New-York tribune., 1896-05-13
TROUBLEIN THE URBAN CLUB
SOME INTERESTING "MISINFORMATION"
ABOUT BROOKLYN.

SUBJECTS "DIsCUssED' At THE ORGANIZATION
OF WOMEN FOUNDED TO STUDY POLITICAL
sCIENCE-ONE MEMEER DECLARES SHE
HAS NOT LEARNED ANYTHING"
The members OF the Urban Club, which was cr-
g2nl.ed two years ago for the purpose OF study
ing political science, met yesterday at the nome
Of Mrs Alexander J. Perry, No. 20 FIRST Place.
Apparertly as the meeting advanced. NlNlam
J. Euttling. Sheriff Of Kings County. was on
trial although he was not present 1t al! nap
pened In This way: The president, Mss Macy,
had Just announced that Penal Institutions
would be discussed Mrs. Z1br.sfe had just
read q few abstracts from a lecture delivered pe-
fore the Brooklyn Ethical Association by James
McKcen. the subject of which was Penal Meth
DDS ard Institutions" One Young woman uh-
familiar with Brooklyn. asked If there were any
penal institutions within the city limits. MISS
Farrls said there were TWO. and went on to ex-
plain that one Of these-thc Raymond'rt jail
was presided over by Mr.. Buttng.
"rIe does not receive any salary" continued the
voung woman but his fees are larse-so much
for each prisoner He appoints warden, under
keepers and the like
Miss Farris paused for q moment. 1t was oVi-
don; that interest in the Sheriff running
high
while he receives no salary" broke in Mrs
Perry Those fees which he receives. 1t is said
amount to 100000 year"
Miss Farris continued TO speak of the Sheriff
She laugningly said she believed he earned the
money. you see" said she. 1T is according to
the number OF prisoners received in the jail
For each of thase ne receives so much to feed
and house them. And. ii is said. he STANDS IN
with the Judges Of the courts.
Il know that it is a big political power said
Mrs Perry.
But" said the woman who first asked for In
formation, has there been any agitation rela-
tive TO this abuse?'
Il think there hes" answered woman who
until then had been silent.
Many questions followed. Some Of them were
Which party is most responsible for this?
Both" was the answer.
you mean Republican and Democratic alike?
"Yes. But, mostly the party in power"
Then Mrs Perry volunteered an explanation
She said that if the records were consulted, IT
would be seen that every man who had served
as Sheriff Of the county now rich. The in
come of the Sheriff she said was Increasing
every year. IF could get a good square
man." said Mrs Perry. things might be differ
ent This man receives a salary ten time; larger
than the Mayor and twice as large as that OF
the President of the United States"
Miss Farrls did not agr-e with Mrs Perry: Sne
said the 500 600 in feep could not be called
salary al the Sheriff had to support the Jail. She
also thought II strange, considering other re-
marks relative to the difficulty In getting the
proper" man. that woman of education hould
accept such place There was such case re-
Gently In one OF the Western cities.
Mrs. Perry declared that such subject could
not be discussed among women without tner De-
coming excited.
Madam President" as she was continually re-
ferred to, was anxious to bring the discussion to
a close, and her suggestion finally met approval
Under the head OF new business. the work of
the club for next year was discussed. Mrs. Perry
thought the organization of a musical club would
be advisable. There were manifestations of dis
approval at once One member said there were
plenty of good voices In the club. but she did not
approve the idea of those girls being further
educated In music at the expense Of ne CLUB;
Explanations followed. Another member said
that such departure would be Inconsistent with
the preamble to the constitution of the organiza-
ton which for political study only. The
preamble was then read by Emma Simis, the
secretary.
one of the girls who had been quiet for an
hour said she had Joined the club for the pur-
pose Of obtaining knowledge. She had not
learned anything. Instead Of learning more
about the history of the colonies and the early
republics she had wearied Of the progress
made by the club. She wanted to know some
thing about Brooklyn before II became part OF
New York, and did not want to spend year In
obtaining the Information. II was "Gn unique
thing" she said. far greater than the joining Of
Buda and Posth on either side Of the Danube.
There was splendid material In the club. she
knew. but there was not enough deep thought.
Practical ideas should be developed and the
members should not continue In a rut she
scorned the suggestion Of giving time to social
pleasure. The girls must refrain from such
ideas The club was not organized for the pur-
pose OF bringing men fricnds around and say
ing: "Well. what do you think Of the club that
/ belong tor
1t looked at ore time if a half-dozcn OF the
members were about to hand In their re-igna-
tions. To top it off. complex resolution was
offered by Miss Farrs which called for the dis
cusslon Of political matters relating exclusively
to Brooklyn at the afternoon meetings OF the
club 1t was adopted after an excited debate