New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-08-05
ALDERMEN IN HOT WATER.
DEMOCRATIC MAJORITY IN JERSEY CITY
TO ANSWER FOR THEIR ACTION.
THEIR REFUSAL TO GRANT LICENSE TO A REPUB
LICAN POLITICIAN is DECLARED 10 BE
PLAIN CASE OF CONSPIRACY

PLAIN CASE OF CONSPIRACY.
The Democratic majority in the Jersey City Board
OF Aldermen may regret their arbitrary action IN
refusing a license to James Connolly because he
is an active Republican. 1t Is possible that they
will be required to answer an indictment for con-
spiracy and will have to defend suit for dam
ages
The Aldermen imagined they possessed abso-
lutte power and could grant or reject licenses with
out having their action questioned that 1t nal
and that there was no appeal. Connolly decided %
fight. He knew his political foes In the Fifth Ward
were bent forcing him out Of business; they had
threatened to do It II he did not cease taking an
active interest In politics. and he retained Coun-
sellers Speer and Carey. who made the initial move
Yesterday, when they presented TO Justice Lip
pincott affidavit made by Connolly and asked
for a rule to show cause why the resolution deny
ing Connollys license should not be carried 10 the
Supreme Court for review. The rule was promptly
granted. and permission given counsel to take
DISPOSITIONS 10 be used in the argument on the
rule. August l5 This action will enable Con-
nollys lawyers to place the Aldermen on the rack
and ascertain why Con1olly's application was re-
jected and why he was denied hearing.
In his affidavit Connolly sets forth that he has
been engaged in the liquor business for eight years
and that he has always endeavored 10 conduct MIS-
business In an orderly, lawful and proper manner;
that at no time has complaint ever been made
Connolly then goes TO rece that no has taken
an interest In politics a Republican and incurred
the enmty OF petty ward politicians, ana ne tnsn
alleges intimidation. He says that said fltn
Ward is represented in the Board Of Aldermen
at the present time by Patrick Murphy and CnarIes
Maxwell; that the said Murphy several months
ago with the purpose OF influencing this deRonent
70 withdraw his interest IN behalf ma OF me 10 prs
vent this deponent from securing renewal OF MS
liquor license"
The affidavit then recites that Connolly made APP
plication for his license. and deposited the neces
sary fee 1850: that when the license was refused ne
complaint remonstrance had ever been MED ne ne
affidavit then tells OF Connollys efforts 70 learn
WHY he had been Disseminated against, ana II as
OF some prominent leader and did his bidding on
this point the affidavit is as follows; ,.
man Patrick Murphy one Of the representatives
from the said Fifth Ward In response 10 requeJi
made by the said Murphy that this deponent can
saloon in Newark-aye Jersey CITY. Ihat ms ue
ponent asked the said Murphy why sad Hceilse WiS
refused; that the said Murphy said. guess Sou
don't understand politics. ana announcer Una. Hs
was sorry for this deponent. This ceponent states
that he saw Charles Maxwell representing me sai 20
Fifth Ward and the SAID MaTwe S b,t ref,ised 10
give this deponent any reason ior me 4 p,Sn -
the Board That he saw Alderman Mcb ,d "a a
hrt n was politics That he saw Alderman Coie, OF
the Third Ward. another or the AIdermeh, W.
voted against the granting or the license anu m
the SAID Cole said. ~ IL too odd, because Vi.s'S 80
nothing agains, either you or your place had 20
do n II was a caucus measure and nad 70 Eote
FOR IL am sorry That he saw Alderman r. az
srT Cove Sts that the said Farrell refused 70 give
him any information but referred him 70 the Dem.
a.. a.. Farreu said that they against this
depon-nt. and that settled IL Inen ne 90 ,T,,erts
Snn1oy.s lawyers are confident that they VIII
~ this abuse OF authority.