New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1909-01-12
GOT AQUEDUCT LANDS
Syndicate 4cquired Property Near
CQtskiH I'm DrOTement.

The Cassidy COMMITTEES brought out yesterday
that Jacob Mayer is furnishing the money tor
various men but all working with definite IN
derstanding 20 acquire land in the CatskiH "a'e7
shed and along the line OF the proposed aqueHuet
that the city IS likely to need for its project.
Senator Cassidy has been informed that certain
private interests are working in collision with en-
gineers in the Board Of Water Supply. He has no
proof that this fact. but he Is trying To learn
the facts In the proceedings yesterday the names
OF four or Ave OF the men obtaining options IN 'i'e
watershed were uncovered. II developed that they
had invested" in lands there Just before the
changed route Of the aqueduct made public
All told this syndicate has acquired about thirty
Eve hundred acres
A Young lawyer James P. McGover1. who de-
scrfbed himself as a member Of several corpora
lions was on the stand and the chairman had
records TO prove that he had in his own name -FOUR
hundred acres OF land In Ulster County near the
modified route.
There was considerable difficulty IN compelling
the witness to testify. After consulting his attor
ney. however Mr.. McGovern consented to answer
r,aking a few remarks about the lack Of power
Of the commission 10 compel him 10. His personal
counsel. F. Alexander was threatened WIN ca
nuIs,on for Interrupting the proceedings
IBID you purchase the property because Won
knew that tho new aqaeduct was TO take its route
in that neighborhood?" M. Bedell asked.
81 knew nothing OK Il at that time, was the
answer. 80
What led you to purchase the property. tnen.
We'll had an deal may say 1t YVES cor
y4n,inp-that the property which purchased would
he n ideal oca ton for reservoir or an aqueduct
Then 81 WIS with the idea OF Investment for the
change OF the route that you purchased
No sir" he answered Il may say that 1
bought for farm lands and in connection with your
ouestion I want 10 add that some OF my property
s now being condemned BY the city. I did not
try 10 hold them up To buy the land he bor-
rowed money from Mayer and Edward H. Alex
ander
He said he was interested in parcels in tho name
Of Jerome Dick. who one OF those who had
signed the syndicate agreement with Mayer. Alex
ander and the witness He interested also IN
property bought by Frank Burhans
Then YOU are all INTERCHANGEABLE interested%
he asked,
yes we are all personal friends
And We are to understand that Il was not bought
for the purpose of being condemned by the city,
Yes sir" said the witness
Nj Buck was called 20 the stand and he testified
tha, he and his colleagues owned in all about three
thousand acres of land near the aqueduCt. He
added TO those interested the names Of Howard Bell
Leo Buck and Solomon T. De Lee. He admitted
that the sole purpose in buying the land was 70 sell
10 the city.
Mr. Maver was then called He said mis- business
was .investing-any kind real estate any other
thing tina. I can see money in" He denied having
inside" information
In the morning Commissioner O'Brien testified
that he did not favor central purchasing depart
ment He said his engineers took advantage
of every economy.
The hearing will go on to-day.