New-York tribune., 1907-06-02
BURR's DEVIOUS PLAN.

Burr. however. recognized the advantage
(which Hamilton had gained for his Yarty by
having bank, and he determined TO organize
one himself Owing his position TO the prejudice
Of the people against banks, he dared not take
any open steps 10 attain his end. His fertile
brain devised eXpedient. He chartered
company to supply New York with water. This
looked innocent on the face Of it and did not
arouse any suspicion in the public mind. After
the bill had been examined, discussed and ia
vorably passed upon a rider added 10 it
empowering the Manhattan company to supply
the city with water and TO do such other busi-
ness al may be lawful.
''In order TO inspire IN the people confidence
in this other business the Chancellor and Re
corder were made directors in the company,
These men were Of such high character that
their names among the directors Of the new
company put the matter beyond criticism. In
Duane street, where the Hal! of Records now
stands, oaken ducts were sunk and a water tank
erected near Burr's office. The Manhattan COM
pany then supplied the city with water, but it
may be mentioned that the supply was limited
indeed and wholly inadequate for even the small
population Of that period. It's other business
was highly successful but IN order TO keep its
charter the company has to-day to maintain it's
old water tank, and one of its standing COM
mittees is the committee water, whose duties,
needless to say are far from arduOus.
Some of Burrs old oaken ducts. in a state
Of excellent preservation, dug up when
foundations laid for the Hall Of Records
LAS Recorder I was eX-offcio, director In this
banking company, the only director in the Coun-
try who never owned any Of it's stock NY re-
lations with this company are among the pleas
ant "reminiscences of my life. AS oldest director,
by virtue Of my Office I was always called upon
TO preside at luncheons and banquets given by
the company, and at It's recent centennial an
niversary dinner each director was presented
with gold medal, in place Of the customary
SO gold piece for attendance. The appurte-
nances Of the office OF Recorder have always been
OF exceedingly great interest, adding many pleas
to his duties
THE position Of Recorder has aIwavs been
one of commanding interest, and TO it have been
elected men of commanding ability. I may in
stance such great jurists Frederick Smvth
and James NJ Smith; Varick, after whom
Varick street was named; John T. Hoffman af-
terward Governor; Kent, the great Chancellor
who first gained note in the office of Recorder
Men Of the legal profession all look to Kent s
Commentaries as the great exponent Of laws in
America. It is second TO no legal textbook in
the English language. II stands 70 American
law as Blackstone does to the English
I'm those days the Court of General Sessions
admitted to practice. Andrew H Green
was the last man admitted by this court II
also exercised supervision and jurisdiction over
poor persons and over proceedings for the pos
session Of land. Because Of the increase Of
business in the Recorders court these powers
were relegated to the district court Judges
Generally speaking 1t is TO be regretted that
the Office should be abolished It is one OF +he
last links that bind the present 10 the past
The Office has always been one of not ONLY great
powers and corresponding responsibilities but
one to which the people looked with great rev
erence and respect.