New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1886-12-18
4 BRIDGE TRUSTEE Mustered.

Bridge Trustee Thurber, in IA letter printed
in another column, takes exception to the
criticisms which THE TRIBUNE has made
mon the Bridge management. He seems to
think that because the trustees feel lively
interest in their work, serve on committees
cheerfully, etc., no fault can be found with the
manner in which the affairs of the Bridge
have been conducted. 1t is true that The
TRIBUNE has persistentIy urged reorganiza-
ton of the Board of Trustees and has not
hesitated to point out the extravaganza and
general happy -go-lucky policy which have
been marked features of the Bridge manage
ment. We have never intended to reflect in
any way upon the personal integrity of the
trustees but it is impossible among so large
body that the individual members can be in
formed as to all that is going on. AS
matter of TACT the business of the Board has
been done by the Executive Committee in great
measure, the trustees at their meetings merely
ratfying what had been done behind closed
DOORS This appeared to show that the Board
was superfuOus, and besides, If further
evidence were needed, the fact that for three
months last summer, and for shorter periods in
prev iOus years, no meetings OF the trustees
we're held, while the affairs of the Bridge ran
on az smoothly as ever, was a convincing
argument.
Mr.. Thurber must know that the Bridge is
not managed as he manages his private bust
ness. The idea of economy is ignored and eI-
penses are incurred with a reckless lack of
consideration. The income is constantly in
creasing but the outlay keeps growing in
almost equal proportion. Moreover, there is
more than a suspicion that the Bridge is to
greater or less extent used as political
machine. Until recently both OF the salaricd
Offices president and secretary were held by
devoted followers of Boss" Mclaughlin.
Two years ago when a reorganization bill was
passed by the Legislature, Governor Hill
vetoed it after holding consultation with Nc
Laughlin in Brooklyn. Mr.. Thurber probably
never had suspicion of these facts, unless lie
got it from the newspapers, and as one of
twenty trustees he would be powerless to pre-
vent crafty politicians from getting their hands
upon this great work.
L. is snch things as these, together with the
careless management shown by such accidents
"a occurred a year ago. when the grip gave out
more than once, that have convinced large
number of people that the Board of Trustees
Bridge put in charge OF a small and responsible
commission. Mr. Thurber himself favors this
plap. Why does he not bring the matter to the
attention of his associates and ask the Legls-
lature 10 take the necessary steps. Under Mr..
Stranahan the trustees did send such a petition
to Albany, but the measure unfortunately
came to grief. Mr. Th1rber can do public
ser, ice by taking the initiative in this matter.
The Bridge no longer needs to DO administered
by trustees. 1t Is not now apublic trust as il
was during the period of construction. AS a
finished work all 1t needs is a capable executive
Engagement, who shall conduct it economical
ly, safely, efficiently, and in such way as to