New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1889-01-15
PROFITING BY THEIR TRUST
TRUSTEES SELLING TO THE BIG BRIDGE.
vENrnAr1se AND IMPROVING THE PRESENT

vENTLATING AND IMPROVING THE PRESENT
METHOD OF OBTAINING SUPPLIES.
Mayor Grant made his first appearance at the
meeting Of the Bridge Trustees yesterday. setting
an example in that respect to Mayor Chaplin who
has not found time in yeac to attend the sessions
OF the board. Ten trustees with Mayor Grant
and Controller Myers were present Charles S.
Higgins said that certain trustees were unlawfulIy
furnishing supplies TO the Bridge, and that the
whole matter should be investigated lie offered
resolution providing for committee for the
purpose. General A. c. Barnes said he would
second this, although the auditing committee had
just passed the accounts and they were open to
any one who desired to see them J. A. Bush
said that he supposed an attack was made upon
Tax Collector Swan. whose firm supplied oil and
grease to the Bridge. But it was matter of &C
commodation, and was supplied much below the
market price The Finance Committee did NOT
think it improper for Mr. Swan to supply oil and
grease
NO INvIDIoUs DISTINCTIONS
Mr.. Higgins disclaimed any intention of mean
ing Mr.. Swan alone, and asked il there were not
other trustees who supplied materials to the
Bridge, and President Howell said there were
Mr. Higgins then said that it was illegal accord
ing to the State laws, and he included all the
trustees in this matter who furnished any SIM
plies. The matter should be honestly and sduarefv
met and it would be better for the Trustees He
was tired Of hearing the accusation that there was
n ring in the board which every newspaper
printed. President Howell said he thought the
newspapers praised the Bridge management.
Trustee Barnes said There will be no scandal
about this matter unless we kick it up ourselves.
| acknowledge that my firm supplies goods to the
Br1dge,. and l desire 10 be summoned to court TO
receive punishment IL il is wrong / think there
was as much as 50 20 for stationery. paid
m last md
m the. Finance Committee also and passed The
bills never solicited the trade, and knew moth
ing OF IL save that | saw the bills here. So l
believe Mr.. Swan knew nothing Of the matter
IN regard 10 the oil, save in q general way
Neither of us, after what has been said win
fSfs sell any m9rs goods A. any price to he
up, and regret that IL has been ventilated
LOSING GOOD CUSTOMER.
Controller Myers moved as a substitute 70. Mr.
Higginss resolution that supplies hereafter be
purchased of any trustee, and Mr. Barnes seconded
this. Mr.. Higgins then called attention to the
lack Of open and fair competition in the mater
Of furnishing supplies, and said it would be
cheaper than TO call for proposals. as was now
done, from a few firms whose names figured con.
unuousy in the bills. IL was a pretty good
customer who paid SO 900 or $1,000 year for
oil, as tho Brgge did to Swan * Finch SO
CONTROLLER Myers's motion was amended by add
months be advertised for bids. except in cases Of
emergency, when the president could act. The
resolution was unanimously adopted
Controller Myers also presented petition from
the policemen, now getting 81 so day and
uniforms for an increase to 81 $50 year. After
some discussion In which Mayor Grant took part
their pay was increased 20 that amount, but they
will be required 30 furnish their own uniforms,
the city police do, subject to the inspection and
approval OF the chief engineer. The receipts
for December were sss, 034 81, and the ex-
penditures including $4,000 paid to the two
cities, were s252,503 The number of passengers
was 1904, 703.