The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1885-01-02
THE GOTHAM CONTEST.
AN ALLEGED DEAL IN TIE NEW YORK
COUNCIL,
BY Which this 4,.,ti Thompson Men Gel
the Lead-1sidern' IN Kirk Sworn
as srnyor at s,tdnight-Await-
iIls; Developments.

Rev YoRK, Jan. .2.-On Dec. 10 the
terms of Hubert O. Thompson, as COM
missioner Of public works, and E. H.
Lafornbe, as corpC ration counsel of this city,
expired As the patronage of the former
Office during the next few years VIII be
enormous, on account of the building of the
new Croton aqueduct, there was great deal
If strife and bargaining among the local
political factions to secure the coveted place
for n man who should administer it IN
their interest. 1t was understood that
if the appointment could be delayed
until Jan. |, the new mayor, Mt Grace,
would reappoint his friend Mr.. thompson.
On ths other hand, it was hoped by MIR.
Thompson's opponents that by securing
combination OF Tammany and Republican
members of the board of aldermen Mayer
Edison could obtain the confirmation Of some
luminee other than Dir Thompson, despite
he county Democratic members opposition.
In this view the name Of Fiy John Porter
yej sent in, but tie plan failcd, ana forters
domination was laid on the cable A nomi-
alton Incorporation COUNSEL was at the same
me rejected. Before ne mayor could send
+, other nomipatiouSIan injunction was OBJ
lined by the Thompson faction, restraining
~ MAYOR FROM dominating and the board
ON confrpfng any successor to MIR.
hernrsois This Injunction was issued on
,e ,fp1gth of atfidayits thar a corrupt
IcaYhad been made TO secure the c0nfirma-
ID Of an appOintee and that brides had
lcn offered by the mayor. 1t was expected
at by means of such injunction the time
to Jan / could De consumed, after which
'ayor Grace could appoint without having
ask confirmation by the aldermen, as the
" law which goes into effect on that day
yes the mayor absolute appointing power
Nt5 O'Clock Weiues lay, however, the
ly0r having been advised by eminent
unset that the injunction against him was
Il and void, sent into the aldermen, who
also defied the court by meeting, the
me Of ex-Lieutenant Governor William
lrsheimer for corporation counsel 1t was
iected. whereupon the me of Roliin NJ.
uire WAS submitted for commissioner Of
tic works and at once confirmed by a
20 of % yeas. the other two aldermen be-
geZcusoi from voting. The nomination
Mr.. Squire seemed to give perfect salts
= 10 all factioIrS, and though it was geuer-
understood that there had been a deal,
one seemed to know just where it
ne in.
The new commissioner is Il lawyer by pro-
sion, an Independent Democrat in politics,
i some three years ago was a member of
Boston water board. He has not been
lch known in New York politics, and a
Il many people hear of him now for the
4 time. 1t was noticed early Wednesday
It when Mayor Edson's Office was guarded
a strong force of police, who admitted no
without special orders, Mr.. Squire had
difficulty in passing the formidable array
blue coats. 1t is not believed that the
ompson faction will give up the fight for
II man even yet, and the rumor goes that
proceedings for contempt of court, quo
rrant0 and ether convenient legal pro-
ses, the afternoons action of the mayor
the aldermen viii be practically null
/, and MIR. Thompson will continue per
IS for years to be commissioner of public
ks de facto, with all the political power
ich that implies.
AFTER AT 1879 Thursday morning Al
man Kirk was sworn III as mayor by
lge Donohue of the supreme court. Mir.
k said be had obtained advice from many
nent judges to the effect that his title
III not be impeached. He said he in
led to appoint gentleman for corpora
/ counsel who was not O politician He
not make a nomination up to O'Clock
Irsday morning. He claimed that the In
GtiOn served on him as alderman could
affect him as mayor. The city hall was
ttY well deserted at 2 a m All were
tittng with anxiety what Thursday
ut bring forth Mayor Grace takes office
ioon. Acting mayor Kirk has the power
ppoint!nent without confirmation by the
aldermen from midnight until uooa.