CHAPTER V. 
QUESTIONS OF POLICY. 
Tue selection of counsel to the Park Board was, at the 
outset, recognized by all the commissioners as a matter of 
much importance. It was a new proposition, at least in 
Essex County, for an appointive board to have the right by 
law to make requisitions for large amounts on an elective 
board of the same constituency and area of jurisdiction. 
Such attempts, theretofore, in other places, had created 
jealousies and litigation. These conditions it was, by all of 
the members, deemed imperative, if possible, to avoid. 
There were also many questions, it was known, which would 
arise as the scheme developed, and which would require the 
advice and service of an able attorney. To this extent we 
were all agreed. 
Soon after the organization of the board this subject was 
taken up. Commissioners Murphy and Shepard were both 
ardent and decided in their advocacy of Joseph L. Munn. 
Commissioner Meeker was as decidedly opposed, and favor- 
ably mentioned Henry Young. Mr. Peck said nothing. I 
was unprepared to make a decision and asked that the ques- 
tion go over. The matter was again brought up at the fol- 
lowing meeting. Messrs. Murphy and Shepard were insis- 
tent for Mr. Munn’s appointment. Mr. Meeker and myself 
objected. There was a prospective issue, for it was mani- 
fest that those favoring Mr. Munn’s appointment were de- 
termined it should be made. The points as then stated in 
his favor were mainly that his knowledge of, and position 
as counsel with, the Board of Freeholders would be of as- 
sistance in establishing and continuing friendly and co- 
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