Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-02-09
Communicated
FOLEY's ANSWER.
A scathIng Arraignment Of the RIng-A
DeclinafiOn and the Reason Therefore,

DeclinafiOn and the Reason Therefore,
Following is an open letter addressed by
Chairman Foley, of the Democratic City
Committee, to Chairman Burleigh, of the
Republican Committee:
Clarence Burleigh, Esq, Chairman Republican
City Committee:
MY DEAR SIR-After consideration we
think a discussion of the questions sug-
gested by yours of February 6, 1890, viz:
The management of affairs in this city, the
existing evils, if any exist, and the remedy
therefor is not of such nature to per-
NIT of intelligent and orderly debate, as
they involve essentially the honesty Of in
dividuals and Of purity Of their motives,
their personal character, associations, and
their mental and moral attributes.
To illustrate, we charge that the city's af-
fairs are mismansged, and as proof thereof
that the committees of Council are selected
not by the respective ChaIrmen, but by per-
sons to whom they are under obligations,
and that these committees are manipulated
by the same parties who dictated their ap-
pointment for their personal benefit We
again allege that these parties, generally
known as the "Ring," compelled the juno
fion Railroad to pay for the privileges en-
ioyed, and that a well-known Pittsburg at
torney carried around and exhibited the
personal checks of a number Of Councilmen
and others that participated in this job; and
again we say, that the Monongahela Water
Works contract was job, that an investi-
cation was ordered by Councils on account
of charges made of the improper use OF
money; and the specific statement Of Coun-
Gilman Murphy that an offer Of $500 was
made him for his support and influence in
having it approved, and that he afterward
refused to testify and the Courts decided
that he could not be compelled to do SO. and
the investigation was abandoned. That the
ring which passed the new charter knew
this and did not provide power within it for
investigation of such malfeasance.
Again, that certain railroads gave stock
which was held in the names of friends of the
ring for their influence in obtaining rights
and privileges in the city.
Again, whether or not the Birmingham
traction road paid $4,000 or $4,000 for
the franchise it enjoys, and who received
fhe money?
Again, if "the ring" did not have an act
of Assembly passed allowing Councils to
yacate streets without the concurrence OF the
courts, and whether large number have
not been vacated by this Council for COM
pensation OF which the city received moth
ing.
Again, if the Department of Public Safety
is not. through its agents and superior of
fcers, engaged in dragooning the criminal
classes for money and votes.
Again, whether proposals are not 50
framed that they preclude competition in
bidding on public contracts and thereby Sc
cure the awarding of the profitable contracts
to ring contractors.
Again, if the letting of contracts for street
improvements is not delayed until enough
L. NHnk Ill h.
tractors may be able to get all they want
and thereby prevent competition and in.
crease the cost Of public improvement?
Again, whether or not the city employees
are not being assessed and required to pay
money and give service toward the election
of Republican candidates at the coming
election, in violation of law?
AGAIN. whether or not certain CouncilmeI
are not and have not recently been receiving
paw at the rate Of $75 per month from ga
and railroad and traction companies, fol
merely nominal services, on account Of theil
votes having been recorded in favor of thesC
eompany's grants, by Councils, and whether
these "snsps" are not given and continued
upon the approval Of 'the ring"
Again, whether or not the Law Depart
ment is an ''existing evil" when it is forced
TO resort to high priced and eminent lawyer
for assistance and advice when the city Ii
threatened with SUIT OF any magHlsuues
Again, wnetner or nos ~ "as mlslnanage astE
ment or worse altef an orolnance Wss PSssee q
and vetoed oy tne mayor 10Y aoYiee o1 tn'
law department. on t9e gro9nS OF no iegs
Liability on tne 8 part OF tne cI.yls wnica aP
proPrlasea ei,GV1 On p;.,nhr, - - - ba;ny
received py G osShen "a hu";",nt Gh;sf =
run over by tne Seeond assistant OnlsI 2
the Fire Department ana IN case Wnersll f:l