New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-05-20
WESTERNACHER SHIFTS.
WILL SUPPORT MURPHY.
Ra,nor That Com missioner McCOoey
WiU Desert McCmren.

Deputy Bridge Commissioner Gottfrleo west
ernacher has become a Murphy man and next
fall will try 70 deliver the XINth Assembly
District of Kings to Tammany Hall. The an
nouncement was made last night by friends of
westernacher. who practically admitted it when
seen by the reporters The leader of the XIXth
is Conrad Hasenf1ug, Deputy Dock Commas
sioner until removed from that position this
week by Commissioner Featherson. who did not
furnish any reason for his action Wester-
nacher was Hasenfug man and was sounded
by Bridge Commissioner Best with reference TO
where he will be In the line next fall. 1t
was intimated to him that II he would stand
with the anti-McCarren men he would be al
lowed to continue as Deputy Bridge Commits
sioner. but that IL he stood with his leader he
would have TO walk the political plank. Gott-
fried took twenty-four hours to think IL over,
and yesterday told Commissioner Best that he
would join the anti-NlcCarren forces and next
fall would contest for the leadership Of the
XIXth District.
Assistant Corporation Council James D. Bell
and Deputy Tenement House Commissioner
Brennan. both Brooklyn men and hustlers for
McCarren. are marked for political slaughter
Commissioner Grain OF the Tenement House
Department was asked yesterday II he had
asked Mr.. Brennan to resign. He refused to
make any statement 1t is regarded prac-
ii ally certain that Brennan will go.
When Deputy Bridge Commissioner wester-
nacher was seen yesterday he said he had no
present intention of resIgning.
This is a pretty good office. amt it?" he
asked the reporter when Intercepted about get
ting out. The work is pleasant and the pay is
pretty fair. amt it? Why should 1 resign2 I
haven't any grievance against the Commits
sioner. If you want to know whether he is
going to ask for my resignation you will have to
ask him."
II don't expect that there will be any change
OF Deputy Bridge Commissioners" said Com
missioner Best Mr.. Westernacher is not ac-
tive in politics in Brooklyn. In fact. ne isn't
even a member of the general committee Of the
XIXth District. There is no prospect OF his
retiring from the department.
VIII he have Tammany backing in the pri-
martes next fall?" the Commissioner asked.
Next fall is a good way ahead" said Mr..
Best.
Mayor Mcclellan was asked yesterday if he
favored the removal Of deputy commissioners
from office without cause.
L think deputies ought TO be In sympathy
with their Chiefs he replied Then the Mayor
volunteered this statement,
Il do not even know why Commissioner TulIy
removed Deputy Commissioner Noonan-" The
Mayor said he had not asked any commissioner
to remove any deputy.
Civil Service Commissioner McCooey made a
hurried call on Mayor Mcclellan yesterday
afternoon MT. MCCOOey Is a McCdrren leaQer
in the Flatbush district. 1t was rumored at the
City Hall that he had been asked by one of Mr.
Murphys representatives about his attitude in
the primaries next fall. and that he had init
mated that he desired 10 retain his present place
and would try TO convince his friends that IL
would be best for the organization TO recognize
Tammany Hall as the controlling factor in local
politics.
Ex-Alderrnan Joseph Bill has been approached
by the anti-McCarren people with the offer OF
Conrad Hasenflug's former position Deputy
Dock Commissioner if he will consent TO fight
Hasenflug in the XIXth Assembly District in
Kings County Hasenfiug is the leader of the
district. Mr. Bill has the offer under advise
ment. He is less than thirty years old and is
personally popular In 1901, when he was
turned down by the Democrats for renornna-
ton as alderman. he accepted a nomination on
the fusion ticket and was elected