New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-01-30
JAMES HOWELTS SUCCESSOR.
BRIDGE TRUSTEE TO BE APPOINTED
BY MAYOR WURSTER
THE BOARD WILL. THEN BE UNDER REPUBLICAN
CoNTRoIe-FAvORABLE MENTION OF WILL

THE BOARD WILL. THEN BE Under REprBI.IcAN
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES MENTION OF WILL
IAN BERRI FOR THE VACANCY.
The death Of President Howell leaves a vacancy
in the Board OF Bridge Trustees. and considera bic
interest has already been displayed In the choice
of his successor. The appointment is one wholly
in the hands of Mayor Wurster. Formerly Bridge
trustees were appointed by the join; action OF the
Mayor. Controller and City Auditor. but when the
law OF 1893 was passed reducing the number from
twenty TO eight. the power Of appointment was
vested in the Mayor alone
The term OF office OF a trustee Is five years but
the named in Mr.. Howelfs place will be ap-
pointed only for the remainder OF the present term.
which will end in April OF next year. The other
appointed member from Brooklyn is Seth l.. Keen
ey. The two New-York members are j. Seaver
Page. vicepresident. and Clarence a. Hen
riques. who has been serving president since
the long Illness OF Mr.. Howell began. MIR Hem
riques was appointed by Mayor GIroy in 1893. and
was not removed by Mayor Strong under the
Power of Removal bill. his associate. Ed
ward V. Skinner. In place OF the latter Mayor
Strong named Mr.. Page.
The Brooklyn who most prominently
mentioned in connection with the vacancy are ex-
Mayor Schcren. William Berri and Henry w.
Maxwell 1t Is admitted by every one that all OF
them are well fitted for the Office Mr. Schieren.
In particular Is thoroughly familiar with Bridge
Affairs TO which he gave close attention while an
ex-ofiicio member of the Board. 1t H. thought,
however. that his private business demands so
much OF his attention that he may not feel In
cned to assume additional duties OF public nat
IRE Mr.. Maxwell is also exceedingly busy
man. and whatever time he spare from his
business Is devoted TO his duties a member OF
the Board of Education.
Mr. Berri's appointment would be acceptable TO
the members OF his party and TO the people
OF Brooklyn in general His business interests are
such that he Is not obliged TO devote all his time
peculiar way for the Office OF Bridge trustee. MI
Berr Is engaged in the carpet business In Fulton
ST. and for several years has been the proprictoF
OF THE Standardization. He 10 one OF the best
known clubmen In Brooklyn and has large ac-
quaintance among the public men OF the country.
many OF whom have been his guests. While the
vacancy in the Park Department caused by the
resignation Of Lieutenant-G Governor Woodruff OK
listed. he spoken Of many times as possible
appointee. and his appointment as Park COMMITS
of prominent citizens. Mr.. Berri has never been a
candidate for Office. either elective or appointive
II is certain that Republican VIII be apponts ,.
Board will pass into the hands Of Republicans.
Who will be elected president is an open question
Brooklyn except for one year: when MI Howell
was oustod and ex-senator Wagstan. OF New
York elected His election was the result or q
Tammany Hall trick engineered by Mayor ifugh
j. Grant The Board then contained twenty mem
bers MAYOR Grant marshalled the Tammany men
in his office and contrved to have word circulated
among the Brooklyn represeniatives tYat 'ne mere
came and captured the Leading Once con,
cedirg the vcepresidency to Mr. HoWen Thai
arrangement. lasted year. and then Mr.. Howell
was permitted to return to his old place. when ne
continued to hold until his death
The last Republican president OF inc Bridge
trustees was j. 8 +. Stranahan. who retired from
the Board in July. 1856 not having been reappoint-
ed trustee by Mayor Low.