The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1909-01-18

Cleared Of Flats.
 Unless present plans miscarry an
 attempt will be made tonight to put
 the harbor grab through the common
 council. The ten acres of flats de-
 manded by the New York, New Haven
 and Hartford Railroad will be turned over to the railroad and the size of
 Bridgeport harbor will forever be re- duced. The flats given to the railroad will be filled in. and the ground thus created will become a portion of the freight yards of the company
 The job will not be accomplished without protest. It is regarded, as ex- ceedingly doubtful, this morning, if the mayor has votes enough to put the grab through
 The report, which will give the grab effect, if it is adopted, was signed at the meeting of the harbor committee, Saturday night by three members only, Bertilson, Feyrer and Tague. The first two are Republicans. The latter was elected an alderman on the Democratic ticket.
 Aldermen Mahoney and Cassidy, the Democratic members of the committee, declined to sign the mayors report They made it exceedingly warm for the majority of the committee.
 The opposition of Mahoney and Cas- sidy to the grab has been cool and intelligent. They have put their fin- gers on every weak spot in the scheme.
 At an earlier meeting, Alderman Ma honey met the claim that the harpor will; be widened by the removal of Naugatuck dock, with the claim that the flats under the dock will be just as great an obstruction as the dock.
 Aldermen Mahoney and Cassidy then caused a committee to be sent to the railroad company, to inquire if it was the purpose of the railroad to dredge these flats, when the dock is remov- ed. The railroad replied that it would remove the dock, but would not dredge the flats. This information was given to the committee Saturday night by City Attorney Cullinan, who with Mayor Lee constituted the com mittee that visited the railroad.
 In accordance with the demands of Aldermen Mahoney and Cassidy, Ma jor Harry Taylor had been communi- cated with to see what was the pros pect that the flats could be dredged.
 Mayor Lee read an answer from Ma jor Taylor, to the effect that there is no appropriation for this purpose. Taylor wrote that the obstruction. re- maining after the removal of the dock, could not be dredged except by au- thority of an act of congress.
 Having brought all these facts out, Alderman Mahoney demanded the de- lay of all attempts to discontinue the city line until, at least, the city should be in a position to know it is going to get what it has been promised, name ly the removal of the obstruction which the Naugatuck dock constitutes.
 He and Alderman Cassidy then char acterized the entire attempt to go back to the government line, as an effort to turn over to the railroad portion of the harbor much needed at present, which will be more needed in the fu ture.
 They informed Mayor Lee and the ma ajority, that no adequate effort had been made to induce the United States government to treat the city fairly. He declared that the attitude of the ma jority was that of men who did not want the harbor protected, and who are determined not to seek means for its protection.
 Alderman Mahoney further informed the majority that if Congressman Hill should be called to the assistance of the city by a council resolution, and his great influence and power in Washington he would have no diffi- culty in getting justice for Bridgeport !
 The minority aldermen further charged Mayor Lee, and the majority, 1 with declining to seek the help of Con- { gressmen Hill and the Connecticut delegation in Washington, because hey are convinced that such help would be effective, and do not want l my settlement of the question except | hat involved in giving the railroad , everything that it asks for.
 Alderman Cassidy pointed out the oily of regarding Major Harry Fay 1 or an inferior officer of the War De- ,artment. as czar from whom there s 10 appeal. He declared that the { tights of a city of one hundred thou sand people, if properly presented at Washington through proper represen- atives of the state. would be cared or. He said that the city cannot be from the encroachments of pecial interests if on every occasion he officers entrusted with the power if the municipality are going to take he side of such special interests.
 The majority report calls for the of the city line, before Lny line is ready to take it's place. It commits the common council fiatly to he government line, and provides for
 hearing, to be held Feb. l. 19O9 for he purpose of making the city line CO., Incident with the government, or so- alled railroad line.
 There is some doubt about how the aldermen will line up. A number of Republican aldermen were pledged in avor of the city line, to their con- tituents, it is said, prior to their nom nations. It is believed that three of hese will not submit to the crack of ha partv whip wielded hv Mayor Tee