New-York tribune., 1902-07-10
COLONEL r. O.. MONROE NEW
WA TER COMMISSIONER.
MAYOR SAYS FORMER OFFICIAL WITH
DREW FOR BUSINESS REASONS
TALK OF FRICTION


the announcement made by the Mayor late
yesterday afternoon that Commissioner Dough-
erty was out and that his successor had been
selected. The Mayor made the following state
ment:
Some weeks ago Commissioner Dougherty noti-
NED ned me that ne feared he would have to ask to be
renewed as Commissioner of Water Supply Gas
ws anG EectriGty Until week ago hoped there
but July he Wrote me that he must nS finally
ask me TO relieve him l have accordingly asked
he has done so Mr.. Dougherty. in accepting
the appointment originally. told me frankly that
ne was not sure that he would be able to serve
IRe entre tim', and he has found. matter
fession so completely as he has found it necessary
to do since he has been Commissioner. He has
worked hard and faithfully, and l have doubt
that Mr. Monroe will find the department in better
Of the year Mr B6ugherty a has m Certain 9 special
equipment for this position in a knowledge of the
duplicate dn9 but Mr. Monroe is man of capacity
effective Commissioner.
Last night those who think that man never
resigns large office unless friction drives him
to it said that Mr.. Dougherty had resigned be-
cause of differences with Mayor Low, Corpora
ton Counsel Rves and the Board of Aldermen.
While it is true that Commissioner Dougherty
has accomplished number of highly creditable
reforms, it is also true that several of his am
bilious projects for the good of the department
he has just left have been defeated.
HIS PROJECTS DEFEATED.
Early in the year he asked for an enlarged
appropriation for his department Controller
Grout and the Mayor refused to give the extra
money. He tried to have tie Board of Alder
men pass a resolution compelling household
ers to meter all houses. The aldermen would
not do it. After each of these defeats he threat
ened to resign.
He asked the Board Of Aldermen for $500
wit hytr,fc fch
dence, for three months work as engineer for
the city. The aldermen refused to give the
money. and Mr.. Dougherty said he would en-
gage Mr.. Freeman on his own responsibility.
He a substantial victory as an indirect
result of his efforts TO have the Burr law re-
pealed. His bill for the repeating of the law
which was supposed to prevent the city from
acquiring water rights by condemnation pro-
ceedings in Suffolk County never got out of
committee but Corporation Counsel Rives af-
terward said that the Burr law was unconstitu-
tional. and that Mr.. Dougherty could go ahead
and condemn in Suffolk County wherever neces-
sary. Mr.. Dougherty's detected a large
number - crooked water meters, thus increas-
ing the city's revenue by thousands Of dollars
Mayor Low wrote him a somewhat pointed
letter calling his attention 10 the violation of
the law in the burning Of soft coal in the pump
ing station in West Ninety eghth-st and on 4
little satisfaction. He told to obey the law /
Mr. Dougherty is prominent in the Citizens
Union organization and in making up the city +
ticket last year he was one Of the influential
conferrees
HOPES TO BE OF FURTHER SERVICE I
Mr. Dougherty, when seen by Tribune re-
porter. said:
agreed to accept place in Mayor Lows cabi- |
he or
my office should prove Incompatible with attention
hands might ask rceTed after tSef he II IaPse ng
rendered my resignation to the Mayor feIt isti
ned in doing so because the duties of Office had
That the strain will continue for the next seven /
conception Of the demands of the department. con-
sututed as II is by containing such unrelated sub
If. believed when I took Office the time had
the water system might be initiated n@ conse oL
ton would deter me from any sacrifice. But right /
ly or wrongly. | believe that the requirements Of
this department will not be met before the CON
service to Brooklyn in the matter Of its water ' sum
ply for a year before became a public official, and
spect to Its water system as much out of Office
The experience OF the last six months will prove
Invaluable 70 me In any future work. | have toll
he might make upon me for advice or information .
regarding the department
All Of Commissioner Dougherty's personal ap- /
pointees will leave the office with him, fearing
coming commissioner. These men are William
A. De Long, Deputy Commissioner whose sal /
ary is $1,000; Robert Van Iderstine, deputy in
Brooklyn, $500: John Quinn. deputy IN The
Bronx $1,000: George s. ScofeId deputy in
Queens $1,000: George S. ScofeId deputy in
Richmond $500; Edward s. Brownson. jr,
secretary to the department, So 0o0 and George
Rees secretary to the commissioner, 81 300
Friends of Commissioner Dougherty denied
yesterday that friction with Mayor Low Cor
poration Counsel Rives. the Board of Estimate
or the Board Of Aldermen had anything to do
with his decision to resign. They pointed to
the fact that Mr. Dousherty and his assistants
have worked early and late to dispose of the
work of the department. While other depart
ments have closed promptly O'Clock every
day the Water Department has been open until
all hours ofthe night Commissioner Dougherty
even worked the Fourth of July
THE NEW COMMISSIONER
Colonel Monroe visited Commissioner Dough
ertv about p. m. yesterday and remained with
him an hour. When seen by Tribune reporter
later he said
tended appointing to-day. | can hardly be asked
now to express any NgWs IN In regard to the policy
With the advantage of the very effective work that
and he further tells me that he is willing to give
me everv assistance before | begin my new work
ana & aisTT 5yantage of Mr. Doughertys kihdness and
accept his. assistance. II possible.
Colonel Monroe was born in Philadelphia in
The Switzerland of America. July lS via New Jer-
sew Central Tickets 81 20. Special train from foot
I liberty St $40 a Switchhack 80 cents extra
Advt.