The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1898-01-05
STRIFE IN THE HARLEM CLUE.
Two Factions Making n Lively Plight Over the
Approaching Election.

Charles b. Morris. a prominent member of
the Harlem Club. has withdrawn as a candidate
In the coming election of officers as q result of
an alteration in the clubhouse, at Lenox ave-
nue. and 123d street, on Tuesday last with Rob
trt Bonynge, a stenographer in Justice Smyth's
court. The alteration was a lively incident in
avery lively canvass betcewn the so-called
regular" and the independent" factions of
the club. Many well-known Harlem men had
taken sides in the canvass. Bonynge favors
the independents" who want tho rules amend
ed so that members can enjoy a greater degree
of personal liberty in the clubhouse. Morris,
until the outbreak, was also an'"indepcndent."
His encounter with Bonynge grew primarily
out Of an election bet. Morris, who was q Low
man, offered to bet 800 that Low would DO
either first or second in the rice for the May.
orally. Bonynge, who is q friend of Mayor Van
Wyck. accepted the wager. When Henry
George died suddenly. however. Bonynge wrote
TO Morris saying that as far as he was con-
received no reply, but after the election Morris
tainted him with trying to back out OF a square
newed in anger in the card room last Tuesday
night, when Morris charged Bonynge with
RI,aIE nnS, Inn iInp and sGid. bhonyPh s w GsGgdii lated the the
table.
The two men collided with violence an instant
later. and. Bonynge. whois a lighter and smaller
man. went home and a doctor pOulticcd and
bandaged his left side, which had been badly
bruised before the combatants were separated
by their fellow clnbmen. Bonynge said ycster-
day that he was going to proceed against Morris
legally for the assault.
The ferceness of the canvass of the rival fac
| tons was intensified by the clash between tho
two independents. The regulars oppose the
proposal of the Independents" TO permit liquor
to be served in all parts Of the clubhouse at any
time. or to let up upon any of the restraints put
upon members by the conservative majority Of
the present Board of Trustees. These conserva-
tive members cite as a campaign argument
against greater liberty of action q recent smoker
held at the club in which a high-kicking N6ude-
vile performer was introduced. They admit
that the kicker wasn't, particularly young, but
declare that she. displayed her lingerie rcck-
lessly. They insist, too, that the club will de-
teriorate if these shows are repeated or drink
ing is permitted on the parlor floor.
The battle Is being fought in the election of
trustees. The regulars who oppose high kick
ing and other high jiiIl:s have nominated Will
liam A. Martin. John a. Hiltner, Vice. President
of the Shoe and Leather Bank. and William A.
Lightpipe, assistant cashier of the Hanover Bank.
Lightpipe is also on the Independent ticket with
John b.. Ketcham and Bradley l.. Eaton, the lat
ter ha wing been nominated when Morris was
withdrawn. There is no opposition 20 the can
didacy of Jared $. Babcock for the Presidency,
William A.. Marble for the Nice.Presidency
James ]. richards for the Treasurership and
l. Walter l.. Crow for the Secretaryship. There
are 800 members in the club.