QUESTIONS OF POLICY 75 
operative relations with that board. This all recognized as 
desirable—indeed, necessary, for the harmonious execution 
of the Park Board’s plans. 
“At the meeting May 7 it became evident that longer de- 
lay would retard the work of the commission. Previously I 
made inquiries as to Mr. Munn’s character and qualifica- 
tions. The replies from, and statements of, those I thought 
most competent to judge were conflicting. I was told that, 
while employed as town counsel of East Orange, and later 
by the freeholders, his attention was mainly given to politi- 
cal or party affairs and that he was extremely friendly, and 
most valuable, to the traction companies when they wanted 
new legislation or additional franchises. 
In this dilemma of uncertainty I left the meeting re- 
ferred to. The question was pressing for solution. Mr. 
Shepard and I came out together and boarded an Orange 
car. I then stated directly to him the result of my inquiries 
as to the two candidates, and my misgivings about Mr. 
Munn. That, as I seemed to hold the balance of power, I 
felt it “doubly incumbent that no mistake should be made 
in the decision.” I said to him: 
“Mr Munn has been your close neighbor for years. You 
must know him thoroughly well, his character and all about 
him. In this park enterprise you have now an equal re- 
sponsibility with me. You are the older man and have far 
better opportunities of judging whether Mr. Munn will 
properly fill the requirements of that position than have I. 
I am suspicious of him and in doubt as to what is best 
to do.” 
The answer was in these words: “I have known Mr. 
Munn for years. He has been my counsel in other matters. 
If this expenditure of $2,500,000 was all of my own money 
I would not think of employing any one else but Mr. 
Munn.” My reply to that statement was equally direct: 
“Tf you now say that to me as my colleague in this great 
undertaking I will withdraw my opposition at the next 
meeting and vote for Mr. Munn’s appointment.” He as- 
sured me that was his conviction. I then repeated my 
