New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-08-15
CHAOTIC VILLAGE AFFAIRS.
LIGHTS ALL OUT; wORKMEN ON STRIKE.
NO MONEY TO PAY EMPLOYEES OWING TO FAC
TIONAL oUARRELs OF oFFIcrALs-A TALE

T1ONAL QUARRELS OF OFFICTALs-A TALE
OF POLITICS IN RIDGEFIELD PARK.
Ridgefed Park Aug IA (speciaD-Probably no
place In New-Jersey with a population OF l,5Oo Is
in condition like that found in Rdgeheld Park
to-day. With exceptional advantages and rapid
growth In the face Of adverse circumstances 1t Is
believed that proper management and harmonious
action by the authorities would make 1t one Of the
most prosperous communities In the State. The
place was incorporated under the village act when
many hamlets became boroughs. and ever since
1t assumed municipal powers Its government has
been Of factious contention until at present a
serious condition OF affairs confronts the people.
John W O'Bren Democratic boss. who was one
OF the five original village trustees. Inaugurated a
method OF procedure that has practically permitted
his faction TO control the government and makes
1; responsible for the present situation. The feeling
OF dissatisfaction has been so intense that bitter
quarrels marked every public gathering. especially
In primaries and school meetings until order-loving
taxpayers became disguised and brought about
what they thought a change.
Last spring George f. Helm elected trustee
by the reformers with the understanding that he
would act with President Hobart and Trustee Ficken
In the interest OF the people. leaving Trustees Gaul
and Morgan In the minority But this dream was
only realized in part After prolonged fight $1,000
voted for matchmaking and contract was
made with F. j. Marley for seventy-fve carloads Of
stone. more less" to be put the roads by
the street superintendent Mr.. Helm became dis
satisfied with the work OF Superintendent Marshall.
the latter alleges, because he refused TO fill In a
gully and build stone gutter in front OF the
trustees house Trustee Ficken ordered certain
work done without consulting Trustee Helm and
Helm refused 10 act with the majority.
This brought about a condition OF municipal
chaos Helm moved that the stone contract with
Marley be cancelled. in which position he was sup
ported by Morgan and Gaul. The cabal re-
l we'd rntar Mar hall viii
charges notice, and put in Thomas r. Lindey
at an increased salary. At the same time it was
inmated that Clerk Price would walk the
plank blindfolded This increased the precarious-
ness OF the situation.
village note for $500 in the Irving National Bank
due on August s. went to protest. The bank refuses
10 lend the village money the unless each
OF the five trustees Is sgner The clerk reported
that he 10 Messrs. Morgan and Helm last week
with renewal note which they refused 10 sign
Messrs. Helm. Morgan and Gaul pettoned Pres-
dent Hobart on the 9th to call special meeting OF
the trustees for the It'll. and the president mailed
the call ID the clerk. but Mr. Price did not go 10
the postofiice until the night OF the sth there was
no such meeting But there a regular meeting
on August 10. when the all signed the re-
newal note and another due August H. After this
meeting number of citizens expressed their views
OF the conduct OF the trustees In the most emphatic
manner. F. j. Marley Informed the trustees that he
would hold them TO their contract in regard TO
stone. and would begin an action at law II they
procured stone from any other source: also that It
would cost them 81 day for the two carloads Of
stone standing on the switch which they refused
TO accept.
special meeting Of the trustees next called
for August u. at Mr.. Gauls house and all the
members present President Hobart Mr.
Ficken and Clerk Price walked out. the president
declaring the meeting illegal because he had not
been asked to call It,
no mr. M nQiict Hob,
had instructed the deposed Street superintendent
Mr. Marshall. to put the two carloads of stone on
the streets. AS the power to order all work
Mr. Helm being chairman Of every committee the the
Presidents action was denounced as a usurpation
laratons, telling President Hobart: You seem to
think you have n kindergarten under YOU but you
can bet your life the matoritys going to rule this
Board" and that. II any men did any work the
streets. there would be circus In which the pres-
dent would not be ringmaster Messrs. Helm and
Hobart also had personal clash. In the course Of
which the president was called liar and was
Messrs. Gaul Helm and Morgan then passed
resolution, introduced by Mr.. Gaul. that. Where
as, w. H. Hobart has dched the Board" etc. Re
solved. That the rebellious and arrogant conduct
of the president Din ordering stone placed upon the
ing the chairman Of the Street Committee to
anybody found working trespassing upon the
streets without his authority.
Three weeks ago 1t was ordered that another note
for $500 be issued to raise money for current ex-
penses but the members have not all signed 1t. AZ
result the workmen have gone On strike Some
Of them have five or six months wages due. and
they refuse to work until they are paid; and they
also demand an increase OF pay pro rata with that
Of the newly appointed superintendent. Mason has
refused to light the streets any longer until his
bill about three months behind, IS paid. which
leaves the streets in darkness. nobody will take
the fob without compensation.
All this has created sentiment In the village In
favor Of a change in the form of government,
which will be sought for by application to the next
Legislature. This will be to abolish the village
trustees and make the territory township. II Is
thought that the fact that township committeeman
receive compensation would induce different class
of men to accept flee, and lead administra-
ton calculated TO raise Rdgeheld Park out of the
Slough OF Despond It has been thrown into by the
fractional fights OF its officials.