New-York tribune., 1903-05-01

and told the men that their positions were secure
long they did their work. and that pull would
not work in the Office Mr.. Cantor asked
to give strictly business administration OF the
Office. and that is what I propose TO do. hsv.
stopped the practice OF callers making the rounds
OF the offices because OF their acquaintance with
some particular IN the bur-au- Hereafter they
will have to state their business to the head OF ths
department I also have issued order forofddinE
any one opening the Office mail Under my prsds-
cessor two or three persons understand. opened
the mail shall open every letter myself. that
may know exactly what Is going IN the way
OF correspondence.
"As builder have experienced the enbarrzss-
ment caused BY architects plans being held up In
this office in days gone by. I am not now critf-
cising Mr. Stewards conduct Of the Office. shall
me- Ike 1t a rule 10 pass plans either way
the other with greater promptness than ever.
Borough President Cantor had little TO say v.s-
terday about the retirement OF Mr. Stewart
Il have read in the morning papers," said Mr
Cantor. "au that Sfr Stewart has said regarding
his for being dismissed. but have nothing
10 say. in reply to them. and don't expect TO havs
Mr. Stewart have the centre OF the stage
himself I responsible for that department. and
I have appointed a who will take good
OF IL
"As TO the allegation that Henry 5. Thompson
is ineligible because he has not been builder for
ten years. thai is not true had some difficulty
in getting him to accept the place he is a rich
man. so you see he made a sacrifice in accept
ing it,
Mr.. Stewart said he had not made any plans
for the future. Regarding his removal ne gave
statement. saying in part:
In accepting the appointment Of Superintendent
OF Buildings l did with the firm determine ton.
s far lay IN my power. 10 correct the abuses
that from my experience builder. felt existed
in the department. To that end have made an
effort 10 that that part Of the public which mad
business with the department should realize that
everybody who had such business should be treated
be no favorftes. and that everybody would BE- able
to get from the department speedy and courteous
attention. and that of the employees should
be permitted in any way 10 haraSS them II mat
tered not TO whether such people were RepuOi-
cans. RefOrmers. Greater New-fork Democrats
Prohibitionists or members Of TauUany Hall
1t has been asserted that have had no sym
pathy with the present administration know or
greater benefit that can accrue 70 any admin
fstratfon than an honest effort to perform ones
official duty without fear favor This have
tried TO do, and with what degree Of success I
must again leave 10 the public to answer, and
also invite the testimony OF the heads Of the other
departments under this administration as TO the
co-ope ration and assistance I have always been
willing to render them
Il has also been stated that my Intimacy WITH
members Of Tammauy Hall injury 10 NY
depa rtment and reflected in sCme way or other
no aDO'Ogv 70 maize. ] have never been a member
Of a Tammany Hall orga1izatiOn-in fact. OF any
political organizaJiOn-and the few friends who
have come 10 in my business and political ac-
tivftteS have nv confidence and esteem. and Ins
question OF political affiliations been nor
will permit in the future 70 be. consideration
affecting such friendship.