New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-08-06
SOME OF THEIR UNDERTAKINGS.
THEIR FAMOUS TUNNEL-RECENT FINANCIAL
TROUBLES.


The news Of the appointment at Poughkccpsie by
Judge Barnard of receiver for OBreW& Clark, the
firm of Aqucduct contractors created no little interest
in this city last evening anG was discussed with AM
nation in political and other circles about the uptown
hotels and clubs The apparent financial collapse OF
the firm was certainly not unexpected but it caused
nearly as much comment ii 1t had come unheralded
The enterprises In which these contractors have
been engaged were large and varied, and one
time they were looked upon as among the most
successful and solid OF the operators engaged IN
the work of construction The largest Of their recent
enterprises was the building Of six of the most I'M
portan sections of the CroOn Aqueduct involving
the expenditure Of many millions of dollars, although
they have been engaged in the building OF railroads
and other extensive operations One of ter Aqueduct
sections included the great feat Of engineering OF carry
ing the tunnel TO depth of 410 feet below the lfaren
River. II was on Section of O'Bren d Clarks con
tract that the discovery of most of the defective work
on the new Aqueduct made, and from the time
of es discovery the financial troubles of the firm seem
to have begun.
Under the orders of the Aqueduct Commission, they
started 10 repair the bad work at great COST but de-
clarng that they were entitled to reimbursement as
it was all done under the direct orders of the Com
mission through the chief engineer. The Aqueduct
Commission refused TO entertain any claim for making
good tho bad work the firms sections, and oBrlen
& Clark brought several suits against the cHy-ohe
covering each Of their sections-and aggregating be-
tween 81 100000 and S50O00OO. The first OF these,
in which the demand was for nearly $2,OOO'OoO re-
shifted in the defeat and discontinue OF the panurs
Money due the firm on its contracts with the city
has been Carnished by the subconractOrs in numer-
ous cases and it has been well known that OBren
G. Clark have for several months been in severe pc
cuniary straits.
John OBrien the head of The firm. has long been
active as Democratic politician, and during the noted
campaign of 1855, when Hill first for Governor,
III. taf,a lap lrnift 90
His methods for raising funds for the Governors con
test are stll fresh in the memory Of newspaper
readers.
Heman Clark, the second partner was large
contractor in the West before he came to New
York. and through the medium Of . lonesp John
Keenan,. under Hubert O. ThompSon's administration
as Commissioner OF Public Works. came IN WITH
O'Erien Oh the ground floor Of the Aqueduct con
tracts. "BOoder" Keenan, began annoving the firm
with suit claiming partnership iD its profits before
he thought it safe 10 leave his retreat In Canada.
on January ID. 1889. Judge Andrews granted keenan,
application for commission 70 ascertain Wlat MS
rights in Ehe AQucduct contracts were but he mas
been unsuccessful in his claims. II reports are correct
Mr. Clark has been for year more heavy dealer
in puts" and calls" IN Wall Street That his ventures
have not been successful indicated by OBrcns state
ment that Clark has overdrawn his account to the
amount of 100000.
The other partners. Edward Keaney and his rela-
tive John ii. Mooney are welknown Democratic poll
cans of this city Mr. Kearney has been on all sides
Of the local Democratic fence. and was never known
70 STAY long with the defeated faction. When the
Comfy Democracy organized Mr. Kealney left
Tammany Hall 10 become one of the cornerstones OF
The new organization. Three years ago, when the
f,rtunes of the Counties began to grow dark, he
ioned with Henry ID. PuToy In disruptng the orgahi-
cation and the next yeag found him safely back again
i tGe folJ of the Wigwam. Here he is likely 10 re-
main as long his interests make 1t an object. Mr;
Clark is the only member who Is even n0minay caeu
Rcnujcap Ills sympaies in all recent local ISSUES
have laeen with Tamnany