New-York tribune., 1898-11-29
MR.. ALDRIDGE ALARMED.
INCREASING BELIEF THAT BLACK WILL
REMOVE HIM.
JUDGE COUNTRYMAN SAID TO REGARD
HIS CONDUCT IN RELATION TO CANAL
CONTRACTS AS IRREGULAR AND
BLAMEWORTHY.
BLAMEWORTHY.
IBY TELEGRAPH To THE TRIBUNE.

lbf TO THE 1N1BUNEJ
Albany, Nov 2S.-The friends Of George ".
Aldridge, Superintendent Of Public Works. are
apprehensive tonight that he may be removed
or suspended from Office by Black.
They say that according to their information, ex-
Judge Edwin Countryman. In his forthcoming
report on the evidence taken by the Canal Com
mission. will express the opinion that the canal
contractors received more money than they were
entitled to. They deny that Mr. Aldrdge was
In any way responsible for any overpayments,
and say that he cannot justly be removed.
Mr.. Aldridge is here tonight but he declines
TO make any statement about the matter. 1t
is known. however. that he is aware Of the
nature Of ex-Judge Countryman's report. and
there signs that he is preparing reply to IT,.
He was in New-York yesterday ani to-day
with Judge Werner Of the Supreme Court, a
personal friend. and It is intimated that he
then consulted some prominent Lawyers and
some political friends
The rumor that Governor Black might sus-
pend him from office must have surprised Mr..
Adridge for he seems TO have cherished the
hope not only that he would remain in office
until the expiration Of Governor Blacks term.
but also that he might continue to hold his
place after Theodore Roosevelt should become
Governor 1t stated to-day that Sneaker
O'Grady. soon after Colonel Roosevelt was
elected Governor asked that the Colonel re-
appoint Mr. Aldridge as Superintendent of Pub
lie Works Colonel Roosevelt, In reply. It is
reported. frankly said to Mr. O'Grady that he
would not reappont Mr.. Aldrdge. Mr.. O'Grady
then returned to Rochester. but went back to
New-York a few days later and sounded Colonel
Roosevelt as to his willingness permit Mr.
Aldrdge to remain in office for some time after
no ho0 NJ he
Roosevelt declined TO grant the request. and
added that under the Constitution the term Of
office of Mr.. Aldridge would expire on Deem
Der 81 OF the present year. and that on January
he would have some one else to fill the place
Now Mr.. Aldridges friends fear that he may
be deprived Of his post by Governor Black. Mr.
Aldridge. 1t reported to-day. had a private
talk with Governor Black late last week and
found that the Governor was deeply concerned
about the canal affairs of the State. evidently
having been profoundly impressed by some Of
Judge Countryman's statements.
Governor Blacks attention. It IS said. has been
called by Judge COuntryman 10 the remarkable
increase Of the cost of certain contracts. For
instance one contract on the Jordan level, the
execution Of which. IT was estimated. would cost
about 100000. actually cost 100000. Judge
COuntryman is said to argue that the canal Off
Gals should nave suspended Such contract as
soon they discovered the great disproportion
between its estimated and its actual cost. In
going ahead and paying these excesses he is
said TO believe they exceeded their authority.
Governor Black had another long conference
with Judge Countryman this afternoon but de-
cned TO make any statement about his plans
regarding the Superintendent Of Public Works.
1t was stated that Judge Countryman's report
would be submitted TO Attorney General Han
cock to obtain his opinion as to its conclusions.
Mr.. Hancock lately has been working on an in
dependent examination Of the evidence taken
10y the Canal Commission. 1t Is believed that
Governor Black will make Judge Countrymans
report public about Wednesday Of this week