The daily morning journal and courier. [volume] (New Haven, Conn.) 1894-1907, 1897-02-18
ROW IN OFFICIIA FANNY.
one Harbor Commissioner Desires Col
league Turned Ont of Office,

mercial interest, to the reappointment
of Curtis f. Evarts, whom the COVER
nor has named to succeed himself on
the harbor commission for this city.
The opposition to the selection of Mr..
Evarts seems at last to have centered
about the controversy that has been
Waged for several years between EV-
arts and George B. Martin, manager
Of the New England Transportation
con pany and also member Of the har-
Dor commission.
Mr.. Martin was before the committee
on executive nominations yesterday af-
ternoon, opposing the confirmation of
Mr. Evarts' appointment. He was sup
ported by Clarence w. Clark, who lives
at 229 Norton street, this city, and who
is vice president of the Bankers Loan
and Investment company, doing busi-
ness in New York.
Mr.. Martin was the principal speaker.
He said that he wished to go on record
as opposing the confirmation of Mr. EV-
arts He thought the presence of this
gentleman-man''-o on the board would
make discord, and that there would be
a lack of harmony.
Senator Herman-"Is not Mr.. Evarts
already on the board of harbor COM
missioners?"
Mr.. Martin-"He Is, and this is an
appointment for another term, from
1888. I think that he is untitled for the
place because Of his peculiar tempera-
ment and prejudices."
What is the character of this gentle
man, did you say, MI Martin?'' asked
Senator Herman.
Mr. Martini Unreliable. He says
one thing in the board and another out
Of it,
What has he done, I would like to
know, if you have any facts to give,
Mr.. MARTINI" continued the senator
rs he politician?'
This question caused a smile to break
over the countenances of the friends Of
Mr.. Evarts. -.......
Mr.. Martin, hesitatngly-'I should
say So"
What made me ask said the sena-
tor, was the remark you dropped.
Mr. Martin then told the committee
how Mr. Evarts had favored asking the
finance committee for $500, and then
went to the board and told it that as
the commissioners of the harbor had
used last year but about $500, like
sum would be sufficient for 1897.
Then he must be economical at
least? broke in a member of the COM
mittee.
Continuing, Mr.. Martin said that he
thought MI Evarts looked out too
much for himself. He is exceedingly
suave and makes a good impression.
He might make a valuable member OF
the board He is bright enough, said
Mr.. Martin.
What is his business?" asked Sena-
tor Gay.
He is engaged in the towing busi-
ness in the harbor. He controls the
water for the boats, which is another
club in his hand,' was the answer,
Dozens of men in New Haven oppose
the nomination, but, you know, it is
hard to get men to ask that man be
turned down." pursued Mr. Martin who
signified that that was about all he had
to say, unless the committee had some
question to ask.
Attorney C. T. Driscon who appeared
for Mr. Evarts, who is absent in Flor
ida, asked permission of the commit
tee to question Mr.. Martin. He began
business, are you not, Mr.. Martin
! And your company is in competition
with Mr.. Evarts who is also in the
| business?"
| Mr.. Martin said that in some lines he
competed with Mr.. Evarts, but not to
any extent, as the New England Trans
portation company's boats piled be-
tween the various sound ports and New
| York.
Did you not bid for the water privi-
lege, Mr.. MARTINI" asked Mr.. Driscoll.
II did"
"You are receiver for the New Haven
Steam Saw Mill company, are you
not?" was the next question.
Yes"
| Did not a controversy between you
and Mr.. Evarts arise out of the fact
| that Mr. Evarts told you to move some
dolphins that were beyond the harbor
| line?"
| 'Evarts went out of his way to perse-
cute me- was the reply to the question.
do you call it persecution for a
man to order the removal Of what he
thinks an obstruction in the harbor,
when he has assumed the duty of keep
ing it clear?'
No; but I call it persecution for a
man to insult a decent man who does
not want anything to do with him by
sitting himself down almost on top of
| him on q car and then to change his
seat when his victim goes to the other
side of the car
! Would he not have the same oppor-
| tunity to do what you accuse him of
| if he We're not harbor commissioner"
Chairman Gay took a hand In what
was going on at this juncture and said
that he could not see what this had to
do with the competency or incompe-
tency of Mr.. Evarts.
| There was another dialogue in which
that so far as knowledge of a harbor
| commissioners duties were no man was
more qualified in New Haven than Mr..
Evarts.
| Senator Herman-'It is plain to be
seen that these men are not bosom
| friends. but so far no charges have
| been made
! Alexander Troup, Captain Edgar Dow
and others testified to the competency
and honesty of Mr.. Evarts and after
further uninteresting developments the
! case was closed, to be reopened OF
/ sealed as the committee may elect.
Other hearings in which New Haven
people are interested were those of the
saN-aoe commission at which DIR &