New-York tribune., 1910-01-15
COL PADDEN OUT
TAMMANY NAN GOES.
Water Register RemoUed by
Commissioner Thorn psOn.

Colonel" Michael c. Padden, a lieuten-
ant of big Tim" Sullivan. was removed
from the office of Water Register yesterday
by Commissioner Thompson of the Depart
ment of Water Supply. Gas and Electricity
Clair Foster. who was first vice-president
of the Thompson Company, build
ers, when Mr.. Thompson was connected
with that firm, was appointed to succeed
Colonel Padden. He has also been sec
retary of the Standard Plunger Elevator
Company. Mr.. Foster is a young man.
native of Atlanta. His present home Is In
Queens. He is said to be an independent
Democrat.
The removal of Padden. which had the
hearty approval OF Mayor Gaynor. Is a
severe blow to Tammany Hall, and shows
how little the Mayor considers the old idea
as to the need of keeping good organization
men in office. So far as known, the orsani-
zation has made no protest. but that Is
probably because il knows Ii would do no
good.
In letter to the Mayor asking his sane
ton to the removal of Padden Commits
sioner Thompson quoted Professor Bemis,
his first deputy. as saying. after an exam
nation:
THE, conditions in general so bad in
the Water Registers office that 1 consider
it imperative to have a complete reorgani-
zation under a head. The quicker 1t Is
done the better"
Commissioner Thompson wrote the Mayor
that the bureau had practically organi-
zaton at all and that Padden did not give
to 1t the personal attention 1t deserved.
being absent from the office much of the
time He went on to say:
ba
has exceeded his authority. giving permis-
sion for the removal of meters without an
order from the Commissioner, thus viola
ting the rules of the department The
circumstances surrounding these removals
OF meters are. TO say the least, suspicious,
although it is practically impossible to OBJ
tain from property owners information re-
garding the removal of meters or the COM
promising of water bills
One favored plumber. the Commissioner
declared, had received almost without ex-
ception the orders for repairs, alterations
and installation of meters. He expressed
the opinion that an attempt had been made
to evade the law in giving orders involv
ing large sums of money without public
letting.
1t was learned that Padden had an auto
mobile for his use, although Commits
soner Thompson said he was not convinced
one was necessary. 1t was bought for
1895 in February, and the expenses charged
UP against it since then have amounted to
more than 5000.
In conclusion, Commissioner Thompson
said:
Il have concluded, therefore, as a result
of my examination. and also taking into
account the fact that this bureau has the
collection of large sums of money, that
owing not orly to his incompetency. but
to his lack of discipline, use of bad Ian
guage. insubordination and absolute disre-
gard of the responsibilities attached to his
office, he is unqualified to hold his posi-
ton, and l therefore ask that you concur
with me in my judgment that Mr.. Padden's
connection with this department be termi-
nated.'
To this letter the Mayor replied: "I ap-
prove of your intention to supersede him
[Paddenl, and need not say that in select
ing his successor my wish Is that you act
with a purpose single to complete re-
form of the office"
The Water Registers Bureau is not the
only one in the Department of Water Sup
ply. Gas and Electricity that Commissioner
thompson intends to reform. He plans to
go through the department with fine
tooth comb.