New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-01-18

worthy gathering for II contained men who
have made their mark and become prominent In
nearly every walk OF professional and CONNER
cial life. Observation-Disclosures and annexa-
tionis,s mingled together Unfortunately and
apparently the best of terms with each other;
but. nevertheless, underneath the calm surface
was the cold determination on the part of every
opposing man and his neighbor to win out at
all hazards.
As early as 10 o'clock the chamber began to
I'll up. Among the Loyal League adherenis were
President William c. Redfied. Secretary Barr
William n. Dykman, W. c. Spelman, Henry
Hentz, A. a. Low, Alexander Cameron. j. s.
Brownson Robert d. Benedict, C. c. Shelton,
Thomas T. Peters. William Berri, Joseph Davis,
Fred W. Hinrichs. City Works Commissioner
White Alderman Wakey and host Of others
On the consolidation side We're J. d. Matthews,
president of the League; stephen NJ. Griswold.
Rufus l.. Scott George W. Chauncey. A. Abra-
ham. Max Long. Edward f. Linton, Henry Roth,
Herman Lehman, Sanders Shanks and others
The joint committee all Of whom were present
was composed follows: Senators Clarence
Lexow. chairman Rep) Nyack, Rockland
County: DR. George w Brush Rep), Brooklyn;
Thomas F. Grady Dem). New-York; Assembly
men Austin Gsep). New-York; Keenholts (Rep),
Albany County; OGrady Rep). Monroe County;
Wells Rep), Onondaga County; McKeown
CDem). Brooklyn. The committee held an execu-
tive session previous TO assembling
The meeting was called to order by Chairman
Lexow at 1870 o'clock. an hour behind the
scheduled time. Mr.. Lexow then announced that
the committee had determined to confine its two
days session to the usual procedure in such
cases and give the opposition the first oppor-
tunity to present arguments and raise the ques-
ton of resubmissor and referendum
1t had also been decided. he said to confne
the opposition TO the morning sessions and the
consolidationsts 10 the afternoon hearings, not
forgetting to give the people who had direct
connection with either body chance also to be
heard.
Mr. BENEDICTS ARGUMENT.
President William c. Redfeld, of the Loyal
Leaguers had his forces on hand, and. when
called upon by the chairman introduced Robert
D. Benedict to make the first argument.
Mr. Benedict began by saying that he was on
record as being unaterably opposed to the
union of Brooklyn and New-York; that it was
imnossible under the Constitution to effect the
rroposed union There were he said two re-
suits that would follow the adoption Of the
proposition TO consolidate the two cities; first
the Roards OF Supervisors would be re-estab-
lished i'm the counties Of Kings and New-fork,
and those boards would have the same powers as
to expenditures as the Boards of Supervisors IN
the other counties Of the State. Second the
power 10 contract debt which by the Cohsti'u-
lion is now. limited in Brooklyn and New York to
10 per cent OF the assessed valuation. would then
be increased to 20 per cent. or double
amy one" he said, "who wishes such re-
sul, has II in his power to favor a like PROPOSE
ton. regardless of the provisions Of the con-
stitution
The Constitution provides that there shaii
be in the several counties, except IN cities
whose boundaries are the same as those OF a
county. a Board OF Supervisors" and Section
q provides that the Legislature shall by gem
eral laws confer upon the Boards Of Super
visors Of the several counties of the state such
further powers of local legislation and adj
minstration as the Legislature may from time
10 time deem expedent"
ut needs no argument" said Mr. Benedict, ito
show that when New-York City shall be com
posed of the present New-York, together with
Brooklyn. Richmond County and part OF
Queens and Westchcster, it's boundaries Will
not be the same those OF county az long
as the counties OF New-York Kings and Rich
mond exist. II follows therefore, that either
two Of these counties must be abolished or each
Of the three must have It's Board of Super
yisors with the powers of every other Board,
which powers can only be affected by general
laws which shall affect all Boards of Super
visOrs.
II do not consider ii possible" he continued,
under such provisions of the Constitution, to
abolish either Richmond Kings County so
as TO bring their territory within the county
of NeW-York as well within the city OF
New-York 1t follows therefore. In my mind,
that If consolidation were TO take effect there
must be- under the Constitution, Boards OF
supervisors in both Of those counties. and in
The county Of New-York. also, And ii follows,
.,lso that you cannot reconcile the two PROPOSE
tons.
aside from all the various and great complica-