The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1855-10-07
The NYatsel. Briggs Investigation.

Another meeting of the Committee of the Board Of
Aldermen appointed to investigate the stupendously
momentous question of the birth place of Mr.. Matsel
the Chief of Police convened yesterday afternoon in
the City Hall. previously understood, that this
was to be fnality measure-the last meeting of the
committee Notwithstanding the deuging rain which
fell all day, Mr. Briggs at his post but other Of
his cole agues was present. Mr.. Mcclellan and the
raj other contumacous witnesses were in attendance
Mr. notwithstanding chair opposite that which
Aid. Briggs usually occupies) suppose may sit down
here at my ease.
Aid. BRiccs-Yes you might well take that seat
and make yourself comfortable.
Mr. McKnIAR-Then will have you right in my eye
Seeing an attendant COUNSEL in the room Ate you
to 60 yourself, or will you be aided by counselp
Aid. BuGos-Oh, am smart enough myself
The Alderman waited for another three quarters Of
hour but none Of his colleagues made their appearance
and he then announced that owing to the absence of his
colleagues the investigation adjourned till Wednes.
day next at O'Clock r NJ.
COMMON PLEAs-IN CHAMBERS.
Before Hon. Judge Ingraham first Judge.
Oct. 6-lohn IT. Briggs George W. Ma,seu.-An p
pication is made TO in this matter for order
quiring Geo. W. Matse to show way alta III.
ment should not issue ag inst him for refusing to
swer any questions which the committee might think
proper put to him. On examining these papers not
satisfied tina the facts necessary to give jurisdiction
are stated in the papers, When Matsel appeared be-
ore the committee he did not object to be sworn as
witness but after being before any questions
put to him. he handed the chairman Of the committee
paper, In which he declined TO any question.
However i'll advised such proceeding may have been
his part still do not consider that the committee have
placed him within he provisions of the statute to
authorize this proceeding against him. The statute gives
10 the Judge Of this Court special power to attach but
which he only exercise upon satisfactory proof being
furn shed TO HIM either that the party
planned OF refused 10 obey subpoena issued by
the Clerk. or, appearing, refused to be sworn
witness, or after being sworn, refused to
any proper question 1t il as important that
the question should be stated which put to the wit
IL Il to show his refusal TO The Judge
before allowing the attachment is 10 be satisfied that the
question put to the witness proper one-pertnen
so the matter in ISSUE and which the witness should
be required to The rule is the same whom the
witness is examined in court of justice. witness is
not required TO immaterial question, one
which tends 10 convict him of crme-and before it can
be decided that the witness must answer the Court
should know what question proposed be answered
Notwithstanding the general refusal of the witness
Of The opinion the committee should have proposed spe-
cc questions TO the witness pertinent to the matter
pending before them They might have rested after pro-
posing question they might have proposed all the
questions they thought to be material and in either
after refusal this proceeding would be proper but until
question Is put 10 the witness and he refuses TO
specified questions do not think have any juris-
dicon under the very limited power conferred by the
statute in this matter think T. therefore, unnecessary
to grant order 10 show these papers until
the deft ct above pointed out is remedied