The San Juan County index. (Aztec, N.M.) 1890-19??, 1901-07-26

acquitted. In 1872 he entered politics,
running for assembly, and was defeat
81 chad spent an his money and
took the defeat so much to heart that
he started for California. On the way
he was s%hipwrecked off the coast Of
Mexico. Reaching San Francisco he
sold a distilier's secret to a brewer for
$4,000 and Upon this foundation built
a fortune Of 2 10000, serving beef under
contracts institutions.
sttlet Railroad Magnate.
Returning to Long Island, he Sc
cured a contract to build a street rail-
road. He worked with a pick and ak
with a gang of men building the road,
and when lt was completed he drove
the first tar over it, and continued to
do this until he could afford to put
nor cara on the road. He acted not
only as diver, but as conductor, start
er. cashieB treasurer, president and re-
pairer Of the line. He had one a and
three horses. Afterward he became
president OF the company. He con-
tinued to extend his railroad enter
prises until he owned several lines in
Long Islaid City.
His Political Career.
Early inlthe sos, when he was elect
ed alderman, began Gleason's career as
the most dominant force in Long Is
land City politics. He caused an in
vestigationl of city affairs, in conse-
quence Of which the mayor was arrest
ed and the city treasurer committed
suicide, while Gleason was hailed as a
public benlfactor. In 1887 he was
elected mayor.
The citys affairs were In a wretched
condition. It's treasury was empty, its
school teachers, the police and other
city officials were in some cases two
years in arrears for salary. There was
no fire department, no street or gas
fund, and the civic credit was gone. In
a short time Mayor Gleason changed
all this he Strengthened out the tam
giles in every department Of the ciy's
government and from the verge Of
bankruptcy the city was restored to a
solid financial basis. He established a
paid fire department. built school
houses and an excellent water supply
system, wiped out the floating debt and
reduced the tax rate, which was at one
time as high IS six per cent.
Fighting street Railroads
Next to Gleason's fight against Mayor
De Beyoise the struggle of his life was
with the Long Island Railroad com
pany. which had closed up various city
streets with gates and sheds.
It was the big mayors custom to sal
ly out ak in hand and chop down these
distractions himself. On one occasion
be armed the entire police force with
axes, and made a clean sweep Of all the
railroad property which he thought
was on city lands. For 1--WE years. too,
he fought the Standard Oil company,
and though he made a determined
stand he was. finally forced to admit
that the undertaking was too much.
even for the champion Of lighting
mayors. But he kept right on lighting
telephone. telegraph and lumber com
panies; he fought Union College which
is Protestant. and Calvary cemetery,
which IS Catholic. and he fought the
ferry companies. reducing the fare
from four to three cents. After being
mayor for two consecutive terms Of
three years each Gleason was defeat
ed In 1892 by Sanford. He wouldn't
admit the defeat. though-that wasn't
his way-but remained in possession of
city han until January 20. 1898. when