The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1893-12-28
BEDELL FIRED THE BOMB.
Ex-senator Brlnkerhoff and
James S. Erwin Replace
William D. Edwards and
Spencer Weart.
What His Honor Says Of the
Doings of Last Nights
Meeting.


of the Board of Finance who, he claims,
have betrayed him in a most disgraceful
manner. The Mayors indignation is due to
the action of the Board of Finance in ap-
pointing a successor to Corporation Counsel
William D. Edwards, and bouncing City
Attorney Spencer Weart and ap-
pointing successor to him.
Mayor Wanser was not consulted he says,
in the making of the appointments, nor was
he advised that such action was to be taken.
The whole affair was trick of the Finance
Commissioners concocted, it is said, by Com
missioners Bedell and Fraser and carried to
a successful termination by Commissioner
Simpson.
The resolution removing Mr.. Edwards and
appointing ex-senator William Brinckerhoff
was fathered by Commissioner Bedell, while
Mr.. Simpson cared for the removal of
Spencer Weart and the appointment of
James S. Erwin as his successor. Commits
sioner Detwiller was not present, but the fol-
lowing letter was received from him.
DETwILLER's LETTER.
am informed that the question Of electing
corporation counsel and attorney for the unex-
pired term of these offices is to come before our
board this evening.
tendance and that have 10 take tn ese means
to express my views and explain m position
In this matter The reform movement of the
people of his city begun with the eleciio of
Mayor Wanser, and endorsed again by the peo-
pies voice last fall in the election of reform
Sheriff. has de monstrated beyond doubt that
the public is more Interested ia hone st govern
ment and believes more in economical and non-
partisan boards than in partisan machines.
say, although Republican In majority, has
80 far set an example OF non u-partisans hip
that seems to be appreciated by the puolic and
ought to be followed by other city depart
ments.
The services of Corporation Counsel
William D. Edwards. appreciate aud the
board. having made NO new appointment during
bis held over for tbs past six or eight mouths
shows tine same feeling.
lcans and Democrats desire this board TO make
the 'I Elimination Of sifl4rS %is@ BrioSef aoSsse
contractor. aud was deposcd by the ring. The
services of Corporation Attorney Spencer
Weart, Esq. have been great assist ance to
gigantic and powerful organization, and it is
with regret that hear he proposes to resign
therefore endorse the nomination of James
s. Erwin, as Corporation Attorney a gentle
man who has represented us two years in the
Assembly with 'conmendable honor and respect
to all who regards honesty on conscientious
duty virtue
J. j. DErw1LLrR.
wANsER KNEW NOTHING OF IT.
Mayor Wanser would not discuss the true
mwardness of the appointments.
1T is untrue" said he, s'that I knew of
this business. It is like stroke of thunder
in clear sky. 1 knew nothing of it and was
not even advised that it would occur.
Mr.. Edwards, must say, came to
me when entered my Office and wished
to tender his resignation 1t was as much by
my action as anything else that he did not
resign. He has been faithful officer to this
Ifu nrl6 hfc
The removal of Mr.. Weart is beyond
my comprehension Mr.. Weart was
one of the faithful officers of the
city, and then to remove him when
he has done more work than all of those
men put together Mr. Weart was with
me until one o'clock this morning working at
city business.
This whole affair surprises me too greatly
to discuss it quietly
THE PLAYING OF THE TRICK.
That the action of the board was wholly
unexpected may be seen from the fact that
Corporation Counsel Edwards was on hand
bright and early at the meeting and made
many valuable suggestions, which in most
part were acted upon at the meeting He
chatted and joked with the members,
all OF whom sought his advice on
many matters before the board. 1t was
just prior to adjournment, when Commits
sioner Bedell, who had been waiting patient
ly for time to speak, said: II have two
resolutions, Mr.. President
The resolutions were handed to Mr. Finck
the clerk, and when he read
Resolved, That William Brinckerhoff be and
hereby is appointe Corporation Counsel for the
time limited by law.
Everyone present was as surprised as it is
possible to be.
A vote was taken on the resolution and
was passed without dissenting voice.
Mr.. Edwards was the first to speak II
hope, gentlemen" said he, 'sthat the new
counsel will enjoy the same confidence and
respect that have. l wish you success"
Then came the second and Mr. Finck
read
Resolved. That James S. Erwin be ana hereby
is appointed Corporation Attorney for the time
limited by law
This was passed by the same vote and adj
journment was then taken
NEW APPoINTEES SWORN IN
This morning at ten o'clock the new ap-
pointees put in an appearance at the City
Hall and Fastening to the City Clerks office
took the oath Of office, City Clerk Scott
officiating.
MR.. BRINCKERHoFF RET1cENT
Corporation Counsel Brinckerhoff declined
TO discuss his appointment He said he had
accepted, taken the oath of Office and would
perform the duties to the best of his ability.
ERWIN ALL SMILES
City Attorney Erwin's face was a picture
as he emerged from City Hall He was all
smiles. ~
Il had heard said he, s'that was to be
appointed City Attorney, but I can't say
that | knew it would take place last night.n
WHAT SIMPSON SAYS.
Commissioner Simpson in speaking of the
appointments makes statement which CON
hicts to some extent with Mayor Wanselas.
The Board of Finance agreed upon these
appointments some time ago, said he. 1--WE
have talked the matter over with the Mayor
and he told us that the appointing power
rested with us, and that we should pursue
the course we deemed proper This is what
we have done.n
This morning Mr.: Simpson entered Mayor
Wanser's Office made a deep bow and greeted
the Mayor cheerfllly, but the reception he
received was cold and unfliendly.
Did the Mayor speak to youse asked Mr.
Simpson.
He did, he replied
ssDid it strike you that he was particularly
pleased to see yous
Well, as to thar / can't say was the re-
ply. "But one thing / am sure Of, and that