The evening world. [volume] (New York, N.Y.) 1887-1931, 1922-05-17
PLOT TO TRIM CITY
ON GRANT PORTRAIT;
IS ALDERMAN IN It?
Offered to Estimate Board for
$3.50, 1t Is Purchased
For $500.
OWNER SPOILS PLOT
Phoned by Some One Who
Asked Bill of Sale for $500
on Payment of $500.
OWNER SPOILS PLOT

There was real sensation at to-
days meeting of the Board of Esti-
mate when 1t was learned that an AL
derman with a get-rich- quick Wal
lingford ambition figured in a scheme
to buy a portrait of Gen. Grant for
$500 and sell 1t to the city for over
IS, 900.
Mrs. Laura G. Cosswell, who
claimed to represent Capt. Christian
s. Juell, a wealthy Brooklynite liv-
ing at No. asls Bedtord Avenue, ap-
peared 5Sfote lie board and an
nounced that the Captain owned a
very fine portrait Of Gen. Grant
painted by Hanson Wallin, Norwegian
artist, who was a Colonel under
Grant, and that the city could have
1t for $3.50.
1t was a question by Mayor Hylan
that revealed the price Mrs. Cogswell
wanted for the picture. She repeated
that Capt. Jewell had authorized her
20 sell the picture to the city.
Capt. Juell dramatically stepped
forward as the IS, $50 figure was men,
toned by Mrs. Cogswell. He was
angry and he showed his feelings.
IT am the owner OF the picture in
question:" he announced with great
emphasis land desire to inform your
honorable board that my price to the
city Is only $500"
Asked to explain the $3.50 figure
Capt. Juell said he had been annoyed
by several persons" One man had
called him on the phone several times,
saying he wanted to buy the picture
for the city. He said this man offered
him the $500, but insisted upon get
ting a bill Of sale from him for $500.
Capt. Juell then told OF man who
had tried several times TO get pos
session Of the portrait. According tc
Capt. Juell. this man referred to his
Alderman lawyer friend"
Capt. Juell explained that the lady
who offered TO sell the picture for
$751; $50 a few minutes before he ar
rived did not represent him. He said
he had not authorized her TO nego-
tate for the sale OF the painting with
any one.
"As a matter of fact" he said
"this woman tried TO buy the picture
from my wife the other day for $500
Mrs. Cogswell protested that Capt
Juell had authorized her to sell the
picture and the Captain in turr
denied II.
On motion OF Comptroller Craig the
picture was purchased for $500, sub
ject to the approval OF the Art Com
mission.
President Hubert declared after the
meeting that he will probe the ac-
cusation against the Alderman and
lay bare the identity Of that official.
He had introduced a motion to that
effect at the meeting, but 1t waA
howled down.
81 am going TO consult Vice. Chair
man Collins as soon as possible" said
Mr.. Hubert, with a view OF having
the General Welfare Committee OF
the board conduct an inquiry into
Capt. Juell's accusations. The name
Of the Alderman alleged to have fg-
ured in the picture deal should be laid
bare. There should be no white
wash"
Leon Hyman, son OF Robert Hyman
art dealer of No. 1872 Liberty Street
sold the portraits TO Capt. Juell about
three years ago for $500, he said. II
was then the understanding that II
the city bought the picture his father
and Capt Juell should split the profit
II any. The art dealers son claims
that Mrs. Cogswell went 10 Capt
Juell after having agreed TO do bust
ness with his concern in negotiating
the sale TO tho city.
"Do you know the name OF the AL
derman who figured in the transac-
tom" he was asked.
81 cans recall" he replied. 'but
do know that he was one OF the
big Aldermen not one Of the little
fellows"