New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-01-27
MAYOR CHAPIN'S SORRY PLIGHT.

I
Ever since it was first minated that IN
amended complaint was likely to be served in
the suit brough. by Mr.. William Zicger in be-
half of the people of BROOKLYN to prevent the
cohsummation of what is now universally
known as the water steal, there has been Il
good deal of nervousness manifested by the
defendant officials and their legal representa-
two. Corporation Counsel jerks. The fact
that the complaint had been served was an
noGnced in Tue TRIBUNE on Sunday. and a
full statement Of the new points, together WIN
tho differences between the two complaints,
was published. Il is evident enough now that
the state Of mind in which McsSrS. Chapin
Jackson. jerks and the others have been
plunged has not been without reason. The
reason for the notice of appeal from Justice
BartlcttS decision continuing the temporary IN
junction is also disclosed. The accused DILL
ca, arc becoming badly "rattled."
The original complaint declared that Mayor
Cbapin and hi, associates had entered into IN
agreement for the purchase of the Water
supply Company plant at an excessive price
In the now complaint it is plainly affirmed that
the officials acted colIuSycy with the agents
of the cCmpary i'm contracting TO make the pur-
chase. and that when the plaintiff wrote them
g, letter asking them to delay action and give
him a chance to be heard, they not only youch-
safcd no reply t. il, but made all haste 70 COM
pc'c the contract Ii is further alleged that
the { mpany', bonds were selling at 50 before
The purcha,c--a fact which shows thai the
,-ocl, could not have been worth par-and that
for 4 wear before the purchase the regular
oIota,ion price of the stock was 80 and 30.
Another allegation in the amended complains
Is that the company was guilty of gross mis-
representation in declaring that j had fifty
milo, If pine and would be able AZ 4 small
expense TO supply water 20 the entire Twenty
sixth Ward whereas in fact it had only twenty
mile, O.. pipe covering only one-tweifth of the
ward
Il is commonly conceded that the plaintiff
had a strong ease al the outset 1t is now ap-
parcn. that the new facts which have come to
light greatly strcr CITIZEN it. Mayor Chaplin was
in sorry plight before. The grave charge
made under cath that he acted in collision
with tho officers Of the Watcr-Suppy Company
and their broker makes his position much more
serious. He has admitted in his affidavit that
he did not believe that public business should
be transacted on the same principles rs private
business The people OF Brooklyn and the
rest of the country are gradually finding on;
what manner of man this is who has endeavored
10 elevate himself on pedestal above his fel-
lows, and to create the impression that ne was
one Of the modern chosen people TO whom de-
fcats and s,fbackS were total strangers lie
has come down from the pedestal; in fact. he
has been rudcly thrust down by the inexorlb.e
logic Of events and j. seen to be only a COM
mon mortal after all. When this suit Is tried
his humiliation will be complete.
Mr. Jonlls processes to be DESTROYS Of an early
trial. We shall not be in the least surprised
70 see him postpone the service of his amended
answer until the last hour OF the twenty days
allowed aad meanwhile We arc prepared 20
sec him pu. forth hcrculean efforts to have the
Injunction set aSidn on appeal to the General
Term The one thing Mayor Chaplin would
give everything 10 avoid is an open trial OF the
issue and the uucovering of the whole truth re-
carding this shady transaction.