New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-08-31
Mr.. PFcKHAMs ARGUMENTS

President Holahan invited those VINO wished 20
be heard 10 speak He said that one represent
alive from each organization would ne heard.
Thomas A Fulton said that the Citizens Union
and the City Club had joined hands and would
be represented by Wheeler II. Peckham ard
Simon Sterne.
Mr. Peckham said that the city had for a
great number Of years owned its own water
works which had been amply sufficient 70 sup
ply the wants ~ citizens. Now II was proposed
to substitute a contract with private company
70 do what the city had in the past. been abe
70 do itself Why should the city give up the
privileges II now enjoyed unless there was some
hidden motive Of which the average citizen was
ignorant? he asked.
Simon Sterne said that according 10 the Cor
poration Counsel the original draft Of the con
tract was 80 unfavorable 70 the city as to be
outrageous
THE Corporation Counsel did not say so" said
He said it was unfavorable to the city" said
Mr. Sterne. and in my opinion what is I'M
favorable 10 the city ls outrageous"
is there anything IN that contract that per
mits the COMPANY to get any money until 1t de-
NO. The contract does not permit the COM
pany 10 get s20O0oOoOo from the city without
supplying some water" retOrted Mr.. Sterne.
Mr.. Holahan got angry and said that the con
tract provided that the company could not get
a cent until IT had supplied the city with water
MI Sterne said the contract did not provide FOR
stephen Barton. Of the Red Cross. represent
ing the Board Of Fire Underwriters. replied
to Mr. Sterne, and said that the proposed COP
tract would give the city pressure ~ l2O
pounds TO the square inch.
That would blow out every inch Of pipe in
the city and every house with IT," said the
Controller.
President Scanneu. Of the Fire Department
made plea for more water so az 70 give more
pi essure for the putting out OF fires Chief
Croker said that the pressure In the city was
from FIVE to eighteen pounds a square inch
There in fact. ne said. no pressure but that
given by the engines.
How does that compare with other cities?
"tnfayOrahly." said Mr. Croker
What knowledge have you Of other cities
asked Con missioner Shea.
~ special knowledge" admitted Mr. Croker.
Il have knowledge OF other cities" said Mr..
Barton. and there is not another city in the
country that shows such a deplorsble condition
as to lack Of pressure az New-York"
Thomas A. Fulton read figures from the last
report Of the Commissioner Of Water supply.
10 show that there not any danger Of a
scarcity Of water
PRESIDENT HoLAHAN GETS EXCITED
Il feel that after all the abuse that has been
heaped me during the last two weeks II is
best for me to Gay something. | start with the
proposition that the city wants water. Brook
lyn is badly in need OF water" said President
Holahan He declared that the cost OF labor
would make 1t dearer for the city to undertake
water works.
DO you mean 10 say" shouted Controller
Coler that Tammany Hall. through you. wants
TO give the contract for a water supply 20 a pri-
vate concern because you do not want to obey
the labor laws by paying laborers the wages
demanded by the law"
President Holahan shouted back "Tammany
Hall has always been the friend OF the laboring
man"
The Controller jumped to his feet and shook
his finger In Mr. HOahans face as he shouted.
Answer my question. Is that your conten-
tom?
No" Numbered Mr. Holahan shaking his
finger az Mr.. Coler
Both were much excited Their fingers were
crossing each other and the hand Of neither was
more than two inches from the others face.
You have had your say for the last two
weeks. MI Controller" shouted Mr.. Holahan.
you manipulate the press. and no" propose
10 have my say here.
newspaper. refused 70 put his side Of the case
before the public. But will tell my side II l
have 10 hire hall" he said II have been
thirty years In public life in the National. state
and municipal Government and nobody has ever
dared 10 irnpute TO me a dishonest act nave
not a dollar. Ny only property Is a house top
| heavy with a mortgage. And do not propose
| 20 let a reputation which II took thirty years
| 70 build 10 slip away.
sHEA'S HOT WORDS
| Commissioner Shea said that the contract was
| an Infamous one and laid the members NJ the
| Board who wanted 70 rush II through open N
the charge Of dishonesty
| ITS not an honest proposition" ne said II
| q rotten policy. an Infamous policy THAI 70