New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-03-24
4 SCHEnE TO HULCT THE CITY
TAXPAYERS SUSPICIOUS OF THE DOHERTY
REINSTATEMENT BILL AND MRS.
THUROM,s CONFESSION"

Emphatic opposition to Senator Ford's bills for
the possible reinstar ement of eX-POlice Captain
Michael Doherty and his wardman John Hook.
was being expressed yesterday by many we'll in
formed and sensible people of this city Doherty.
# was said Will be able draw about $1,000 in
back pay from city If he s tied.
For years he has been allowed have eXtraordi-
nary privileges in the sale Of cider from carts
the entrance TO the Brooklyn Bridge and about
the City Hall Park. The alleged deathbed con
fession'' Of Mrs. Augusta Thurow, that she testi-
fed falsely against Doherty and Hook re-
garded by many yesterday with suspicion and dis
trust.
Senator Ford has been looked upon by many
friendly to the interests OF the taxpayers but some
OF his recent bills have caused surprise and susp-
ciou. His bill TO reorEanize the Fire Department
was considered by honest officials and taxpayers
an outrageousy bad measure, for which there was
no good defence or excuse. The bills TO reinstate
Doherty and Hook are being regarded by many as
the worst looking pieces OF legislation lately al
tempted. The bills would enable the Police Board,
which is entirely under Tammony control TO plum
der the city treasury by reinstating officials who
were believed have been guilty of gross neglect
Of duty in the management OF police affairs in
their precincts. Mrs. Thurow was not the only
witness who testified against them
That Mrs. Thurow is not dying il established by
the evidence OF several reporters who her yes
terday and Senator Ford's bills stand revealed
as plain bold Efforts get the cases of these men
reconsidered by a Police Board which is
sands Of dollars to pay their back salaries and
their lawyers fees and costs Of trial also if pos
sible.
Frank Moss SAID yesterday that he did not doubt
Mrs. Thurow told the truth the witness stand,
and he had no faith in her alleged dying
fession She as" he added, "a poor who
has had an extremely hard time. Her testimony
given before the I-eXoW Committee practically
ruined her with the police. and she Is probably IN
hard straits 90
1t is announced that the District Attorneys Office
VIII investigate the death bed confession. but
of the most earnest advocates of a trial
for Doherty is Assistant District Attorney Os-
borne. who at the tine of the LeXow investigate
appeared before the Police Board on behalf of the
Corporation tounSeIs Office He said yesterday
that he had seen Mrs Thurow at her house
Gently, and that she recounted TO him the manner
IL which she testified falsely against Captain
DOherty.
y have recommended 10 Senator Ford he said
that a bill be introduced giving The Police Com
mssoners power TO reinstate Captain Doherty.
do think right that "a Board such as the
Police Commissioners should not have powers 20
themselves when they ind they have
error. They do have such power"
In his letter 10 Senator Ford Mr.. Osborne said:
Having carefully read the affdavits submitted
herewith and having made personal examination
Of Mrs Thurow. / convinced that justice de-
mands that there should be rchearing this
case. and personally / should never feel satisfied
with myself II ! did make every endeavor In
power to bring about such result
When asked yesterday If Mrs Thurow was real
y as sick as had said. he replied Il am not
a physician. but she certainly did not look we'll
The husband OF Mrs Thurow. when seen yes
terday al their home No. Is St Marks Place re-
fused to discuss the matter at any length He was