New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-11-27
GEN. NEWTON'S SUCCESSOR.
d. LowBER SMITH APPOINTED.
MAYOR HEWITT WILL NOT COMMIT HIMSELF AS
TO THE LENGTH OF THE NEW CON-


TO THE LENGTH OF THE NEW CON-
MIssIoNER's TERN.
Mayor Hewitt yesterday filed the vacant once OF
Commissioner of Public Works, caused by the resgna-
ton of General Newton, by appointing Deputy Oom-
missioner D. iowber Smith The appointment was
made late IN the day. after prolonged conference De
tween The Mayor and Corporation counsel III was
nearly D. m. when Mr. Hewitt sent for Mr. smith,
ard having handed him his appointment, swore him
into Office Then he sgnifed his wish to talk TO the
REPORTERS and with stenographcr Sherman at hand to
take his rcnarks-or llr Hewitt expressed himself,
80 that re wouldn't be lied about'-he said
General Newton resigned the position of Commits
sIoner Of Public Works on the 10Th instant Al the
N,yo,'s request the date when it 10 take effect
was fixed for the cath instant In the meantime the
Mayor egdeavcred TO find some engineer of eminence
vbo vould take the Office for the remainder Of the
term In this attempt he has failed. He offered the
position TO John Bogart, State Engineer, who was
willing take it provided he could get an assurance
that he would be Tcappointed at the close of the term
lie has not found It possible TO get any such assurance
and therefore does not think he would be justified IN
resgn,ns mis- position as State Engineer In the mean
time the Department of Public Works is without
head, and the Mayor is advised by the Corporation
Counsel that the deputy cannot perform any official
act Tie Mayor has, therefore, appointed d. Lowber
Smith as Commissioner of Public Works, and he has
been sworn in, and as soon as he files his bono VIII
"ThIs appointment Of Mr. Smith has been made
uron the recommendation of General Newton, who, on
the day when he quilted the Office addressed the fol
lowing letter to the Mayor:
Department OF Public Works,
Commissioners once New-York, Nov. "a, 1883.
Hon. Abram S. Hewitt Mayor
Dear Sir: desire briefly a few considera-
lions in regard the appointment of my successor Inc
term for which 1 appointed Will expire IN ie"
months and think would be difficult or impossible to
amin man fro
to MI the onerous position for short time. A nom
acquaintance with the regular duties OF the Department
would at first be a great obstacle to usefulness anu
this obstacle would hardly be removed before his term
OF service would expire i think, under the cifcum
stonces you could not do better than to appoint the
Deputy Commissioner Mr. d. Lowber Smith, to the
vacant Commissionershp. Mr. Smith has thorough ac-
ouainance with all the duties Of this Department ana
his practical experience in these is strong recommenda
ton in his favor 1 also the zeal and energy with
which he has looked after the interests Of the city
eaa therefore thoroughly recommend him TO you for ap
pontment to that position JOHN NEWTON,
Commissioner.
Il think that is all want TO say" added the
Mayor
How long have you appointed him forl" asked
aiopo,ier
have appointed him in place Of General New
ton resigned" was the answer. 1t Is not Tor me 10
say how long he is appointed for-I do not know lie
IS appointed Go to the Legislature or the courts to
l!acc which IS vacant, and he is now Commissioner
Was he sworn in to-day"
lie was sworn in Just now-witbin five minutes
sad the Mayor with laugh. You can get the Time
Iielt down fIe'
Now, Mr.. Bogsrt, You say, desired to ind out
Whether he could be eapponted at the end OF hi'
Nv Hewitt intcruptng, said Il have stated all
] am going 10 say the subject of Mr. BoGaft ana
YOU have got it," - -,
eau we have copies of this statement from Mr.
Sherman, Is that the purpose for winch you nave
had hin take II :" .., j.. A,.o
II recorded by Mr. sherman what have said. because
/ did not want be lied about. He Will undoubtedly
give YOU copies If you want them'
The law which authorized the appointment OF
Depgfy commissioner Is section 30 OF Inc OOlsClud
lion act. Under this act CoIOpIation Counsel Beck
man gave his opinion that Mr. smith could not act AS
Cor1ni. sioner under his appointment from General
Newton Mr. smith. backed by this opinion refused
Yesterday TO act either Commissioner or deputy,
yn1 IL is inmated that this refusal had the effect of
forcing from Mr. Hewitt an immediate appointment,
Y hich might otherwise have been delayed for some
time Commissioner smith will to-day HE his bona
$4,000, required by law and VIII enter formally
uYon his duties. , w.. $50.
The retiring Commissioner, General Newton, yes
cllsv lad the heads tho several bureaus OF his de
l1r'nlcnt assembled the Commissioners ONCE. ana
ricr praisinC them for their efficient discharge ol
duty during his administration. and thanking them tor
lis best wishes for The prosperity OF each and Dade
Them goodbye. 1t Is understood that General New
Ton will nov devote his time and energies exclusively
IN the Panama Railroad, OF which he Is president