New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-09-27

taps Of his gavel as alligator would 70 a mos
quito. 1t was necessary even to refer the govern
ing rules back to the Committee on Rules go that
public hearing could be held TO adopt rules giving
Mr.. FOrnes the power TO keep the board in hand
At the next meeting President Fornes had half
dozen policemen on hand. but their presence was
Unnecessary
The board and its president are now on such
good terms thar they al attended the dinner
which Mr.. Forres gave recently 10 commemorate
the 25oth anniversary Of the establishment Of the
municipal government OF New-York. 1t was not
without typical aldermanIc joke
Little Tim Sullivan leader OF the Tammany
faction Of the board. sat David Holmes. Of
the NINth District. When Holmes was not look
ing Sullivan took away his watch Presently the
loss was discovered, and there was a great hue
and cry. The hotel detective was called in. and
a thorough but unavaiing search instituted
When President Fornes arose to speak he held
out waten. saying. Il have Just been agreeabIy
surprised by the presentation OF beautiful gold
watch. wish 10 thank the members for
But Alderman Holmes shouted out an Interrupt
ton: It's mine. Mr.. President It's mine, I lost
Il d little spell ago. I did think il was neces-
sary to sew it fast tonight. but If get it back
promise not to be so fo-getful again"
Even Mayor Low. who present pleased
with the joke, saying: When heard the member
Of the board feeling round for the tune Of The
Watch on the Rhine I was reminded Of the story
OF that American. who. upon returning to his
home after extended trip abroad. told his friend
tn1t ne nae Sai4cd Up ana down the Rhine twice
looking FOR the watch. but had not been able 10
find 1t. I must say that very glad that AL
derman Holmes has been more successful
Marty Reese. who is keeper Of the City Hail.
and has been for years despite changing admins
tra;ions says the watch-lifting trick an old IA
vorite with the Board OF Aldermen.
In the old days" said he from his chair between
the pillars Of the main entrance 1T used to BE- the
idea Of the aldermen to play practical Jokes that
must be squared up with a champagne party at
the nearest good bar. 1 remember how Alderman
Windt caught by the watch trick The board
turned out TO watch an exhibition fire given by
extinguishing company Windts watch lifted
by Iight-fngered member OF the board from the
Bowery district. He made great cry. and wanted
call out the reserves. The Bowery member
slipped The watch back into windt's pocket with
out his knowledge. and then all adjourned 70 the
nearest bar TO mourn his loss.
' 'Windt. I don't beIevesyou lost your watch
said one.
bad enough. but TO be disbeIieved was more
than he could stand guess know when lose
my fine watch, he cried bet you anything II
stolen
They made a wine bet and advised him 10 feel
in MS pocket The watch there. and Wtndt
paid the bet.
They played a sad trick on an Irish member
four FIVE years ago. and, incidentally. nearly
ruined the fellow politically. He labor uniOr.
man. elected by the labor vote. and supposed 20
up 70 him one afternoon with ofhcfal-lOoking
document in hand
q" Won't you introduce this for me- he begged;
I've got to catch train and can't wait
Sure answered the Irish member. and with
out reading it be introduced the resolution
The next morning the papers had a sensation
Alderman Labor introduced a resolution taxing
labor unions \ delegation Of angry labor leaders
descended the Irishmans saloon They were
angry enough 20 wipe il OF the block. and almost
did So He 2 week explaining that he did not
know that il was not his fault and then
other week seeing the Joke. He gave wine
luncheon"
II the old Tweed days. according 20 Marty
Reese and other authorities, the aldermen did not
leave the City Hall when they wanted wine
party They were all coming money. and there
was TO end Of a stock OF liquor hand In
Tweed days the aldermen had boxes along the
wall OF the hall leading 20 their chamber. II one
wanted favor be IL permit. legislation OF fran
Chise. the alderrnans present went into his box
once in a while alderman would roo anothsrs
present box. and then there would Be no end OF a
row.
The annual dinners Of the aldermen used 70
be held around about Christmas time. The dinner
OF the board which went out Of existence when
the present charter went iato effect. in lsSo
merry one. John JerolOEnan President OF the
Board and as POSTMASTER he waxed pOeticaL
There were protests against the poetry from every
table, but he 10 be hushed or cheated out
OF the work Of many weeks preparation.
Some samples OF his introductions may not come
srniss-