New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-04-24
HILLS TRICKERY EXPOSED.
HOW HE TRIED TO SAVE SQUIRE.
THREATENING MR.. MARITIME AND WORKING
TO SUPPRESS TILE LETTER.
YOUNG MR. WINS GIVES THE CASE AwAY-Ex,

AooEsU Mr. WINS OlNES THE ChSE hWht-G4S
CONTROLLER LoEW AND CONTRACTOR
CLARK ON THE wITNEss-sTAND.
The second days labors Of the State Senate
Investigating Committee, which were begun shortly
after 0 o'clock yesterday morning In the Superior
Court. Chambers, proved as lively and entertaining
in their results as those Of Saturday, and II
anything, more damaging to Governor Hill. This
was chiefly due to the testimony OF the City
Chamberlain Mr.. WINS, who talked as unreservedly
about his relations with Mr. Hill as did Nh.
Squire, and with much effect
Mr.. WINS was the principal witness at the
morning session. He was preceded by President
Spencer Of the Aquedust Commission; ex-Con-
troller Edward J. Loew d. G. Robinson, of Ell
mira, and Mr.. Squire. Squire was recalled to
produce the letters which he said bad been
written to him by Governor Hill He did offeI
them, but they did not prove as sensational
as had been anticipated. AS will be seen, they
are for the most part simply requests by Hill
for the appointment Of his friends in the
Department of Public Works, which at that time
had been virtually turned over to his control
SUMMARY OF OTHER EVIDENCE.
Mr. Loew's evidence simply confirmed the
fact, generally known, that he was thrown out
of the Aqueduct Commission because he opposed
John OBriens methods Ex-Judge Spencer re-
peated the story of his unsuccessful efforts to
induce the Governor not to sign the Aqueduct
bill Heman Clark, the business member Of the
firm of OBrien & Clark, was on the stand moss
Of the afternoon and gave some interesting tes-
timony in relation TO BIS firm and To- his political
partner. One of these that the 81 0.000 note
on which Governor Hills name appeared was
really the campaign assessment lie Ied on John
O'Brien, which he sought to have Mr.. Clark
shoulder with him. on the ground that the con-
frh N hp ADVANTAGE
Of the firm. De Lancey Nicoll occupied the stand
for short time but his testimony in regard to
Governor Hill and the Squire-Flynn Indictment
was not important.
MORE SPECTATORS THAN ON SATURDAY.
There was a much larger crowd in attendance
than on Saturday At times the room filed
with interested spectators, including a number of
local politicians. All the Aqueddct Commissions
ers, Messrs. Ridgway, Barnes, Baldwin, Dowd,
and Fish, dropped In, and some Of them remained
throughout both sessions. The Senators were on
hand promptly. Chairman Fassett raped fon
ORDER but before General Tracy called the first
witness, Senator Pierce arose and stated that
he had received telegram from Governor Hill
asking The committee to compel Mr.. Squire to
produce the letters referred to by the ey-Commis-
sioner in his testimony Saturday. Mr. Fasseto
said such a formal demand had been made by
the committee.
President Spencer, whose examination was begun
on Saturday, was the first to testify. tie said that
he had seen the Gov ernor about the blH for
changing the Aqueduct Board. lie told Mr. Hin
that public sentiment was against the measure, ana
urged him TO wait for protests. Ihe Governor
replied that if he thought as Mr. Spencer dldabouo
the necessity OF retaining tue Controller on the
Commission, he would veto the bill Immediately.
1.-TWO days afterward," remarked the witness,
Governor Hill signed the BILL
NEVER HEARD OF SUBLEr CONTRACTS.
The names and bidders for Section l2 Of the
Aoueduct, for which O'Brien & Clark received tho
contract for s43O341 although there were three
others below them, was read. General Tracy asked
Mr. Spencer if he had ever heard Of BecSwlth &
Quaclxenbush to whom it was said OBrlen &
Clark had sold the contract No." was the reply,
never heard of them. 1t was denied to me that
the contract was sold The actual work Is being
done by a man named Peterson, who, understand,
is O'Brien & Clark's superintendent
At the request of Senator Fassett Mr.. Spencer
related the history of the contract for Section L 2
The Commissioners advertised for bids for Sections
H. l3 and IA When the contracts were opened
they were referred to the engineers for class1ca-
ton They informed the witness that they deemed
it important that OBrien d Clark should nave
the contracts, as Mr.. Clark had done
similar work in the upper section and done u We'll
An informal vote was taken, and section no -
was given to Brien & Clark and Sections 8 and
IA to another firm, Brunton * 90, when Ialieu
to do the work and is now In the hanus OF
receiver. Mr.. Spencer thought It was ior the oess
interests of the city to give the work under the
Harlem River to o. Bren az Clark. The statement
of Chief Engineer Church, giving the reasons why
Section l 2 should be awarded to OBrlen o. ClarR
was submitted In evidence.
SQUIRE PRODUCES THE LETTERS
Then Mr. Squire, looking as happy as though he
were still in control Of his old department, picked
his way to the witness stand. He said he had the
Governors letters with him and produced them.
Here they are: ,oo-
Dear Sir: am directed by Governor hin to say
that he win be IN Albany on Sunday and VIII be glad
to see you at any time which may suit ysur con-
''"''"'' '''' William G. Rice. Private Secretary.
June o6. 1885.
My Dear Sir: expect to be in New-York at tho
see You for a few moments / should be obliged Il
you could make 1t convenient to CALL remain very
truly yours, DAVID b. HILL
Hoffman House, July 0. 's5.
My Dear SIR Mr.: Ridgway has spoken 10 you about
%oSd be proper one to make and
That would be credItable TO your department Mr.:
YOU In your efforts to conduct your department
business principles trust you can arrange 10 securs
his services. Yours, W. Ia Maher'
Executive Mansion.
Albany, November IL, 1855.
Hon. Rollin NJ Squire:
ton was received with great pe asure, aud ] fully
appreciate and thank you for the hearty expression Of
jun e''N David b. Hill.
Executive Mansion,
Albany, May 10, 1885.
To r. NJ. Squire, ESQ.,
Dear Sir Permit me TO introduce to you tho bearer
hereof willard N. Pratt, esq, an Alderman OF tho
Second Ward of the city Of Elmlra Although Re-
publican he IS a very clever fellow, gentleman in
every respect and a prominent citizen Of Emira.
He visits your city behalf Of committee Of nves-
tigation concerning street-sweeplng machines Any
information which you give him and any courtesies
you may extend TO him Will be appreciated by me.
remain very truly yours. David b. Hill.
Executive Mansion.
Albany september 28 1885
Hon. Rollin NJ. Squire:
Dear Sir: Governor Hill has received your cordial
letter Of the 25fh inst, and desires to thank Won
for the congratulations II contained He fully appre-
cates the kind sentiments and the hearty assurance
OF support which you express The Governor wishes
TO add that the need OF his presence In New York
City deprves him Of the pleasure OF personally &C.
knowledging your letter. Truly yours,
William @ Rice, Private Secretary