Year: 1870




An Alderman Tries 70 Bribs Another Alder
man Durins the Session ef iise Cesncii-An
Investigating Committee % Be Called For


How tho Aldcrmcn Vote Themselves Conn
pensatfOn.


When consolidation took erect IN Jersey City It
was hoped that the municipal government would
prove equal 10 the TASK OF building up me-
tropolls for the little State which would De
second only to New York. But at every
meeting OF the new Common Council something mas
transpired to prove that some Of the men to whom
the people conde their interests just the wrong
men In the right place. Tne citizens who have
watched attentvely the proceedings of the Board OF
Aldermen have settled down TO the conviction that
many Of the CITY Fathers are manlfestly "on
the make" Half q dozen could be mentioned
who have no nxed opinions on any subject that
comes before the Couacl, and who veer about ac-
cordlng as their chances improve for pocketing
something of candidates and others who have TO
come before the Board.


At the latest m seting on Tuesday afternoon two
members entered the Council Chamber with
swagger that sayored OF barloom. Many
members OF the Board were indignant; others
felt disgusted and a few declared openly to their
negabols that Y was disgrace to have sach men
in the Council While business was progressing, one
OF these individuals approached Aide man Ao2au
with proposition 10 vote for certain lnul
vidual ior Corporation printer In consideration oi
certain inducement, which should De hxed all
right. Alderman Hogan, with q spirit OF honesty
and c0nscientonsuess which has mrrkod his career
during his service as Alderman, Immediately
jumped up and called the attention Of the Board
70 the fact as q question OF privlleg ,.
the proposition had been engaged In the in-
famous work Of prostituting the Board, and he
hoped that the President would afford SOME protec.
ton to the members by ordering that all members
retain their seats Till tina vote should be taKen ON that
question in which the Alderman seemed SO much
interested. The vote was taken, and the
individual in whose interest the checks
were being distributed carried OF the prize
by vote Of "a to 8. An investigating committee
win be moved for at the next meeting 0f the Board
In order tnat this matter may be sifted TO the very
bottom.


Another Alderman declared that an attempt was
date ne was ascending the steps Of the City Hail.


The Board sat as y Committee OF the Whole the
previous evening 10 consider the tax aud salary
ordinance, ana with modesty which the
taxpayers already appreciate they voted them
selves salary OF x1,2O0 year each. while
the hard worked Police Justices are set
down for the paltry sum OF $1,000 The Street
Commissioner Is also set down for $1,000, while he
performs more labor10us duties In day than an
Alderman aoes in the public service IN three months.
The School Snpeiint Is 10 receive $40
and 1t Is contemplated to reduce tile salary
q his subordinate In proportion, although
with one-iourth the area had SO, 500. The Mayors
sa ary Is $4,000 and the CITY Clerks 1000. The two
latter are consldered no more than reasonable, but
II the ordinance pass with the appropriation OF
$3s,400 for the Aldelmens services there win be a
little noise III the city.