New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-05-08
ALDERMEN WIDE AWAKE.
SEEM EAGER FOR ACTION.
EUanS r.. Dick Calls WeStcheSter
Bribery Story Lie.

With charges of graft" on every side. alder
men are becoming aroused from their usual
peaceful Indifference to public sentiment, and at
Tuesdays session of the board the somnolence
which has pervaded the Railroad Committee in
connection with the application OF the New
York and Port Chester Railroad for franchise
will be rudey disturbed. President Fornes's
determination to have investigation Of the
reports that aldermen have demanded bribe
money 10 let the franchise 20 through has
brought forth protestations Of good faith and
innocence from some of the political leaders.
Whether President Gottshall of the Port
Chester road had been approached for bribe
money, he declines to say. Information in curcu-
laton at the City Hall has II that he was al the
beginning OF his long fight. and this Information
or rumor. mentions names. To this Mr.
GottshaH is non-committaL He does declare most
emphatically. however. that II Mr.. Fornes wants
TO put through an investigation. or il any other
persons want to take advantage OF their char
ter privilege To ventiIate the accusations against
the aldermen. he will respond to a subpoena. or
any other legal paper summonng him 10 testify
before any legally empowered body. Further
he viii answer questions the best OF his
ability.
Alderman Little Tim" sullivan who at one
time apparently didn't want an investigation.
has decided now that the sooner It's over and
done with the better. Therefore he declared
yesterday that he would insis, ON Il full. com
plete inquiry.
'Presiden- Gottghail would not dare 30
the stand and say he opproacned." said
ne nor would any other man. lie would
know the story wasn't true. and he wouldn't
Try 10 make an issue on that point for the
benefit it would be for his road This story
appears 10 have been circulated in the interes;
OF the Port Chester road against it's rival the
New-York. Westchester and Boston. which We
know is backed by reputable men. and imam
ciered by Dick & Robinson. The aldermen took
favorable action the application OF that
road because it will build its road right away
and give the people of that district what they
want in the Of rapid transit"
Not alone aldermen accused OF holding
up the application OF the Port Chester com
pany. The application of the rival concern the
Westchester went through tho board so read
y. story in circulation yesterday had IT, be-
cause it's way was fabricated with oil Of gold.
Five aldermen. went on the story. divided the
proceeds among them. and each received a small
fortune.
Little Tim laughs at this story. as he has
al It's previous appearances. Alderman Nc
call OF the Railroad Committee. terms it mon
sense" From Evans r. Dick, Of Dick & Rob-
inson. II got even harsher characterization
CALLS IT A DAsTARDI.Y LIE.
to a Tribune reporter. IF l can say anything
palmer. let me know. our firm has been back
ing the Westchester in all this business. If
any money paid, IL would have come from
firm. No money could have heen paid with
out my knowledge. and. repeat. that's a dirty !
malicious lie. Ia tell the man who started the
story so to his face. and more.
These reports all come from the NewYork |
New-Haveu and Hartford Railroad. and you
can say so my name. can't prove 1t;
wish to God 1 could. They have their agents |
who can set aGoat a story like that where it |
would do the most damage to a rival concern" !
WEsTCHEsTER'S MOTIVES IMPUGNED. |
1t has been suggested that the NewYork. !
Westchester and Boston road could hurry along !
its preparations If it to make appca- |
ton 10 the State Railroad Commission for per- |
mission to increase its capital stock and bonds.
one of the regular details OF the beginning of
actual business. Before this permission could |
be granted the State Railroad Commission |
would have TO decide the legality Of the |
road It's standing could also be determined by |
the courts if it applied to Westchester County |
for permission TO cross the streets up there.
The Westchester isn't ger to do these things, |
however, it's opponents say, because in that |
case It's game would be ended and it could |
harass the Port Chester no longer II it can go |
along get its application passed by the city au- |
thorities. then wait quietly, having received |
some official standing from this recognition. 1t |
will have accomplished its chief aim at pres
ent say people in The Bronx.
The Merchants Association will hold con-
ference tomorrow with the various Bronx and |
Westchester organizations which nave been !
keeping up the fight for rapid transit. at which |
il will consider the hold-up OF the Port Ches-
ter's application. The Merchants Association,
SAYS William +. King chairman Of the commit
tee on franchises and transportation. holds that
IL is the duty OF the Board Of Aldermen 10 act
one way or another on an application presented |
nroperly for its consideration, and that II has
absolutely no right TO pigeonhOe an affair
which Virally interests thousands or citizens-
David Cromwell. president OF the Board OF
Trade of White Plains. has sent 10 Mayor Nc
Clellan a letter saying that White Plains. at
present dependent entirely on the mercy or the /
Ne,v-York Central. desires favorable action on
the application Of the Westchester road, which
Droooses 10 build into the White Plains district.
This the Port Chester could not do without the
no-11,ssion of the state Railroad Commission.
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