New-York tribune., 1901-12-19
SHEFFIELD WILL REFUSE.
THOMAS STURGIS LIKELY TO BE FIRE
COAfMISSIONER-OPPO
TO PUTNAM

Mr. Low has met such difficulties in selecting
a man for Fire Commissioner that he has been
compelled to keep back the remainder of his
cabinet for several days, and. although he inti-
mated yesterday that he might make public
few names to-day. it is possible that he may
delay their announcement still further. James
r Sheffield has been Mr.. Lows choice for the
head of the Fire Department from the first.
Soon after the election the Office was rendered
to Mr. Sheffield as was told in The Tribune at
the time. Mr. Sheffield informed the Mayor
elect that he could not take the place for the
reason that it would compel MIN not only to
give up his law practice which he had resumed
three years ago after the same number Of years
In the service of the city member of the
Fire Board under Mayor Strong. but that 1t
would also sacrifice other interests
In the hope however that Mr.. Sheffield would
finally take the appointment. for which Mr. Low
thought him particularly we'll fitted because of
his former training in this department and his
popularity with the rank and file of the force.
Mr. Low left this offer open. and not only urged
Mr. Sheffield to take it, but it is said, used his
influence in other ways to bring about an ac-
Ceptance It is also said that President Roose-
welt. because of his interest in the new ad-
ministration, urged Mr.. Sheffield, in a confer
ence with him at the White House yesterday, to
accept the place.
Washington last night. but declined to say any
thing in regard to his visit to Washington. or
in regard to the office. His friends said that he
would take the place. that he had made up
his mind in regard to the matter soon after the
appointment was offered him, and that at no
time had he changed his determination.
Mr.. Low will learn to-day of Mr.. Shefield's
attitude. it is said that he is likely appoint
Thomas sturgis, who served with Mir. Sheffield
in the Fire Board. under Mayor Strong 1t is
understood that Mr.. Sturgis is acceptable to the
Republican organization. it is known that he
has been favorably considered by the Mayor
eject for time
1t also learned yesterday that George
Haven Putnam. who has been mentioned for
some time for Park Commissioner. is not to be
chosen. Opposition developed against Mr.. Put
among the rank and file of the Republican
organization. Among the visitors at Mr. Lows
house yesterday was John D. Crimmins. who at
time mentioned for this office Mr.
Crmmns is said to have called at Mr.. Lows
invitation for the purpose of talking over this
appointment and close friends of the Mayor
elect said afterward that the whom Mr..
Low would make head of the Park Department
would be a who had been little spoken of
for the place AT any rate, they said it would
not be Mr.. Putnam. 1t is said that Mr.. Low has
decided that Charles Reed (Republican) and
Richard Young (Republican), shall be Park
Commissioners for The Bronx and for Brooklyn.
respectively
The appointment for Dock Commissioner will
in all probability go to McDOugdI Hawkes., that
Of president of the Tax Board to James L.
Wells. that of Correction to Charles J. Henry.
and that of Accounts to William Hepburn Rus
sell.
Colonel John N Partridge will be in this city
tomorrow and will have conference with the
Mayor-elect 1t is said that he will announce
on saturday these appointments: Colonel Will
lam g. Bates. first deputy. and Richard II. Lain
beer, second deputy.
It IS said that A. c. MCNuIty, secretary OF the
Bryan Democratic League, is being urged upon
Mr.. Low for Commissioner of Correction. Friends
of Mr.. MCNulty think that in case he is not
made commissioner Of this department he will
be the first deputy.
John G. Sheehan had hours talk with Mr.
Low yesterday. and il is said that Mr. Sheehan
urged the appointment of a member of the Great
New-YOrk Democracy for Commissioner OF
Correction The office of Commissioner of Ac-
counts which is slated for William Hepburn
Russell also discussed. The two
also said to have considered city contracts, and
especially those of Perciyai +. Nagle 1t is
derstood that the new Commissioner of Accounts
will investigate some of these contracts when
he takes office January !.