New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-08-01
MAYOR HEWITTS CHOICE.
THE NEW AoUEDUCT COMMISSIONERS

GENERAL JAMES G. DUANE, FRANCIS NJ. SCOTT,
JOHN J. TUCKER AND WALTER HOWE Sc
LEcTED REASONS GIVEN FOR NAMING
THESE MEN.
The appointments of the new Aqueduct Com
missioncrs were not announced by the Mayor yes
terday until about p. m. When they were Off
cially made known, it was seen that with single
exception, they were precisely as indicated by
The TRIBUNE yesterday. This exception was the
appointment of Mr. Howe, which had not been pub
lcly mooted. The list is as folowsi
General James C. Duane, Democrat
Francis NJ Scott, Democrat.
John J. Tucker Republican
Walter Howe, Republican.
Tho appointments were looked for before noon,
and soon after the business of the day began the
City Hall was beseged with inquirers The hours
sped on, however, and Mr.. Hewitt continued to
shake his head, saying that he was not yet pre-
pared to give the names of the men who were with
himself Controller Myers and General Newton,
Commissioner of Public Works. to make up the
new Aqueduct Commission lie was absent from
his Office during good part of the afternoon, and
while he was out an apparently we'll authenticated
statement was made at the City Hall which gave
the appointments precisely as the Mayor himself
gave them an hour after his return 1t was learned
that their premature announcement had its origin
in q telegram from Walter Howe, at Newport, to a
friend, communicating the fact Of his own ap-
pointment also the names Of his associates On
hearing this report the Mayor displayed not a
little vexation, and refused at first either to con-
firm or deny its correctness. With the appoint
ments Mr.. Hewitt gave this statement;
This duty was not OF my seeking but imposed upon
mo by law The limitation as to the politics OF the
hat
OF duty which regard the most important act
Of administration. Subject to this Limitation have
tried four commissioners who viii be approved
tho public udgmen and who Will absolutely divorce
themselves from all party patronage.
1t seemed necessary that member Of the
Board should be engineer Of the highest standing
in his profession and without commitment the
history OF the work. fortunately in General James c.
Duane who has Just been retired Chief OF Engineers Of
the Army OF the United States. have been able to
professional emlnencc. unimpeachaHe integrity and
great experience from his connection with the Washington
Aaueduct in the limo OF his duties
The legal questions involved in this great undertaking.
and especially with reference to the final settlement Of
the contracts for construction. require the und
yided attention Of lawyer OF ability and experience.
could not therefore. select lawyer engaged in the full
practice Of his profession but Francis NJ. Scott
tho assistants to the Counsel tho Corporation found
man emncnty qualified to discharge the duties OF
this branch Of the work Of the Commission
Public opinion seemed to demand the selection Of
By the Builders Exchange that OF Mr.. John J. Tucker
seemed to not only 10 be absolutely un0bectOnable,
but In view OF his high character be emneny desirable
to consider the practical questions still decided
the water supply available for the AQuedcct
As to tho fourth place. have been embarrassed
by tho number OF eligible persons who would bo willing
TO accept the position. many Of whom would any
practical business matter with the decision OF the
important and the OF the l1igcst interests Among
these gentlemen have finally selected Mr.. Walter Howe,
who, without his knowledge, has been appointed
tho position. rely upon his public spirit which he has
exhibited Often and perform this great duty
pathy and devotion OF every good citizen.
have not felt at liberty reappont any Of the former
commissioners for tho that the Legislature evil
IDENTIFY intended that Commission should bs formed
and tho selection OF any OF the former gentlemen
would be an implied censure upon those who
lected. have therefore felt constrained choose
trely new men, who Will be FREQ from any commitments
which might affect their judgment reservoirs yet
to be constructed and the contracts to be made.
ABRAM S. HEWITT, Mayor
The new Commissioners are expected to appear
at the Mayors office to-day, take the oath Of
office and enter upon their duties. The Board
will probably be organized by tho election of
Mayor Hewitt as president. Mr.. Hewitt said
yesterday that three of the four appointecs would
devote their whole time to the Aqueduct.