New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-07-20
WHAT THE COMMISSIONERS SAY OF 1T.
SOME SUPPORT THE GOVERNOR. OTHERS OPPOSE

SOME SUPPORT THE GOVERNOR, OTHERS OPfOsE
HIM. AND STILL OTHERS ARE SILENT.
The Aqucduct Commissioners held short session
yesterday. All the members were present but the
news Of Governor HIS message to the Legislature
recommending the entire reorganization Of the Com
mission seemed to destroyed their usual appetite
for business On the Recommendation Of the Com
mttoe on Construction, 900 was appropriated for
additional temporary braces for Shaft No 80, after
which an adjournment to the next regular day OF
meeting July 23. was voted unanimously.
After tho session the Commissioners were asked
what they thought OF Governor HIPS message to the
Legislature and the recommendations 1t contained
President spencer and Commissioner baldwin declined
TO express any opinion on tho subject further Than 90
take issue with the Governor TO the alleged IN
harmonious character Of the Commission. Both as
serted that the contrary was the fact and that
upon every question Of moment the Board had been
practically unanimous.
Commissioner Dowd said that he agreed with the
Governor in the conclusion at which he arrived in
recommending the reorganization. lie was strongly
in favor Of the Mayor and Controller being made
members OF the Commission. Mr.. Barnes expressed
views similar TO those Of Mr. Dowd. but Ike Nessrs
Spencer and Baldwin thought the Governor entirely
mistaken in ascribns want OF harmony to the Board
Commissioner Ridgway declined to give any ex-
preston to his views. He thought IT would be I'M
proper to do
Commissioner Fish said that the reorganization Of
the Commission was matter Of no moment 70 him
personally Il shall not LIT hand 10 prevent It.
he continued. The effect Of a reorganization VIII
be- naturally. TO bring the pending investigation by
the state Senate Committee to end. II there are
any lame ducks who dread continuance Of the in
vestigaiion l am not one Of them. The counsel for
both parties represented in the committee, MI
Boardman and Mr. Nicoll, have said that not vessc
of evidence to my detrment has been developed and
| am under no apprehension II the investigation
should 20 indefinitely.
- that o. 3. Potter, whose hos
ti1ty 10 the construction of the Quaker
Bridge Dam is well known, succeeded after
serious effort in obtaining nine signatures TO his
memorial 10 the Governor asking his aid in bringing
about the reorganization. Mr.. Potters motive VIII
be more apparent when n is known that he Is inter
ested in a syndicate which wants TO bring water
down from Lake George and sell 1t 10 the city. Tho
appearance Of ex-Mayor Graces signature appended
10 the memorial is not in any degree surprising
Mayor Grace expects 10 be cited to appear before the
Fassett Committee and the testimony likely TO be
elected from him has been looked forward 70 with
some degree OF interest especially the part OF u re
aiing the contracts for Sections - and j in which
his former private secretary, Richard J. Morrison IS
supposed have a share. ANY scheme which might
result in breaking up the investigation was naturally
sciEei upon By Mr. Grace with avldity.7
General Sewton said that tie Governor had NOT
consulted him IN relation 10 his Aqueduct message
and he did not feel called upon to criticise r. II
he had asked me- said the Commissioner II Pubic
works, a could have told him exactly how many
Governor proposes TO keep the number Of Com
miSsOners at eight