New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-07-29
BEYOND THE BIG BRIDGE.
WHAT PEOPLE IN BROOKLYN ARE TALKING
ABOUT

| l.
ABOUT
One Of the really strong men in Democratic politics
| in Brooklyn is Register william II. Murtha, who has
Just been elected chairman Of the Executive Com
mittee OF the Democratic State Committee. MI
Murtha is able enough and powerful enough 10 stand
alone; and If he had ever seen 1T to lead revolt
sgaist Boss Mclaughlin, or had ever been forced
into rebellion against the Ring, he would easily have
drawn together strong following and caused the
who has been called the Duke of Broohlyp to tremble
on his throne Mclaughlin has undoubtedly seen
this at any rate. Murha has always been kept in line
with the Ring, and he has had his reward in various
ways For tho last three years he has held the ex
tremely lucrative office Of Register, which Boss Nc
Laughlln himself onto filled Qt was his only public
Office by the way. and has added remarkably hand
10 his bank account every year. Just
what the profits of the Register nobody who hasn't
held the office knows; but they rputed 10 be all
the way from $4,000 to 100000 Mr.. Murtba has
had three good" years that is, the income Of the
Office during his term has probably been larger than
ever before. 1t has been popularity beeved-doubt
less with trth-that somo former occupants Of this
a. fat, office have divided" with more
persons but nobody believes that this has been the
case with Mr. Murtha OF course, he has been liberal
with his campaign assessments but he has kept good
sized balances TO his credit out Of the large that
have been taken in during tho last three years.
Mr.. Murtha began his public life Alderman
about dozen years ago In the Common Council he
displayed exceptional ability and promise OF the
career which he has since ptr.lDed. Among tho
Democratic Aldermen Of that day he was the only ono
who could express his ideas ION any subject before
the Board in a clear, succnct and logical manner.
He spoke without having something 10 say;
he knew what he wanted to say and how TO say It,
He Illuminated every question that he discussed
Tie was an influential member Of the Common Council
tor half nd hon he cd
to the State Senate, where he displayed the same
qualities which had made his service In the Board of
Aldermen noteworthy. The incumbent Of the Kings
County Registers Office may always be conspicuous
figure in politics II he chooses to be. Mr. Murtha
could not help being. His election to the chairman
ship Of the State Executive Committee IS no surprise
to those who have followed his course in politics
He has fine executive qualities, is clear-headed and
ambitious and will work diligently for the success
OF his party. The Republicans will make mistake
If they think that Mr.. Murthas election to that post
does not energetic campaign on the part Of
the Democrats. In private lie the Brooklyn Reg
lister Il an cstimablc gentleman. He lives in hand
some house on the Heights, having removed recently
to the First Ward from the Ninth, where he was for
many years a political power He is a regular at
endant Of the Roman Catholic Church Of 81. Charles
Borromeo, in Sidney place. His private business IS
that of coal-dealer.
An interesting question with Brooklyn politicians
is whether Register Murtha VIII be a candidate for the
nomination for that Office this year. OF course, there
is never any lack of candidates for such office, and
some have thought that Murtha's election to so import
ant post in the management Of the canvass would
shefver him so far second term as Register IS
concerned. THIS by no means follows and his dcc-
sion will be awaited with little interest. 1t is not
doubtful that If he wants TO for Register again he
can do He is not man TO be set aside even By so
powerful and INSCRIPTIONS a dictator as Hugh Nc
Laughlln.
matter that IS obscure to all observers is the fall
urc Of the Union Elevated Railroad Company TO
plee its Flafbush ave- Inc In time catch the summer
travel COncy Island In order 10 connect rs lines In
Myrtle-ave. and Park-ave with tho Long Island Rail
road station in Fatbushavc., link OF less than half
mile was needed Most of this has been built for
several months but the sectons-one in Flatbush-
ave. and the Other in Hudson-ave.arc only just now
being connected at Fulton-st. 1t is there
some litigation involved In regard to tho portion now
being completed, but that settled several weeks
ago. II would have been greatly to tho company's
advantage and greatly to the public convenience If
this line had been got In running order early in the
summer. 1t looks If it would not be in opera
ton before the Concy Island season is practically
over. BY selling tickets FOR the Island at the Bridge,
and running trains connect with the Manhattan
Beach trains from Flatbushayc., the "Trip fiom New
York TO the ocean could be maze easily and quickly.
Such an cement should be put into effect at the
opening OF The season next year.
There is a good deal of interest in regard to tho
location OF the new parks which authorized by
the Legislature at its regular session. Many people
are anxious got of the parks in their ncChbrr
hood The policy of the Park Commissioners ap-
pears TO be pursue their inquiries privately, in
order not TO excite the cuIdty of the owners OF the
property proposed to be taken. This has
some features to commend 1T but the public general
" do not look with favor upon secret management
of public concerns. There IS room for jobbery in
matter of this kind. and It hardly be doubted
that there would be more general satisfaction with
policy open and above board than with secret ncgo
tiatlons. Residents in the Twenty-ffth Ward would
like to sec one of the parks placed in that region.
Iherc no park IN that Ward at present, but there
are plenty OF vacant lots, and II there IS TO DC
park there now Is the time to have site n1ed Inc
unoccupied blocks where Mr. Barnum has pitched his
tents and their accomplishments for the last two
years are regarded BY many with a favonng eye
This siIe Is IN the part OF the cry known as s'uy
Brooklyn and IS rapidly being built up In few
years all tho vacant territory will be occupied win
handsome houses and then a park Will be practically
out Of the question This Is point for tno rars
Commissioners, and especially for their eomn'I''''
on new parks TO consider thoughuully'
There was a singular episode in the work OF tho
Civil Service Commission the other day IL was an
examination Of candidates for the position Oh inter
prefer OF the Hungarian and slav languages. This
position was authorized by the Board OF Aldermen.
curousIv enough in their resolution on the subject
the Aldermen styled the tongues referred to the
Hungarian and savonish languages There werc
threo candidates. None OF the able members Of the
Commission were able TO conduct the examination, in
spite Of their well-known reputation for learning.
1.or Secretary. however, succeeded In finding some
man I'm thls city who competent to determine
Tho qualifications OF the candidates but the Commits
sonets will have 20 take their recommendations on
faith The papers of the candidates may well be
Drescrved as curiosites in the archives OF tho Com
mission. Tho interpreter Is TO draw the sum OF
81 900 from the city treasury. He VIII not be over
,,l,A nro.h Tho chlef DANA nd fnr his