New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1902-07-27
COMMISSIONER WOODBURY.
THE VERSATILITY OF THE HEAD OF
THE STREET CLEANING DEPART
MENT-DEVOTED TO DUTIES.

Major John McGaw Woodbury., Commissioner Va
Street Cleaning. is a soldier, doctor OF Iieuci.'
linguist bacterioIogist. sailor and cowpuncher' ne
has instituted in the department discipline that
is showing good results When any OF those near
him are taken sick he personally prescrloes Ior
them. and those who are anxious for snort Vaca-
tions cannot deceive him by pretending to be sick
He speaks French. Spanish. German, Italian ana
English and becomes exasperated whenever II &C
him that ne cannot read ana SPEAK ag
ties and creeds His knowledge of bacteriology re
germs in the air on the East and West sides by
means of which he may determine the best method
has been at sea and knows something about the
work required OF the crews OF the duRmplg seo Tvs
taught him something about cattle that mas neen
Major woodbury. is worth, it is said. between
he city at apa saaTy Of $3.50 year. He likes work
a 50r is "a at t early f6f years %
and looks ten years younger. He goes upstairs
any ordinary man trying to keep abreast Of him
when he is walking in the street In his ONCE IN
room to another. once he decides question. 1t is
settled Politicians have no influence with hin
that they not treading on any politicians toes
when they report a subordinate for any breach OF
Recently an alderman asked Major woodbury.
Woodbury. requested the alderman to make him
self comfortable while he looked up the man s
Sorry" said the Commissioner, but. Mr.. Alder
man, this man s record is Dau. we can nave Hlfn
in this department. He was dismissed twice for
intoXica ton"
''Nell' pleaded the alderman cant you give
that is keiy to be dispossessed and there is moth
ing for them to eat Can't you do something Tor
him."
I'm get him employment somewhere else" said
the Commissioner but he can't work with us
am sorry for his family and will speak to some
of my business friends"
The man obtained employment through the major,
and has done fair work.
The Commissioner never forgets his good man
nerS. About week ago an Italian street cleaner
ter, whom he intended should be his Interpreter
They waited the office for about two hours
while the ma or dashed In and out attending to
important business. Most of his time he spent at
City Hall, wrangling with the Board Of Alder
men, He returned to get some papers, and was
about 10 dash out again when his secretary called
his attention to the Italian and his daughter.
Il beg your pardon, miss, said the major, with
a low bow: Il am sorry TO have kept you waiting
so long. What can do for your
The girl informed him that her father wanted to
be transferred. and what her establishment
when Major Woodbury. addressed the aged Italian
In MS native language He told him to have his
daughter write out application and send IL 10
him, and the transfer would be made as soon as a
vacancy
frequently dash about the city in his buggy. About
a week ago he discovered two policemen leaning
up against post In the most languid manner.
quietly cOnVersirR Major Woodbury. pulled up his
horse nj the curb and called to them. They rec
ognized him and came over One OF them leaned
over the buggy in the most familiar way resting
his arms on the wheel and dashboard.
Attention" said the major. sternly. Taken by
surprise. the men quickly obeyed and. standing at
attention saluted In true military style
Then the Commissioner read the policemen little
lecture military ethics and departed The mill
tary spirit has been Infectious in the office and all
present themselves before the Commissioner They
know better than TO lean the Commissioners
desk or act the least bit sloppy"