New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-09-03
WHAT BROOKLYN TALKS OF
SEPTEMBER TOPICS OF INTEREST IN THE
METROPOLIS OF LONG ISLAND.

METROPOLIS OF LONG ISLAND
Edward NJ shepard's essay on "The Brooklyn
1dea NJ city Government" printed in THE Forum. "
IL an able, interesting and timely contribution
IN current political discussion in Brooklyn. Mr..
shenard Is an independent Democrat. He sup
ported David A. Body for Mayor. lie writes as
an enthusiastic and loyal Brooklynte. He does
not DESPAIR Of the city II Is evident that lie was
invited by the editor of the magazine In question
IN describe "The Fail OF Great CITY" but he
was too patriotic and truthful to undertake the
task Nevertheless. 1t is n gloomy picture which
he paints. Mayor Body IS understood to be great
~ ncensed in consequence. and threatens TO make
n reply "ether for the magazine the news
papers" II he is az frank and outspoken Mr..
Shepard has been his article will be interesting
tell the truth and the whole truth about the
influences which have controlled-and wrecked,
his srs SHEPARD nd BcOdy do
as they pass by.
The author OF THE Brooklyn Idea" Is undoubt-
edy correct in saying that the charter OF Brooklyn
Is as good now It ten years ago. when.
under Mayor Lows administration. Brooklyn
gained such an honorable distinction in munici
pal government. II is to be noted that AIR. Shep-
ard has severe words for Mayor Low and
for his appointments and methods. In dealing
with Mayor Body. however he Is drastic In his
criticism. while. again. in reference to Boss
Mclaughlin he uses language which will cause
surprise on the part Of those who look on mat
magnate as the embodiment of wckedness and
corruption. Mr.. Shepard declares that the respon-
sibility for the present condition of Brooklyn
rests solely upon Mayor Body. 1t was within
his power to govern well or Ill; he has chosen to
do the latter. and hence the nearly universal
and contemptuous distrust Of his political ability
and character" This is fair statement of the
There il a clever and caustc reference by
Mr. Shepard to the legal attacks upon Rartie Mar
curious development OF popular government by
sn wen WSr ryes ehaTr m n
wealth. "
Curousy connected with Mr.. shcpards tren-
chant article Is the interview with ex-Alayor
Chaplin which The Eagle printed last Sunday
concerning Mr.. Boodys reappontment OF the heads
of city departments whom he found in Office. Mr..
Chaplin implied more than he said, but the ret
result Of what he said and refrained from saying
leaves no room for doubt to his iieanins. What
Mr. Body himself had to say subsequently only
made more evident the truth of his predecessors
disclosures. The substance OF these was that Mr..
Body had made up his mind 10 surround himself
with men of high character and 10 give the city
the best administration In his power. However,
he visited by some one in the interests OF the
ruling ring -presumably by Mr.. Chapn-and made
to see that his duty lay in another direction. Mr..
Chaplin expressly denies that any club was held
over Mr.. Boody's head BE that as it may Mr..
Body abandoned his intention. yiel led TO the SUI
perlor influence, whatever 1t may have been, ard
on the very first day OF his term gave the most
convincing proof of his subservien'e by reap
pointing every Of the commissioners whom he
beeSe hI a he dG this as as ara 0f
that, it was impossible to expect anything but an
at the CITY Hall And If he be renominaed- as he
is likely to be-and II he should lie reelected
simply repetition of his first. There can be no
hope of any other result.
The trustees OF the Adelphi Academy have made
a wise choice in selecting a principal of that
institution to succeed the late DIR. Crombe. whose
untimely death was only recently recorded. Dr.
Charles H. Levermore is by no means stranger
in Brooklyn. and he will be certain TO receive "A
warm welcome when he comes TO take up his
abode there. Although young man. he has shown
exceptional qualifications as teacher, besides
pursuing investigations which show that he pos
sesses mental qualities Of broad scope, and power
Of close and patient study. He has been described
BY a prominent educator OF Brooklyn the COM
ng John Fiske"-a compliment which those most
familiar with Professor Fiske's work will most
xeenly appreciate. Dr. Levermore has delivered a
number OF lectures in the Brooklyn Institute
courses Ills series last season on the development
Of the marriage relation disclosed careful and COM
inquiry and the power Of summing up
results in a lucid and convincing way. Professor
Hooper, the director OF the Institute. has very
high opinion of DR.. Levermore's abilities. and 1t
: PERHAPS a req sonable assumption that he ex-
.rted his influence with the Adelph authorities
n determining the choice OF the new principal Or.
will have large opportunity in his
new post OF honor and influence. and will doubtless
improve II 10 me MOS , ne tS necaentv of dis
continuing the services Of the former principal Pr
h au onen ,r before Dr. eyermoe is never
heleSs inviting one.
The city is likely TO have some pretty bills OF
lamage pay account OF the flooding of cellars
~ tie recent storms That claims for damages in
such cases are valid is shown by the large number
which have been allowed in recent years When
he big sewer i'm Greene-ave. built it was
promised that there would be no more trouble from
his cause, but the recent experience in parts OF
he Twenty-thrd and Twenty-fth wards shows
hat something is needed. II Is not at all sur
,rising that propertyowners are excited in conse-
,uence Of what they have undergone. In at least
me case an association for mutual protection has
,een formed and counsel have been engaged to
,ress the claims in the courts. There is also talk
ertan that something must be zone without de-
ay to guard against such emergencies as those |
which have just occurred.
The Board of Supervisors may be depended upon |
o lose no time In distributing such moneys as come
lnder it's control at the earliest possible day In
ome way It secured extra allowance OF N7OO |
or thought II had-and at its meeting on |
tuesday It promptly divided up the amount among |
our clerks and the sergeant least all OF
t except a beGgarly $50 How that much came to
e left is inexplicable for the addition of so to the
,onus provided each Of the fortunate five would
ave used up the entire sum. Some people may he |
ceiling the effect of hard times. and the number OF
may be daily increasing. but the Super |
'sOrs oe/tngs County are superior to all such |
on sid era ions The money ut their disposal |
md they were unwilling TO allow II the opportunity
o burn a hole I'm anybodys pocket. However. the |
Il.
alary grab and in order to prevent a complete |
Knockout by his veto. ii Is understood that the |
elton will be promptly rescnded