New-York tribune., 1917-12-28
Will Confer With Wilson
on Plan to Save House
Majority
Government May
Take Over Harbor
Chief Flynn's Chance for
Police Head Said To
Be Small

Mayor-elect HyIan went 10 w NaShlHs-
ton last night and will call on Presi-
dent Wilson to-day. The appointment
with the President is for 2:2O o'clock
this afternoon, and was made through
Senator William NJ. Calder (Republi-
cam, of Brooklyn. Representative
Thomas L. Smith, secretary OF Tam
many He'll, expects to accompany the
Mayor-elect. Judge Hylan declined to
discuss his trip to Washington, except
20 say that he was "going down 70 pay
his respects to the President"
Il is understood the Mayor-elect has
several matters of local Importance IN
connection with war conditions which
he wishes TO "talk over" with the Presi-
dent. One matter in particular may
preclude his intended appointment OF
Representative Murray 'hulbert as
Commissioner Of Docks and Ferries.
1t appears TIE Democratic leaders
arc anxious to retain every member
they have at present in the House Of
Representatives. The political COM
plexion Of the House, when Congress
reconvenes on January ), VIII nave
been changed through deaths and res
ienations from a majority Of two Dem
ocrats TO a Republican majority OF
three. The Democrats lost three mem
bers from this city by the resignation
of Representatives Griffin, OF Brook
lvn. and Brucknor, of The Bronx, who
were elected to Office at the recent
city election, snd Of Representative
Fitzgerald. OF Brooklyn, who is retir-
ing TO enter private life. While Dem
ocrats probably will be elected at the
special elections early next year to all
their places, the leaders do not isel
sure of that result because of the re-
cent reapportionment of Assembly dis
tricts in this city, which will affect
the boundary lines Of some of the
Congressional districts in question.
L. s. May Take Harbor
Some Of the leaders said yesterday
that a proposal had been made in
national administration circles for the
government to take over. entire con-
troll Of New York harbor during the
period Of the war, under a so-called
Federal Harbor Master. They declared
that such a course might eliminate the
necessity of appointing a municipal
dock commissioner. -.
President Dowling Of the Board of
Aldermen stated at the meeting OF the
Sinking Fund Commission yesterday
that Mayor-elect Ilylan was nov ne
gotiating with the authorities IN Wash
ington" in regard to the leasing Of city
piers TO the War Department. lie urged
this as a reason for postponlng the
leasing OF several of the North River
piers to the government until the IN
coming administration took office. The
commissioners disregarded President
Dowling's suggestion and voted TO lease
TO the Quartermaster Corps of the
army piers Nos. 81, Sc, SS, SO, 90, 81,
92. 95. 96 and 81 on the North River.
Judge Hylan also expects to discuss
with President Wilson the feasibility
of the Federal authorities taking over
the control and equipment of the Home
Defence Guard, which is now an ad-
iunct of the Police Department. 1t is
understood the new Mayor intends to
continue this large body of home
guards which Police Commissioner
Woods created, but wants the Federal
authorities to assume the responsible
ity and expense. 1t is contended that
the Home Defence League has never
been popular with the members of the
police force, as they feel that its mem
bers usurp some OF the policemen's
functions. Another matter which will
probably be taken up is the effect that
the taking over of the railroads by the
government will have upon the solv-
ing of the West Side Improvement
problem.
Police Head Not Settled
Judge Hylan stated positively yes
terday that nothing has been settled
about the Police Commissionership."
The days Developments in regard to the
police situation appeared TO lessen Sc
cret Service Chief William j. Flynn's
chances of landing the appointment.
District Attorney Swami conferred with
the Mayor-elect in regard to this APP
pointment.
He urged Judge Hylan TO appoint
John 7. Dooling. Assistant District At
torney, to the place. The District At
torney predicted, after his talk with
Judge Hylan, that Chief Flynn would
not get the appointment. He denied
that he had been taken into Judge
Hylan's confidence about the appoint
ment, but declared that from what he
knew "it is a safe bet that it won't be
Flynn"
The name Of former Inspector George
S. Titus was also mentioned yesterday
as a possibility for the Police Com
missionership.
Charles II. Hyde Calls
Charles H. Hyde. former City Cham
berlain, who served under Mayor Gay
nor. was another caller on Judge Hylsn
Yesterday at the new Mayors request.
The Mayor-elect and Mr. Hyde de-
clined TO discuss the result OF the visit.
Judge Hylan denied yesterday he had
determined upon any definite reorganl-
zation of the public school system. as
was reported. Senator Robert F. Wag-
ner. who was a caller at Hylan head
quarters and will have charge Of the
legislative programme Of the incoming
administration, said that the reorgani-
zation Of the school system as outlined
in a morning newspaper would not be
feasible. if not impossible. because IL
would require so much special legisla-
tion.