The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1897-05-18
WATER BUBBLES UP AGAIN
Vermeuless Pay Warrants in Sus-
pense-New Expert to Be
Hired soon.

by Finance Commissioners Bailey, Simp-
son and Midlige, VINO comprise the COM
mittee appointed by the Board of Finance
to consult with His Honor relative to the
engagement of Allan L. MeDermott as
special counsel to defend the quo war
ranto proceedings instituted by ex-Mayor
Wanser.
Commissioner Midlige favored the en-
ployment of Mr.. McDermott, citing as a
reason that in defending the suit Mayor
Hoos practically represents the entire
city government. 1t is hardly to be ex-
pected, Mr.. Nidlige contended, that Re-
publican law officers appointed by the
former Mayor would make as much of a
fight or as determined a one as would a
Democratic lawyer. Mr.. Midlige said he
did not wish to be considered as rejecting
upon the integrity of either Corporation
Counsel Blair or City Attorney Douglass.
His principal point was that Mr.. Nc
Dermott had so far conducted all the
election muddle proceedings for Mayor
Hoos, and being familiar with all the
circumstances. should be retained by the
city to defend its present officers.
Mr.. Simpson took the view that the suit
instituted against the Mayor was purely
personal one. and as such should be de-
not as the city's chief executive. In
supporting his contention, he asked if he
brought suit to oust Mr.. Midlige from the
seat of Alderman-at-Large. whether he
or Mr.. Midlige would have any right to
ask the city to pay the lawyers.
The Mayor insisted that it was his right
/ as Mayor to be provided with proper
counsel when his title was assailed. He
made the request. he said, believing that
it was a legal and reasonable one, and
one which should be granted him.
The Finance Commissioners have been
advised by the City Attorney particularly
that they have no right to provide for
the retention of Mr.. McDermott But
several branches of the city government
nave requested the Finance Commission
ers to grant the Mayors petition. Presl-
dent Brautigam and Commissioner Simp-
son are particularly opposed to engaging
Mr.. McDermott. Where Commissioner
Kellers stands is not known, nor will he
discuss the subject. Mr.. Kellers says he
will be guided entirely by the conclusion
the committee appointed to confer with
the Mayor arrives at. That committee
will make a majority and minority report.
The later will emanate from Mr.. Midlige
and the former from Messrs. Bailey and
Simpson unless the present programme is
changed.
The Finance Board meets tomorrow
night and at that time it will be defin-
itely decided whether Allan L. McDer-
mott will be retained at the city's ex-
pense or not It is believed that the
Mayors request will not be granted un-
lass Mr.. Bailey alters his opinion on the
subject 1T is pretty well established
fact that if Mr.. McDermott is not en-
gagged with the permission of the Finance
Board, he will figure largely in the case
just the same.
He has already been retained by Street
and Water Commissioners Hauck and
Nolan to defend them in quo warranto
proceedings instituted by their predeces-
sors, John Weastell and George Wash
ington Harding
Mr.. Charles Corbin, who has charge of
the Republican party's interests general
ly, informed the ex-Street and Water
Commissioners a few days ago that even
should the former Mayor be returned to
his office, they might have difficulty in
recovering their seats unless they fol-
lowed his example and brought suit to
establish their title. Mr.. Corbin was di-
rected to proceed. The papers in the
case were served Saturday afternoon.
Commissioners Hauck and Nolan report
ed the new turn of affairs to Leader
Davis and he advised them to consult
with Allan L. McDermott at once. Mr..
McDermott will prepare a defence for
the Street and Water Commissioners at
the same time as for Mayor Hoos.
Papers are also being prepared in a
suit in which the title of Alderman-at-
Large William Mfdlige will be attacked
bv his predecessor, Reuben Simpson. The
latter suit was instituted against Mr..
SIMPSONS wishes, as he made a peace
able Surrender of his former office and
practically acknowledged Mr. Midlige's
right to succeed him by accepting an ap-
nointment of Finance Commissioner from
Mayor Wanser first before the latter's
term expired The Republican City Com
mfttee has taken charge of all
the suits begun by the ex-officials
The Republicans are confident that they
will win. The Democrats are equally sure
that Allan L. McDermott will establish
their right and title to the Offices they
hold
Speaking of the situation this morning
Leader Davis said:-'vThe Republicans are
/, diving hard. / never saw men surrender
public offices with such bad grace, par
ficularly after having held on for SO
long The people by their votes ordered
thsm to vacate and it is my opinion that
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