The evening world., 1890-04-03

ton OF the old Irving Hall Democracy
In 1889, aud was afterwards Secretary OF
the Committee OF One Hundred, under
whose direction the present County Democ-
racy was developed. IL wAs then that he
became one Of the wArmest personal friends
and most trusted political lieutenAnts Of the
late Hubert o. Thompson.
The frat public Office that he held was
that Of Deputy County Clerk under Patrick
Keenan, In 1889, having accepted the posi-
tion at the advice Of Mr.. whitney, who
always had taken great personal interest
In his former secretary.
MIR. Beattie held this position up ~ June.
1885. when he was appointed Surveyor OF
the Port by President Cleveland, at tho same
time that Edward l.. Heddon, who was
Afterwards removed. waa appointed Collec-
tor.
He held his position In the Custom House
with Collector Magone all through Presi-
dent Cleveland administration. resigning
about year ago, when his successor was
appointed by President Harrison.
Since that time he has been occupied
mainly with political organizations. having
Joined the Tammany Hall organization In
WV blhtilOt huOub u 9bhI hkO.
In November, 1855, an attempt was made
by Louis BierAl, . discharged Custom
House Inspector, to take Mr.. BeAttie's life.
Bieral walked into the Surveyors office,
pistol in hand, while Mr.. DeAttle was sitting
at his desk.
Without any warning the would-be assassin
aimed his revolver at the Surveyor and fred
several shots at him, wounding him in the
groin and In the loft hand.
When the clerks In the adjoining Office
came In after hearing the shots fred they
found Mr. Beattie lying unconscious on the
floor and Bieral standing over him, the
smoking pistol in hand.
Although the Surveyor was dangerously
wounded. his injuries we're not 40 serious as
at first supposed. After several months
confinement In his house ho fully re-
covered. Bieral Ia now serving out his term
in the State prison.
While Mr.. Bcattie was the leader OF the
County Democracy In the Thirteenth Dis
trict he became very prominent in. National
as well as local politics. aud was regarded a.
one Of the ablest political organizers In the
city.
His judgment was relied upon by many
mon older than himself and even more
prominent In political affairs. At that time
he was Secretary Of the County Democracy
Executive and Ways and Means Commit
tees. and was also secretary OF the New Am
terdam Club.
He has served as q delegate in several State
and National Democratic convent tions, and
in 1882 was made ono OF the secretaries Of
the State Convention at SyrAcuse which
nominate m Mr. 1layalanA fnr
When Mr.. Beattie resigned from the
County Democracy In November, 1888. his
retirement created quite Q sensation In po-
itical circles.
In a-Ietter which Mr.. Besttie wrote at the
time he implied that he had lost sympathy
with the County Democracy and that he did
not approve OF the course IL had adopted
during that campaign.
He was particularly dissatisfied with the
denomination Of Abram S, Hewitt for
Mayor. and declined to do any work for him
during the campaign.
He was also particularly strong in his de-
nunciation Of the man apagement.of the Street
Cleaning Department on the ground that
cheap Italian labor. subject to the imposi-
tions OF thievish padrones. was employed to
clean the streets. while citizens who could
not compete with these Italians remained
idle.
Mr.. Beattie was always interested In this
branch Of the city government, and his Ap- |
pointment as head of the Street Cleaning |
Bureau Is regarded with particular favor on |
this ground.
There is nothing to be said OF the reasons |
which led to my appointment Of Mr.. |
said Mayor Grant. He Is