New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1890-11-17
ODDS AND ENDS OF POLITICS.
TO PROSTITUTE A STRONG OFFICE.
HUDSON COUNTY DEMOCRATS DETERMINED TO
MAKE THE TAX DEPARTMENT CARD TO

HUDSON COUNTY DEMOCRATS DETERMINED To
MAKE THE TAX DEPARTMENT CARD TO
PLAY IN THEIR NEFARIoUs GAME
Perhaps the most disgracefu feature in the scrim-
bic for ONCE by Hudson County Democrats Is the an
nouncement that Mayor Cleveland VIII appoint John
d. German president Of the Board Of Tax Commits
sioncrs OF Jersey CITY, The present incumbent Is
Michael j. o,Donnell Of irrcproachable charac-
ter in private life but politician, and politician OF
the school where might makes right. MI oDohheii
Is chairman OF the Democratic County Commi'ec anu
TO his excellent executive ability Is due much OF the
success Of tho Democrats at the recent election lie
vas appolnted Tax Commissioner In the spring OF
1890 by Mayor Cleveland for the short term one year
year later he was appointed for the long term OF
three years and made president OF the Board. Tie
salary Is o. SOC year. The responsibility Is grea'cf
than that attached any other ONCE In tho CITY govern
mcnt There are two other members, both creatures
OF Mayor Cleveland and Robert DAVIS Inc hepuo-
lcan member David Lawrence, was appointed TO the
ouce for the services he contributed Davis by running
as AN independent candidate for Sheriff the year Davis
was elected TO that Office. The third member, ex'
Alderman John j. Briggs. is an out-andout Davis
Democrat.
NJ j. O'Donnell. in the last campaign was informed
that the tax assessments had TO be nxeo LOT eiec-
ton PURPOSES He is an honest man, and he rebelled
This did not suit Bob Davis and Factotun Cleve
land at all, but their persuasive powers were ex-
hausted on the president of the board, who 1t Is SAID
threatened to resign Just before election. Davis and
CIevelaIli became greatly alarmed at this, and inc
pressure from O'Donnel was removed, but only unu
the election was over. Mr. O'Donncll was then given
to understand that IL he preferred to be police
justice he could have the appointment. Tile salary
Is the same as Tax Commissioner, and the duties re
aurc about two hours work day, Sundays excepted
Mr. o'Donnell knew that this tempting bait was offered
him TO get rid Of him in quiet way as Tax COM
missioner. He knew also that honest man could
fill the office as the Ring. desired II to be filed ana nc
accepted the proposition There Is no doubt that ne
will be appointed Police Justice to succeed Justio,
samuel stilsng. Republican.
When this appointment is made the Ring intends
to control the Tax Board by appointing john d. Cor
man the successor Of N. J. O'Donnell. German has
for years borne character that made him familiar
nected with keno game and with several policy shop.
and Is said to own dozen of these policy shops az
raidedn by the police few months ago, soon afeI
Bob" Davis elected him q member Of the BoalS o.
ts%dsnt At the hen asylum for being nna intimate with
the employ Of the county, who certiny as guilty
as Mrs Barry. Spear IS, however. one OF NV nu h;
eosnSa G psens . as and
saved him from being dismissed through Gorinall' De
spear % s ring have
determined Shall control the tax assessments OF
900 Of property in Jersey CITY Inns same snet me-
the control of the Police and Fire departments Inc
chief OF each Of these departments is Republican
The Tenure of Office Act prevents their removal or re-
ducton IN grade without cause TO overoc me Iis
law and to the of chief paltry subordinate
one the ring proposes to have the Legislature create
the offices Of superintendent Of Police and superb
that Of chief ana then both departments Will be at ths
mercy Of the ring The two men said 70 De siaseo
p Smith and John Conway, both notorious ring men
Smith, for reasons best known TO the rng, was pG
within one year Conway is at present president OF
the Fire Commissioners and proprietor OF groS shop