The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1892-04-16
LIVE WASHINGTON TOPICS.
THE rI0Hr OYER THE NORTH RIVER
BRIDGE nile BEGUM

Hearing Before the HOUSE CoRnittee-
Lively Tit In the Committee Rsoa he.
tween Mr.. Covert and Col. Feiiows-Cas-
didates for Executive Clerk Youre's Place
-AiGer's Presidential Boom Knocked Out.
WASHINGTON. April 15.-There was a lively
Gilt between Representatives Covert and Fell
lows in the House Commerce Committee room
this morning over the Covert bill to bridge the
Hudson River between New York and Jersey
city. This was the day set apart for the hear
ING Of the various interests involved. Almost
every member OF the committee was in his
seat at tho long table promptly at 1880. In an
Iteration Of some choice New York oratory.
There were also q number OF interested spec.
tators present, besides the legal representa-
tives Of tho contending forces. The pro-
motors Of tho New Jersey Bridge Com
pany occupied commanding position
near the head OF the table. In close proximity
TO tho Chairman. Mr.. Wise OF Virginia. aud the
senior members OF the committee. Ierrs-
sentative Covert was the recognized sponsor
for tho bill. because he introduced II In the
House. Near him was Judge Green. who
riloted the franchise safely through the Now
York Legislature Close at hand was Mr..
sparkman. who has been Watching the in
terests OF the bridge company here since
the bill was introduced. and he. with
Il Floyd Clark and ex.Congressman Phil
Thompson OF Kentucky. who Is the local
attorney for the company. formed tho team In
support of the bill. At tho foot OF the table
we're the opponents Of the measure. includ-
ing Representatives Fellows. Cummings.
Clancy. and Coonibs; Cyrus Clarke. James
Van .Dyck Card. BENJAMIN F. Romano. and
Francis l.. jerks OF the West End Association.
Of New York: Mr. Willis Holly. private score
tary to Mayor Grant: W. c. Arnold OF the
Equitable Lilo Insurance Com pany. and ex-
Congressman Levi ?. Maish OF Pennsylvania.
who represented the North River Bridge Com
pany.
Before the meeting began It was generally
known tina. the opponents Of the bill were not
ready to proceed with the hearing. and that
they would appeal for further postponement
This knowledge seemed to give Phil Thomp-
son the impression that there Is some dccp-
laid scheme on foot to postpone the considera-
IN his IS op" a remarks he briefly o%tlhed the
provisions Of tho bii and recited the benefits
totho public to be derived from tho cohstruc;;
that the proposed bridge would be in the inter-
est Of the travelling public. and profitable to
Congressman Covert.
Mr. Covert at once o. opened enc t up fierce attack
those Trs Of his colleagues Who have seen fit t.
before cons5oss; ms fspoIlsd. Win @seh
tie had been resorted to by the friends Of the
n i he s Psows sn S a ca
ns5 nSs who had in the 'rt dssa
hill, He also declared that the people Of New
bessuss they ,realissi that the, proposed
bridge would be a great convenience and
tiele from THE Sun. Of the 18th inst. advo-
eating the passage Of the bill In commenting
to Ss edo Of s2a
isnEed any gentlsMman present e point out an
vocated in his paper, piece Of legislation
which was e, contrary to tho interests OF the
st Col. Fellows SI was then recognized, but before
he got under way he was prompted BY several
gentlemen sitting near him to say that the
on with the hearing to.dal and respectfu[iy
asked for postponement until next week. It
is to give the same subject hearing on satur:
day bs Be mss
At this point Representative Grain Of Texas.
one 81 the members q the committee. sailSd
tie her request .Ha st Of Mayor Grant a postponemens
WIFI %hs wss aDG pas aa' and he
begged tine to consult with Private Secretary
tho legal adviser Of tie oppositisn:
tive Of that city, Mayor Grant. to appeal to the
70 sps
erly present the city's side Of the case. He
denied that he had charged corruption on the
sisted that 1t was curious and quite unusual
for bill OF that character. Of peculiar interest
ss sy Vi
sentatives Of New York city. He asked for q
further in ods that It mshs
tie piers is to be built in the middle the river.
sprinsins up and PRODUCING a set q drawings
showing the design OF the proposed bridge. |
not Ss to sld ps5 IL hs
to substantiate his claim.
10Y ows as fs 81
there are the plans" replied Judge Green.
, whether tho statement Of the gentleman is
@ Ss hs ers%
Ing weary sr Oft Of ths diatory tactics emPl1yed
further dsbnte and requested the parties inter- |
ested to name day when It would be con- |
veniclt for them to present their case to the |
;sSC n There was some sparrIpg oyer
fixing OF a day. 1t was decided that the |
s sSa H., shall take G place on next FRIDAY;
" which to make .argun.e nt. Mr.. Thomn-
s"n; on behalf Of tho bridge company,
H. sGa , hs va; wiling to Sye the oIR,ositiSn al
mat ihs committees had other business, to
CONSIDER; and, politely requested the New
s ssHIchea tho opposition congratulated them
and one Of the party remarked that they had
action to-day.
..i w. vas thS intention Of tho bridge people"
sAt NJ Holly. to try and get n favorable re-
RoIt IRON tho House committee before the
HenHtI bearing takes place. with tho hope that
u miglt nluence the senate"
ihe lrcnds OF tho bill appeared to be satisfied
WIN IN" outcome OF to- day s skirmsh. and they
are Confident hat they WIN he able to secure ia
GG oinIn.n consideration in both Houses. They
u"clhre That there Is no serious opposition to
Ieople VINO believe II will be n profitable In
tH,estment; and that they want to get slice OF
scheme.