The Brooklyn Daily Eagle from Brooklyn, New York • Page 1

FOUR O'CLOCK EDITION. TUESDAY, JANUARY 4, 1898. YOL. 58. NO.

3. 16 PAGES. COPYRIGHT. BY THE BROOKLY.V DAIL5T EAGLE. THREE CENTS.

CHILD BURNED TO DEATH. NICARAGUA COMMISSION. OFFICES FOB CITY CONTROLLER. CAUCUS WILL CHOOSE O'GBM FOR SPEAKER, VAN WYCK INCENSED AT IRE SCHOOL BOARD, It, however, and I have no faith In the announcement made now that the majority intends to pass such a bill. Piatt has no use for a law of that sort.

Tinkering on the Greater New York Charter. "It Is probable that the Greater New York charter will be subjected to a great deal of legislative tinkering this session. The law must of necessity be very imperfect and must stand In need of many amendments. Personally, I know or no bill having been prepared, as reported, to abolish the office of city magistrates. While the minority will not oppose granting needed appropriations, it will stand out against all attempts to waste the taxpayers' money and will Insist, as far as possible, upon judicious and economical legislation along financial lines." Bill to Create a New State Will Be Pushed.

(By the Associated Press.) Albany, N. January 4 Assemblyman Tralnor's idea to make a separate state out of the Greater New York territory will be revived again this winter with new and startling features. It is proposed now to create a state that will take in a string of counties reaching as far up as Schoharie. The general plan seems to have been discussed among the New York City Democrats until many are impressed with the belief that a new state that will be controlled by their party is a certainty for the future, and the near future at that. Surrounding the central thought of which Mr.

Tralnor is the exponent, there is tbe general idea of Tammany control reaching out into the Empire state. As a rule the New York City Democratic leaders of the Legislature do not discuss this In any but the most guarded manner. They have, however, admitted that such an idea prevails and have more than hinted that if it is found that Tammany cannot get the control of the rural Democracy without a struggle, then the plan to create a new state will be pushed. The scheme as near as can be learned, includes a well defined intention to secure the election of Democratic Congressmen and through them to secure the necessary action. Mr.

Trainor apparently does not think he will have much trouble with his bill In the state Legislature and says he is ready to talk about any other part of the general plan to progress it. The Republicans here profess to regard the new state idea as a rare bit of Tammany Hall humor, but some of them who have heard of the latest developments do not. regard it as a laughing matter. That there Is a serious intention to push the Trainor bill is evident. The proposed name for the new state is Manhattan, as in the first draft of the bill.

The measure will bo one of tbe first that is introduced when the session opens and its appearance In its new form Is awaited with much interest Mr. Trainor says that tbe so called independent Republicans from the New York districts are favorable to his measure and he feels certain he can get It through the Assembly, although the Senate probably will oppose it successfully. Anne Malcomb Fatally Injured During Her Mother's Absence. Annie Malcomb, years old, of 146 Plymouth street, was burned to death at 1 o'clock this afternoon. The mother of the child went to a neighboring store to make some purchases and was absent omly a few minutes.

When she returned she found the child's clothing in flames. In attempting to extinguish the fire she was tadly burned about the face and arms. The little girl is supposed to have come in contact with a hot stove. BOGUS 100 NOTES. One of the Counterfeit Certificates at People's Trust Company.

Officials of the Sub treasury in New York 'City are on the watch for the new counterfeit not which, according to advices from Washington, is the most dangerous ever seen by the men of the secret service. Four of the counterfeits were received In the Philadlphia Sub trasury and one passed muster as genuine at the Treasury in Washington. In fact, every secret service officer except Chief Hazen accepted the counterfeits as genuine. "We have been officially notified of the existence of the $100 counterfeit," raid Deputy Assistant United States Treasurer M. L.

Muhlmann, "and our tellers are keeping their eyes open for them. So far none has come our way." Cashiers and tellers in the banks are also on the watch for the bogus certificates. According to the best Information obtainable they have not been circulated in New York. One of the notes was loft to day at the People's Trust Company in Montague street for inspection by the officers. The latter refused to tell to whom it belonged.

Secretary of the Treasury Gage has decided to stop the issue which has been counterfeited and to call in all $100 silver certificates. There are about $26,000,000 outstanding. CONSUL TATE HERE. George T. Tate.

United States Consul at Barbadoes, was a passenger, by the steamer Sobralenae. which arrived to day from Para and Barbadoes. HOPE FOR REPUBLICANS. George Russell May Not Be Superintendent of Elections and Present Clerks May Hold On. It was said at the old Board of Election's Building this morning that good authority for the word that was going around, that, in spite of what has been said to the contrary, the Republican clerks may not lose their places, and George EusboII would not receive the appointment as superintendent.

The clerks looked happier as a consequence this morning, though a little anxious over the uncertainty of the situation at present. The hint it is said, from the Republican members of the board of police of Greater Now York, that either the New York or the Brooklyn superintendence" is to be theirs. The New York superintendent of election receives and the superintendent of Brooklon Borough is to have 84,000, so that latter, it is said, will go to tho Republicans. On the other hand. Mr.

RusBell is very confident that he is to have the place though the appointment has notreaohed him. He said yesterday afternoon, that all that remained for him to do was to qualify. Yet this morning he was not on hand, and word was sent to the Republican clerks that there waB considerable hope for most of them. OFF FOR A WINTER'S CRUISE. A Delegation of Friends Present on the Normannia to Bid Mr.

Jen kins Good by. There was a morry party of Brooklynites, including many ISastern District people, on the dock of the Hamburg American Steamship Company at Hoboken this morning to bid bon voyage to John G. Jenkins, president of the First National Bank, and Mrs. Jenkins, who left with a large party, including several Brooklynites. by the Normannia, for a three months' winter cruise on tho Mediterranean and the Nile.

Mr. Jcnki' ts was accompanied to the dock by his sona Frank and Edward. On reaching there they were agreeably surprised to meet a large contingent of the members of the Greene avenue Baptist Church, of whose board of trustees MrJenkins isvico president. In the party, which numbered about twoscore. were Thomas Roberts, president of the board of trustees: William H.

NoBtrand, secretary, and Mrs. Nostrand; Jamos L. Hart, treasurer, n'nd Mrs. Hart; George V. Taylor, superintendent of the Sunday school, and Mrs.

Taylor. There was also a largu delegation from tho Ladies' Aid Society of the church, in which Mrs. Jenkins takes an active part. The visitors brought with them a numbei of beautiful flora! gifts. These latterly proved so numerous that thoBe hich Mr." Jenkins' stateroom could not hold were laid out in the saloon of tho Normannia.

The party going abroad includes Former Governor and Mrs. Flower, Henry Siebert and Mrs. Siebert of Brooklyn. The first stop made by the steamer in Europe will be at Gibraltar. Afterward brief stops will bo rnado at Genoa and Naples.

At Alexandria the party will disinbark and tako train for Cairo, after which the journey up the Nile, to last a month, will bogin. Some weeks will subsequently bo spent travelling in tho Holy Land after which the principal cities of Europe will bo visited. It is expected that the party will return about April 4. KILLED HIMSELF AT LAST. Frank DeVine's Third Attempt at Suicide Ended This Morning in His Death.

Frank Devine, 40 rears old, formerly an inspector of motors oTt the Brooklyn, Queens County and Suburban Railroad, made a third and successful attempt at suicide in his home at 337 South Fourth street yesterday afternoon. He swallowed a quantity of paris green and died in tho Eastern District Hospital at 4 o'clock this morning, Dovino has, at intervals during the past two years, been Buffering from despondency. While living in Keap stroot about two years ago with his wife and young son he attempted to kiil himself by swallowing paris green. His life was saved by tho timely arrival of a physician. Devine explained alter his recovery that he had been intoxicated and knew not what he was doing.

A few months later he became afflicted with, paralysis which troubled him until last summer when he made a second attempt on his life in tho same manner. His life waB again saved and on his recovory ho attributed his act to temporary insanity. In order to get treated for paralysis he was'lately advised to go to Bollevuc hospital. He went there last week and was informed that an operation would bo necessary if hia life was to be Bavod. Devine expressed' his unwillingness to undergo an operation and returned home.

The matter seeiued to worry him and he informed hi wifo that ho would rather die in any other way than under the surgeon's knife. Yesterday he callod on a number of friends and bade thorn goodbye. Ho swallowed tho paris green during tho temporary absence of his wife. An ambulance was summoned from the Eaxtern District Hospital but Surgeon Gilmartin's efforts to save him wero Everything Is Progressing Favorably Near Grey town. (Correspondence of the Associated Press.) Camp La Fe, near Greytown, Nicaragua, December 22 The surveying expedition attached to the Nicaragua Canal Commission Is still in camp here.

Everything Is progressing favorably. The laborers were hired at Port Limota, Costa Rica, and landed at Camp Cheney, near the canal company's breakwater, yesterday. The two navy launches belonging to Lieutenant Hanus" hy orographic party were also brought over the bar without accident. The natural difficulties have not, so far, proved insurmountable. The Nicaraguan Commission, of which Rear Admiral J.

G. Walker, retired, is the head, sailed from the Brooklyn Navy Yard on board the gunboat Newport on December 5 last. The commission is composed of Admiral Walker, Colonel D. C. Haines, United States Engineer Corps, and Professor Louis Haupt.

Civil Engineer A. G. Menocal, U. S. accompanies the commission and Lieutenant G.

C. Hanus has charge of a party ot surveyors and workmen, who will survey the San Juan River. THIRTY SIX BUILDINGS BURNED. Farmville, January 4 Thirty six buildings were destroyed by a fire here on Sunday night. The loss is estimated on which there was an insurance of about one third that amount.

Among tho buildings destroyed were thirteen tobacco factories, a large warehouse, many small dwellings, workshops and a largo quantity of tobacco. Hundreds of laborers will be temporarily thrown out of employment, FOR A CHINESE LOAN. Negotiations in London Land Tax Under Control of an Englishman Offered as Security. Berlin, January 4 The Cologne Gazette, on authority from the best informed quarters in Paris, announces to day that since Thursday last important negotiations have been proceeding in London for a Chinese loan, the attempts made in Paris and St. Petersburg to arrange one having failed.

China thereupon offered to contract for 16,000,000 In London, at the same time asking the good offices of the British government. China, It appears, contemplates offering as security the land tax, under the control of Englishmen, and that, furthermore, an Englishman shall succeed Sir Robert Hart as director of the Chinese imperial maritime customs. In addition Great Britain will insist upon a concession of territory relative to which secrecy, according to the informant of the Cologne Gazette, must be temporarily observed. The Cologne Gazette adds: It is understood that Russia has renewed her offer to China, to conclude a loan in Germany on more favorable terms than those obtainable in Paris or London. London, January 4 The Evening News says it is reported here that the loan is practically concluded.

Hong Kong, January 4 The British cruiser Edgar has arrived here and the British cruiser Grafton has sailed northward. The bulk of the British fleet is reported to be at Chusaa, near Ning Po. Yokohama. January 4 The Marquis Ito is forming a new cabinet. Berlin, January 4 Captain Rosendahl, commander of the German warship Friedrich Karl, has been appointed commander of the German forces ashore at Klao Chou Bay.

Pekin. January 4 The ministers and mem bers of tho ChinoBo foreign oflico spent the whole of one night in discuBRintr the disposition of tho Chinese Command ant ot laao uhou, province of Shan Tung, who is accused of having used threatening language to a German missionary. The commandant has not been summoned to Pekin for examination, as previously cabled, the difficulty having boon smoothed over. Tho general situation remains unchanged, but hostilitieH are feared. Tho German Minister, Baron Von Heyking, is understood to bo temporizing until "tho arrival in China of Prince Henry of Prussia.

SKATING AT THE PARK. Best Sheet of Ice in Ten Years Sends the Red Ball Up Crowds on the Scene. Red balls on all the cars and telephone messages flitting hither and thither followed by the unfurling of the big flag at the Wil link cntrauce to the park a few minutes past 10 o'clock this morning and the news was soon disseminated all over town: "The park lakes are frozen and open to the public." The hearts of tbe skaters and th organs that fill that duty for the trolley companies were accordingly buoyant and the immigration to the scene of the sport soon began. "It's the best ice we've had in ten years," said Proprietor Dorlon of the amusement pavilion at the park, soon afterward. "It is from four to six inches thick over all the lakes and it will take a warm spell Indeed to break it up.

1 guess we're in for a snow storm though with the wind in the northeast," he added, glancing toward that quarter, "and the big sweepers may be needed before long." But the crowds on the ice thought only of the present while tha couples and groups arriving with every car told of how quickly the news had spread. The usual motley crowds were to be seen of course. The exodus from the steamer and the other ponds began as soon as the gladsome tidings reached there and the urchins who had taken possession of these places of free amusement were about the first to reach the park lakes. By noon there were probably three hundred there, but they were lost on the big surface, for not only the Inner, but all ot the lakes are open and there is a stretch of more than a mile in length for those who want to take such a long skate. Preparations for an enormous crowd were immediately begun and the police had the place well patrolled as usual.

It was known by yesterday that the lakes would probably be thrown open to day. Secretary Smith said yesterday afternoon that with no abatement in the coki the ice would be of sufficient thickness this morni7ig. So bright and early the Inspection of the big sheet was begun and the augurs and rules brought into play showed a covering of from four to s.x inencs, or en ough to bear up an army. Then ropes were stretched where needed on the edges, platforms put out, the flag unfurled and the skaters are doing the rest. The prospects are that the sport wfll continue for a longer time than has been the case in several winters.

It will take a regular January thaw with considerably warmer and sustained weather and fog to break up the ice. and unless this occurs the sheet now formed, with intermittent freezing spells, should furnish sport for the remainder of tho season. JOUNG NOT RESPONSIBLE. As a result of the autopsy performed by Coroner's Phj fiiclan Henderson on tho body of Philip Kramer, tho young man who. it vhh thought hail bcn fatally injured by an earth ernware matchliolder thrown hy Frank Jouug on New Year's eve, in a Rnloon at Irving avenue and Himrod Rtroet, the causes of death were ascertained to havo been acute alcoholism, pneumonia and liver trouble.

The blow from tne matcnnoiuer only caused a Blight wound, joung is sau at largo, IN WORKING ORDER, Brooklyn Departments Are Recovering From Yesterday's Confusion. PROBLEMS IN THE CITY WORKS. President Grout Has No Announcement Concerning the Organization of Borough Boards First Order of New Fire Department Affairs in the Tax Office. Deputy Corporation Counsel's New AppointmentsPublic Improvement Deputies Hunting for Headquarters No Reorganization in Health Department. Probable Deputy Tax Commissioners.

Some ot the confusion which was the notable feature of yesterda's administration of Brooklyn Borough affairs had disappeared today and the department chiefs who were not yelt located were busily engaged in getting headquarters. It will be several days yet before the City "Works Department wfll be divided and In orderly running shape. The deputy corporation counsel was busy to day getting affairs in his department straightened out. Hie Controller has taken full charge of the former' controller's office. The Civil Service Bureau is awaiting the action of ttu; commrisslon in Manhattan Borough.

Assistant Scully in the old city clerk's office has not yet begun the reorganization of his force. Borough President Grout had no eunouuce meat to make regarding the organization ol the boards of public improvement. He has called the Brooklyn councllmen and aldermen to meet In the Common Council chamber tomorrow afternoon at 4 o'clock, when the various boards will be organized. Until they meet (he says he can tell nothing about their plans. The Common Council chamber, was dismantled of Its arm chairs and desks for Friday night's celebration, is being temporarily fitted with the old desks from the service examination room for to morrow's meeting.

Details concerning the various borough departments follow: At Fire Headquarters. The first general order from the Fire Department of the City of' New York was issued this morning, signed by J. J. Scannell, the commissioner. It referred to the Boroughs of Brooklyn and Queens and was as follows: eadquarte rs Fiir Department, City of Xew STork, Office of vlie Fire Commissioner, Not York, January 3.

1S5S. General Order No. Under the authority conferral by Seotion 721 of Chapter 37S. laws of 1S97 I have appointed James H. Tully deputy commissioner of tills department, to be seated In the Borough of 'Brook Tnrouffh him such business, duties and powers of the Fire Depart mem In the Bopoug hs of Brooklyn and Queens shall be conducted, performed and exercised, as my be directed by the Fire Commissioner.

He will be obeyed and respected accordingly. The rules ami regulations rrow governing nhe Fire Departments In sasa boroughs shall remain in force until further orders. J. J. SOANX'ELL.

Commissioner. At fire headquarters this morning Chief Clerk William D. Moore said that Mr. Tuily was in New York, but would be back later in the day. There have been no removals or appointments in the department yet.

As soon as possible arrangements will be made by Mr. Tully for the protection the territory in Queens County, which, by the order naming him as deputy, is placed under his jurisdiction. Most of the towns in: the outlying districts are provided with a fire service now, bdt the methods are crude and an attempt will be made to bring the county departments up to city standards. Being in control of Queens County, Mr. Tully will have charge of the Long Island City Department, in which at present there is less discipline than is believed by the new authorities to be necessary for an effective force.

During the forenoon Mr. Tully met Chief Engineer James Dale and had a long consultation with him about the details of local department management. Waiting for Mr. Phillips. Edward B.

Lent, former secretary of the Civil Service Commission, whose resignation yesterday afternoon is noted in another column, visited the office of the commission in the City Hall tor a few moments this morning. He packed up a few personal effects and then went away, leaving Henry B. Baudinot In charge. Until Mr. Lent's successor, Lee Phillips, assumes charge, the final disposition of the office in this borough cannot be known.

The commission may decide to continue it in charge of a deputy, and it may be abolished, and the records and books transferred to the main office. Little was done by Mr. Baudinot this morning after Mr. Lent's departure, beyond answering a few questions about the more recent lists. In the City Clerk's Office.

In the City Clerk's office this morning William P. Griffith was still in charge, the Deputy for the Borough of Brooklyn, j. V. Scully, not having yet taken charge of the office. Mr.

Scully was in Manhattan this forenoon and Mr. Griffith expected that he would be along to take possession some time during the day. In the City Clerk's office Ave of the clerks are protected by the civil service. They are Charles B. Morton.

J. V. Scully, the' new deputy; William L. D. O'Grady, F.

G. lies and James Rennle. Mr. Scully, who has been named as deputy for the borough, has been in the City Clerk's office for over twenty years, and is thoroughly familiar with the workings of the office. Appointees of the Corporation Counsel.

All of the assistants of Deputy Corporation Counsel Jenks were on hand this morning to take up their various duties as soon as tbey were sworn in and assigned by Mr. Jenks. The staff, who will help to regulate the law affairs of the new borough during the next four years includes William J. Carr, who will be Mr. Jenks' chief assistant, taking the place Alfred E.

Mudge occupied under Mr. Burr's administration. The other assistants are R. B. Greenwood, P.

R. Chittenden, former Judge John j' Walsh, William Hughes, Jerome W. Coombs, Michael E. Finnigan, D. D.

Whitney, and William C. Courtney. In the clerical force these new appointments were Samuel K. Probasco. chief clerk; Martin Flannigan.

law Charles R. Hartmann, confidential clerk to Mr. Jenks; Peter P. Smith, Joseph H. Gardiner, C.

J. Dunham and A. J. Conway, law clerks. Deputy Corporation Counsel Jenks said that he might swear In his assistants before the close of business to day.

but that was not compulsory, as the charter allowed them four days in which to qualify. All of the new assistants are generally well known in Brooklyn. Richard B. Greenwood, has been in the corporation counsel's office for twenty years and is an acknowledged authority on city laws and departmental affairs. Percy R.

Chittenden is a graduate of Harvard and a son of R. H. Chittenden, who was formerly an active Democrat In Brooklyn, a member of the general committee and a candidate for congress." William Hughes was a member of the firm of Wagner Hughes and a former assemblyman. John J. Walsh is a son of the late Judge Walsh and was his father's successor as police justice in the Adams street court, serving two terms.

William C. Courtney is a son ol Judge Courtney. Daniel D. Whitney was an assistant in the corporation counsel's office when Mr. Jenks was corporation counsel before, and is a son of ex Mayor Whitney.

Jerome W. Coombs is a son of former Congressman Coombs and also a graduate of Harvard. Michael E. Finnigan Is a real estate lawyer, a former assemblyman and will be In charge of the real estate affairs of the borough. Mr.

Jenks is not prepared to day to an Continued on Page 2. i Ex Deputy Eowe Pays Old Brooklyn's Cash, to New York. QUEENS AND RICHMOND BONDS. Interest Payments Held Up Final Transaction Which Puts Controller Coler in Full Possession of the Assets of the City of Churches Million and a Half of Bond Interest Paid by the Controller Yesterday on Behalf of the Borough Banks Not Inconvenienced by the Change, The last step in transferring the assets of the old City of Brooklyn to the new City of New York was taken to day when former Deputy Controller George H. Rowe removed from the safo in the former Controller's office checks representing the cash balances accredited to the former city.

These checks Mr. Row carried over to Manhattan Borough and turned over to the City Chamberlain, receiving receipts therefor on behalf of former Controller Palmer. It was a valuable handful of paper of which Mr. Rowe was custodian, the appregate representing over $10,000,000. This such, which is the amount of the taxes so far collected on the assessment of 1S97 and other amounts was divided as follows: General fund checks Sinking runii r.hecks, total.

Controller's special funds. 50,933,34.17 28S.941.15 1,050. 00 Total 510.223,825.32 Yesterday, as stated in the Eagle, Controller Coler designated Robert H. Weems as custodian of all plans, maps and documents belonging to the former Controller's office. With the transfer of the cash belonging to the old city to day, therefore, the whole of the department is now in the hands of the new city.

One of the officials interested in the recent transfers said of the affair to day: "It has been simply a marvel how easily this great office, with its complex bookkeeping and almost numberless accounts, has changed hands. An expert who viewed the situation before tho transaction would have said that it was impossible except with many delays and almost endless difficulties. Such has not been the case. The accounts were all closed on Friday last and the checks drawn by Controller Palmer ready for delivery to the new city. As Controller Coler was not then in office he was not empowered to receive the funds.

Saturday and Sunday were legal holidays and yesterday was the first working time at command. The only hiatus between the old administration and the new was yesterday and in that interval the controller's office in Brooklyn Borough was out of mmls sion for the payment of small accou because the transfers of cash had not been made to the new city. With the changes to day the business of the borough can go on under the direction of the controller, according to his own judgment There is nothing in tha transfer of accounts or of money to delay him. The bookkeeping feature of this change alone is a marvl. And yet the change has been made without interrupting the business the city and without hampering the banks, which were carrying over $10,000,000 ot the former city's cash." Controller Coler had not as yet received the moneys of the City of Brooklyn yesterday, over a million and a half dollars was paid by him upon bond interest coming due on the second day of the year.

He did this under the law which makes the greater city responsible for the debts ot all the boroughs as well as 'eceiver of the moneys and other assets of the same. Revenue bonds were Issued before the end of 1897 in anticipation of the bond interest of Brooklyn coming due on January 2. The Controller drew on the fund thus obtained checks for over a million and a half dollars and warrants were signed for the payment of the Interest due. The local banks began payment of these warrants yesterday and the payments will be nearly all completed through the Clearing House to day. Controller Coler Holds Up Payment of Interest on Queens and Richmond Bonds.

That Controller Coler has determined upon a very conservative administration of the city's financial interests has already been made apparent through an order issued by him yesterday withholding the January interest upon bonds issued in Queens and Richmond Counties until their validity shall have been passed upon by the Corporation Counsel. This is exactly in accord with the view taken by Controller Fitch a few days ago when he intimated that such bonds would probably be contested in the courts, if not by the city through the agency of taxpayers. Controller Coler gave out the following statement regarding his determination yesterday afternoon: "It has been decided to pay the January interest on all bonds of Brooklyn and Kings County because from information obtained by the Finance Department it seems to be reasonably clear that no question of the legality of any Brooklyn issue is likely to be raised. "In regard to the bond issues of Long Island City and the several towns and villages of Richmond and Queens Counties, it has been decided to make no payments until the validity thereof has been passed on by the Corporation Counsel. This determination need not necessarily be taken to mean that the city has decided to contest the legality of any particular issue ot bonds, but only to indicate the intention of the present financial administration not to assume any liability for the new city until the legality thereof can bo predicated with reasonable certainty." Mr.

Coler refused absolutely to discuss this bond question when approached this morning and asked to specify what bonds were affected. He even declined to state whether they included all now outstanding or merely those issued after consolidation became a matter of certainly. One of his deputies, however, declared that all outstanding bond issues of Queens County were held up by the order. It such i3 the case, there appears to be a stretching of authority on the controller's pari and he may have to recede promptly from his advanced position. Corporation Counsel Wnalen, when asked about the matter, said that, he had already taken steps to have the bond issues Investigated and that he would attempt to have an early decision arrived at.

He gave it as his opinion, however, that only the bonds issued since consolidation was agreed upon are affected, declaring that none of the earlier issues could be successfully attacked, because the greater city under the provisions of the charter had expressly assumed all the outstanding obligations of the various divisions of territory included. The information in possession of the Finance Departme'nt referred to by Controller Coler in his statement was collected by Controller Fitch's experts who were engaged all last fall in going over the finances of the various boroughs. The reports of these experts were rendered to Mr. Fitch only a few days before he retired from office. It was with them In his hands that he intimated that the Queens and Richmond County bonds might be attacked.

Whether the corporation counsel shall deckle all of these recent issues legal or not their holders are likely to became Involved in litigation over them as certain taxpayers threaten to contest them in the courts and already at least one suit has been brought to have them declared invalid. Controller Coler is understood to be at work already upon a plan by which a readjustment of the city's finances is to be brought about. A different system has been in use in almost every borough and it is necessary that all of them shall be replaced with a common system. The futility of attempting to keep the books without a common system can readily be understood. Mr.

Coler is not ready to announce his plan, whaltever Its provisions and he even refuses to talk about It at alL Davis and Tiffany Ray They Will Support Marshall of Kings, BUT WILL ABIDE BY THE RESULT The Monroe Representative's Claim That He Has Seventy seven Votes Seems to Be Clearly Established Weeks and Laimbeer Are the Only Members Who Will Not Enter the Caucus Additional Expenditures for General Canal Improvement to Be Opposed by DemocratsNew Features in the Bill for the Creation of Another State. (Special to the Eagle.) Albany, N. January 4 From every indication this afternoon James M. E. O'Grady of Monroe will be selected as speaker of the Assembly at the caucus of the Republican majority to night.

His claim of holding 77 of tho assemblymen Is pretty clearly established by what the Eagle correspondent learns to day. In all probability Weeks and Laimbeer will be the only ones to stay outside the fold and It Is declared that since their arrival at the capital their minds have undergone considerable change and that they now wish they hadn't made the pledges which will take them outside the party lines. But tho portly Mr. Jerome, who has in charge the cause of the independents, has bound them to his standard with hoops of steel. He is now In Albany watching the only two men he has succeeded in corralling.

In conversation to day Assemblymen Davis and Tiffany made their positions clear. "We shall go into the party caucus tonight without question," said Mr. Davis, "and what is more we shall abide by the decision of that caucus. That does not mean that we hold no individual opinions upon a choice for speaker or upon other matters. The people of our districts are antl Platt and representing their sentiments we are opposed to the same machine rule.

"In the caucus to night we shall cast our votes for Henry Marshall of Kings for speaker. Having done so and expressed our reasons for so doing, we shall stay in the caucus and abide by its ultimate decision." Both Mr. Davis and Mr. Tiffany declared that they had entered into no combination with either Mr. Laimbeer or Mr.

Weeks, or yet with Mr. Jerome, to stay out of the Republican cau cus. It may be added that such overtures have been pressed upon the Brooklyn members, but they have declined to pledge themselves. believe that both Laimbeer and Weeksnow desire to go into their party caucus and re great that their pledges will prevent them from doing so," said Mr. Davis.

"He added that their course in voting for Mr. Marshall was not due to any personal feeling toward Mr. O'Grady or lack of faith in his ability, but solely for the reason that being opposed to one man rule, as exemplified in Mr. Piatt, they could not vote for such a representative ot the machine as Mr. O'Grady is known to be.

"But we are Republicans," 'said Mr. Davis, "and we shall abide by the decision of our party caucus." Assemblyman DeGraw stated positively that he would attend the caucus and abide by its results. Assemblyman Brennan's position is equally assured in alignment with the party management.and Assemblyman Mar shall chances or securing the cities committee chairmanships make him reasonably safe in the leader's reckoning. So at the very outset of the session the majority finds itself upon a reasonably safe basis. But in what is to follow it is more than probable that the Republican Assemblymen from Kings will assert some independence where the consideration of purely political measures is concerned.

In discussing some of the work ahead, Mr. Davis said to day that he proposed introducing early in the session a bill authorizing the carrying out of contracts for street repaving in Brooklyn by calling for an expenditure of $200,000. which stood upon record when the city became a borough. Tbe Eaglo has published in detail the extent of the contracts Involved. Brennan Hopes to Be Chairman of Cities Committee.

Assemblyman Brennan has not given up hopes of securing the chairmanship of the cities committee in spite of tho generally accepted theory that it will go to Mr. Marshall. Should his hopes fall, however, he is pretty sure of securing a desirable sitting on some other committee. Lieutenant Governor Woodruff was at his desk in the Capitol this morning hard at work upon his mail and other business that had accumulated within tho past few days. The Republicans will hold their caucus in the Assembly Chatnper to night and the Democrats in the mbly parlor.

The slate of officials standi as heretofore set forth in these dispatches. Cantor Does Not Expect to Be Deposed as Leader. Senator Cantor, who has served for sev earl years as the Democratic leader of the upper house, does not appear appreciably disheartened by the current report that he is to be deposed as leader in favor of Senator Grady. Tammany's 'silver tongued" orator. When questioned to day as to whether he should meekly surrender the claims upon the minority leadership of the Senate he contented himself with the remark that he expected "to have his say" in most of the discussions that developed during the session.

Senator Cantor talked freely with tho Eagle correspondent this afternoon regarding the attitude that the Democrats in both branches are likely to take toward matters of pany policy agreed upon by the Republicans. "As to the proposition to authorize the expenditure of seven million dollars more to complete the general canal Improvement work," said Senator Cantor, 'you may state that we shall oppose any additional expenditure In this direction until the people have been informed In detail with references to the manner in which the original nine million dollars have been used. Wo do not claim that this vast sum of money as been wasted nor spent if shonestly, but we do claim that the condition of affairs existing in connection with this work of canal improvement is astounding and demands a thorough explanation from the Republican officials charged with the conduct of this work on tho water ways." "I shall favor tho passage of a bill naming a commission to investigate this question of canal Improvement." continued Senator Cantor. "The eommlslson will be empowered to examine Into the manner In which the work has been prosecuted, and It might be advisable also to authorize the commission to cooperate with the state officials in completing the work of canal improvement. "What do I think about the rumor that the Republicans proposed to pass a bill amending the Raines law so as to give citien of the first and second classes local option as to Sunday sales? Why, It is rnT( iy a bluff on the Dart of tbe 1'latt machine.

It is not intended to gran such a privilege to tho cities of the state. Of that. I am quite convinced. Possibly, such a bill may be introduced by the Republicans, hut the "machine will to It that It never progresses as far as the executive chamber. As a matter of fact, I don't believe that the majority will permit any essential amendment to bo made to the Haines law.

We want to have It wiped off ihe statute books. "As to the primary hill, which it is reported the Republicans will enact. I am in sympathy with legislation along those lines. You will recall that I tried unavaillngly all last season to Induce tho Senate committee to report such a measure. It would not do Says He Would Remove It if Ho Had Power, OPPOSED TO ITS METHODS.

President Hubbel of the New York Educational Department and an Associate Hear Some Plain Talk From the Mayor' Tax Department Preparing to Readjust the Affairs of the Boroughs Work in the New City Departments Few Immediate Changes in the Bronx. Mayor Van Wyck found a smaller list visitors awaiting him wheu he reached his office at 11:40 o'clock this morning and every caller soon had his turu. Tho Mayor is very democratic in his Ideas and tho employes have been instructed that all callers who come to see him on any sort of business shall be admitted. He is an adept in the rapid dispatch of public business, gets at the pith of any proposition laid before him, and reaches hLs decision very promptly. Ho leaves no visitor in doubt as to where he stands.

This was illustrated when President Hubbel of the Board of Education and Commissioner Tafft called on the Mayor about 11 o'clock with proposition to appoint a committee to confer in regard to the matter of the status of the present School Board la and Bronx Boroughs, the old New York Board of Education. Just what the proposition was could not he learned, but they got very little satisfaction from tha Mayor: "I don't propose to tell you what my intentions are," said tbe Mayor. "I don't propose to make, any terms with you. I tell you frankly that if 1 had the power and I'll find out whether i have or not I'll prevent this hiring of teachers from on de the state. You seeui to think that there eu't any in tc ligetn poopie in this state." Mr.

Hubbel replied that ol course every man was entitled to his opinion on that subject. Ho toid tho that he and Mr. Tafft had come to assure the Mayor that tha present, board had the best of feelings toward him and 10 try to come to some definite understanding, so that there should be no antagonism Iu the future between the two departments. This was an occasion for the Mayor to tell them that in the past they had interfered too much with other departments. "You are interfering hero with me now," said he.

"You have no right to come, here and ask mo wbat 1 am going to do and I won't, tell you. If 1 had the power I'd remove the wholo board." Mr. Hubbel said that the commissioner had no intention of interfering with the Mayor, but tho matter he had come to talk about was one in which they were dcoply Interested and thc considered that they had the right to come and talk about it. The Mayor said that he hadn't kept track of the doings of tbe School Hoard, but had read In the papers about the appointment of outside teachers and he didn't like It. "I don't propose to run the administration by making terms with commissioners, whoever they are." said tho Mayor, as a last word.

"You go on with your business and don't interfere with mine." The commissioners bade him a polite good by and walked out. The new appointees to several offices appeared before the Mayor and took the oath of office. Among them wero Leo Phillips, who again becomes the secretary of the Civil Service Commission: William McKinncy, Auditor of Accounts for Brooklyn; Howard Porker. of Special Sessions for the Second Division: John L. Dcvenny.

tittles of the Court of Sessions for the Second District: Kiliranl J. O'Flyn. Assistant Clerk of Assessments and Arrears. Controller Coler, President Peters, Corporal ion Counsel Whalen and other heads of departments were in consultation with tho mayor, as were the new commissioners appointed yesterday. Maurice F.

Holahan. president, or the Board of Public Improvements, spent the morning looking at rouins Tor the hoard. He said there might be a nu fting later in the day at the Mayer's office. Two or three other hoards will meet late tbjs afternoon for ihe jpur.nn. organization.

Tin new charter in many easi changes tha nanus oT nM hoards or creaies new ones, and the newly appointed heads and deputies le not know to what moms in tbe vurioua buildings they are entitled. Th" and bis principal appointees will ihi vexed question at once and the allo.tue it i.jll.o. made imnicdiaielv. po as ut av.iid lurth. delay pubi.e business.

Maurice .1. Bower. aqueduct enmnihisioner yi iiay, was sworn in hy the Mayor this morning. Michael T. Daly of IKS Lexington avenue, was sworn in as deputy controller.

Thomas .1. Byrne of Alexander avenus was tsv. orn in as deputy commissioner of sewers for the Bronx. Edward Cllsh of 2S0 West Fourth street was appointed Collector of Assessments and Arroar. Alfred J.

Johnson of ni2 Kas. One Hundred and Sixteenth si rent, was sworn la as secretary of the Board of Building: Peter J. Ilooling, appointed aqu educt. commissioner yesterday, was sworn in to dav. Mr.

Holding lives at Inn West Forty tblr.l st reel i'eter J. Fetherson was pointed deputy receiver of lor Richmond. Mr. son lives at York nv. nu Borough of Richmond.

Charles H. Mtirr. i.v William H. Tea ICyek swore in commissioners this afiernco ri. James Fiteh of Flu.

iiint; was deputy i niiaiiis. iiniir of water supplv for tha Borough of Queens. II. Tully of i North Si. street.

Brooklyn, was ippointe.l puty fire commissioner for Queens. Charles H. Oletidorf of 217 West Twenty third street and Terrcricc Farley 12S East Sixty third street were sworn in tu assistant the corporation onnse. Corn, Furriest, riwixcnhurKt anil doIph H. Ceettmg itoshwick avr nuo, Brooklyn, were appointed sworn in aa Jusricp of the Miirti.

ipai Brooklyn. was formerly a justice ini Brooklyn. William Bnim.m of 11 Oakland street wan appointid deputy commissioner r.f siaxrs fop Bronx Borough. Henry B' ain of ns P. ve tth av.

11110. Brcok was appointed deputy of iiriiB for Borough. Readjusting Affairs in the Tax Department. President Thomas L. itner of the Tax I icpn rt in' nt and bis four at sociati in tho of Commissioners morning received representat iw tHy of the various boromths who v.ere asked to pra sent tln tnseles ate! xplain the conditions existing in their vnrioins IrsalitPs.

The new commissioners anxious to secure thorough information as a btfiis for the readjustment of the machinery of the department. The d.seuNslon at tie ssion was only general and r.11 "oncinsioiis wit arrived at. Suggestions were asked from the repre Hl tltittlves. Fe.tnor and his asuviat. visltecl Brooklyn yi stcrday afternoon and took formal possession ol th tax office in the old Municipal luilldtr.g.

Leving I'resi lent B. O. N'eff and th fore. if a wh. terms ed wl'h the iot! of th nc city gi.v.

eent. Thi fought back with them a lii of tho rc.ii of ollice us follo vs: it. C. N'efl. president, Augustus Ktirth.

James er. Edward H. Sehieuter, Benjamin W. WiUon. Thomas A.

Moorehead, George V. Head. Louis Finkelrneter. a nson Squires. Krrist J.

Kaltenbach. Jacob D. Rem sen, William J. Taylor, John Drcscher, THREE STARVED TO DEATH. Startling Statement by the Chicago University President Gift of $200,000 by Mr.

Rockefeller. Chicago, January 4 At the first convocation of tbe University of Chicago last evening President Harper made the startling statement that of tho five deaths which have occurred in five years at the university three were directly traceable to starvation. These deaths, the president said, were due to Insufficient nutrition, that, in turn, being the result of the poor fund supplied in tho district surrounding the university. The president argued for an addition to the university in which the students can be supplied with nutritious food and lodgings. Several Important announcements were made by President.

Harper. One was tho gift of $200,000 by John Rockefeller, to enable the university to swell its income for the year beginning July 1, ISliS, to $729,000. tho sum needed to carry out its work as planned, Another important announcement was that a college of commerce and politics would be Inaugurated under the auspices of the university. The affiliation of Rush Medical College, one of the pioneer medical institutions of the West, with the university was also announced. President Harper strongly recommended a college for teachers in the public schools in connection with the university.

The president also announced tho addition of Lieutenant Palmer, S. to the faculty and the contemplated formation of military companies. He added that drills would be entirely optional with the students. QUEENS BOROUGH BOARD. Preliminary Meeting Held To day.

With President Bowley in the Chair Police Captain Lynch in Charge. (Special to tbe Eagle.) Long Island City, 4 The Borough Board of Queens organized shortly after noon to day without, much ado or any ceremony. The board comprises the councllmen. two aldermen anil president of the borough. President of the Borough Frederick Bowley callod the meeting to order.

It was held in tbe office formerly occupied by Mayor Oleason In tho City Hall Building on Jackson avenue. President. Bowley appointed Joseph F.esel as his secretary. Mr. Fiesel was formerly deputy city treasurer and for tho past two years has been of considerable assistance to President How ley, who as alderman at large from the upper section oT the city acted as leader of the alderman ic board against Mayor Glea son's administration.

I'pon the rull call David L. Van Nostrand. councilman from tho Second iJisir.ct. and Alderman Joseph Geiser from the First answered to their namer i. Councilman Jos'.

Cassidy from the First District and Alderman William T. James from the Second failed lo put in an appearance. president Bowley merely announced that the meeting was a preliminary one and Seo.reitary Fiesel then ritad a resolution authorizing th secretary to prepare a list of supplies wanted by the by the board and to make requis.t iui on the Commissioner of Alderman Gelser offered a resolution wtii.th wan adopted requiring the president to in a copy of Long Island City's tax lew passed in lfi7. This is the tar; vy ih. was passed by the outgoing bnrd of I.ng Island City two minutes before midnight and before Lotik Island City was merged into the Greater New York government.

Mayor Van Wyek will ai t. upon the levy now. The new council adjourned subji et to the call of the chair. The City Hall Building is In charge of the police, under Acting Captain Lyn. of Brooklyn, who had taken charge of the Seeond I're cinot.

Former City Treasurer Knapp received a li tter from Controller Coler t.ifying him to tun. over all the effects his office, and policemen are guarding every one of the different departments. Former Clerk Mc Graw was still holding the rt. at. t.ln city clerk's of'lcc to day.

He saM that everything under the supervise of the Clerk. Scully, frit he had no authority to handle any of ihe papers of the oflice without an order fr tii the n' City Clerk. HAMILTON BIRTHDAY DINNER. On the night of January 1 1, Talcott Will j. niiH of Philadelphia, William Hornblower of Manhattan anil l)r.

Lyman Abbott and Frederic A. Ward of Brooklyn will ad ir i tho Hamilton Club at the annual dinner, win. it will hold on that night, to commemorate thtj birthdav of Alexander Hamilton. I lio RUb ncriptions for this dinner are already very Urffft and nil thft Tdnees nrft filnt c.tf il to bo iftled..