name was rejected by a vote of 16 to I. The
nomination of Squire was complete sur
prise. Nobody knew who he was. He haG
never figured in political life. He is said te
be friendly to both Tammany and the county
democracy.
The board adjourned without confirming
the nomination for corporation counsel
Roland M. Squire, to-day confirmed Com
missioner of Public Works, to succeed Hu
bert Thompson, was born in Springfield
Vermont, and is now forty five years of age
He and Mayor Edison formed a friendship a.
schoOlmates in Chester, Vermont which
always lasted. Mr. Squire began the prac
tice of law in Boston, and for several year.
was partner of ex-Cclector Simmons He
retired three years ago, and came to New
York TO reside. He has never practiced here
but lived in retirement
Mr.. Squire took the oath of office tonight
The mayor notified Police Captain Steers tC
take charge of the books, papers, ETC., al
midnight as his (the nnyors) term of office
would expire at that hour. This notice gave
confederation to the :umor that President
Kirk of the board of aldermen would assume
the office of acting mayor and appoint a
corporation counsel before noon, when Grace
will become mayor.
The arguments for the counsel of mayor
and aldermen to vacate the injunction grant
ed by Judge Beach, restraining the board
from confirming any nominations, were
heard today by Judge Truax, in the Supreme
Court. The counsel for the defendants read
an affidavit of the Tamnany adorned, and
statements made in the affidavits of O'Brien,
Jones and other assailants, denying all
knowledge of corrupt birgains, were read.
lie SeIitTdl seSslOls STtHu jury tnls
afternoon asked their discharge stating that
they had been unable 10 serve subpoenas on
the mayor, owing to his refusal to admit a
subpoena server. The- felt that the mayor
had treated them with contempt. The jury
was discharged, the court remarkiDg that the
matter would be called to the attention of
their successors. Johr O'Brien, the con-
tractor, on whose sworn testimony of an at
tempt to bribery the Injunction was issued
against the aldermen, vas arrested today,
charged with failing to answer subpoena
to attend before the jury and testify.
The counsel for the plaintiff then reviewed
the affidavits and cited the authorities.
Geo. w. Bliss, who represented Alderman
O'Corner, said in reply
''It is sought here to elevate to the dignity
of the basis of an injunction of this amazing
character the tattle of newspapers, and which
every paper, if they had been right in the
past would have established the unftness of
the very judge who is sitting in this hearing
(sensation.)
Judge Truax interrupted Bliss, and said
that he could not nor would not allow Bliss
to make such references to the court and
that a gentleman would not have done il.
The Judge said that he would commit him
for contempt if he did not withdraw what he
had said of the court. Bliss said that he
would withdraw it, and continued his argu-
ment. Burke Cochran followed for the Tam
maay alderman. Judge Truax, after hearing
the argument, took the papers. He may
give decision tomorrow.