New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-06-11
PRICE THREE CENTS.
RUMORS OF COMPROMISE.
THE DIVISION OF THE BRIDGE PLUMs'
TAMMANY AND THE BROOKLYN MACHINE rALs
OF DIVIDING THE SPOIL


There was little change yesterday in the contest
for the control of the Bridge between New
York as represented by ex-senator Wagstaf,
and Brooklyn MS represented by ex-Slayor Howell.
Each persisted in claiming TO be rightfu president
of the Bridge but the nine points Of the law
which possession is supposed to ensure belonged
to the former Mr.. Howell. who was 30
clearly outwltted in the election on Monday.
was more timid " terday, and while still act
ing as claimant, ook no steps TO maintain his
position, and did not attempt TO GUST President
Wagstaf and the men he put in charge 10
guard his chair in his absence. He contented
himself with fitting from the Bridge office to
his business office and consulting with Boss
Mclaughlin and his lawyers as to what he
could do.
The Bridge subordinates and employees evf-
IDENTIFY realized that the new regime had might
at least on its side, and the orders Of President
Wagstaff obeyed by Superintendent Mar
tin, Secretary Beam, and Treasurer Mcclellan.
President Wagstalf signed checks and performed
other official duties. lie has put new COM
binaton upon the safe and has made every
preparation to maintain his position.
The political phases of the matter were made
manifest in consultations yesterday by both
President Wagstaff and ex-President Howell with
fused according 10 his usual custom, to have
anything to say about the matter for puohca-
tion it is understood that compromise is to be
made President Wagstaf will be left in un-
disturbed possession, and Vice-Presdent Howell
will be made an assistant to him by the pay
ment of a salary for his duties. The patronage
will be more equally divided between the Demo
cratic machines in the two cities than heretofore
and all the choice contracts will not I've given
to Brooklyn 1t is believed that the " deai'
means the retention of Superintendent Martin In
his present position for another year at least
The statement made upon semi-oficial au-
thority yesterday afternoon that in view OF the
great interests involved the most digniiied thing
for the representatives Of Brooklyn would be for
Mr.. Howell to waive all legal claims to the
office of president in the interest OF the people
and allow the case to end with protest against
the underhanded methods employed by Iammany
Hall to seize the Bridge. In point Of fact, no
sufficient grounds to base proceedings TO GUST
President Wagstaf were found.
The 6rst of the claimants for the chair OF
Bridge president to arrive at the office yesterday
was Mr. Howell lie found Assistant Janitor Ken
nedy in charge, as he had slept on the sofa In the
room all night to see that no one sat in President
Wagstaff's seat He did not allow Mr.. Howell to
take it, although the latter said he did not ac-
knowledge the right by which Colonel Wagstah ap-
ponted Kennedy. Mr. Howell seated himself at
one side of the desk and opened q private drawer
to which he retained the key, and while there
President Wagstaff APPEARED. Their meeting was
cordial, but Mr. Howell did not remain long, and
President Wagstaff opened the mail addressed TO
the President of the New.York and Brooklyn
Bridge President Wagstaff went into the office
of Secretary Beam and asked if his authority was
recognized When told it was, he examined the
records in the safe. He also put the same query
to Superintendent Martin, and told him to direct
the police and other employees to obey his in
structiOns.
After Mr.. Howell went away from the office he
said that as far as the Office and salary were
concerned he was ready to give them up The
latter was a mere nothing and the former took
much valuable time and caused great amount Of
bother. But he would have liked to remain and
supervise the important improvements now under
way. Mr. Howell returned to the office just after
Colonel Wagstaff had left, but the latter came
hurryng back aud asked what he wanted. They
talked for short time and went away, and did
not return for the day.
Although Mr.. Howell said yesterday that the
law firm of Bergen x Dykman was preparing an
opinion to show the illegality of the election Of
Colonel Wagstaf the members of the firm said
that they were simply counsel for the trustees and
nOO 1Or MI Couiu ohiy scc o"c
matter was settled in the interests of the entire
board and not Of Mr. Howell merely.
The Democratic ring" organ in Brooklyn served
this notice Iammany Hall last evening in q
double-leaded editorial, after deprecating legal
contest over the matter:
The Tammany organization has, on more than ono
occasion I'm the not remote past been under obligations
to the Democracy Of Kings County, and the probabh
ties that very severe tax viii be laid upon any
bodys patience before similar state of things recurs
Ii Is very much easier for set OF politicians 10 prove
that they unworthy Of the confidence which pre-
walls among gentlemen than to gain the friendship 01
a body 50 well able to take Of Itself under all
circumstances the organized Democracy Of this city.
The presidency of the Bridge cannot be much misused
by Mayor Grants nominee without incurring conse
qnences that will go great deal further In the drec
ton Of redress than the Bridge presidency or the New
York Mayors office.