The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1855-05-03
MORNING EDITION-THURsDAY, MAY g. 1855


Police Inquissttoa.
THE ALDERMANIC INVESTIGATION REeUKD-rHE
CHIEFS CLERK STILL REFUSES TO ANswEa Two
MORE REFRACTORY wIrNEssEs-rHg WRONG OATH
AND THE RIGHT 0NE-RTEREsrING AFfrDavIrs =
THE BIRTHPL ace. OF THE CHIEF STILL IN D0UBT
- HIS YOUTHFUL MISUNDERSTANDING THE
ROPE, ETC.
The Committee Of the Board of Aldermen held another
meeting yesterday afternoon to make inquiries into the
birthplace Of the Chief OF Police There was large
number Of persons present, and the proceedings
unusually interesting and amusing Alderman Brigg,
appears determined prosecute his inquiries into the
pgrossing subject OF Mr. Matsss nativity and has
will be from the report Of the investigation
to the conclusion that because his fathers was
not in the City Directory prior to 1875 he the Chle
could not have been born in the country On this pon
Il afidavts contain rather singular evidence, which
may be regarded as equally conclusive The juvenil,
Of the Chief for the exciting play belly
CUTTERS" viii recall to the minds OF readers tho
days when they too were young and INDUCED in
innocent pastme. But we anticipating ths testi
mony, which proceed at to give II taken
On this occasion, should state, Alderman Hofmre
absent, Alderman fucker occupying his place. how
ever, during his absence The a.st witness called was
MIR. McKeIlar, the clerk of the Chief of Police.
Aid BRIGGs-You aHirm9
Mr.. McKELLAR-Ycs, sir.
and honestly answer vi questions that msy be put to
You respecting the matter pending before this COM
mttee2
Mr. McK.-I cannot take that oath. As am very
particular about It, will repeat the oath, you have
no objections. do solsmny, sincerely, and truly de-
clare and affirm that the evidence shall give upon the
matter referred to this committee for in vestgaon shall
be the truth the whole truth, and nothing but the
truth
AID B.-we, sir, you do honestly and truly declare
and affirm that you will answer all questions.
Mr. McK-No, sir; will not take such an OATH
have written out the form Of OATH and there it is
Here the witness handed copy of the oath which he
had taken ITO Aid. THAT is the proper legal oath
which is administered in all pending before any
judicial body
Aid. B.-I think there is very little difference.
Here ensued long pause during which Alderman
Briggs renamed ntently gazing the paper which the
witnesses had just handed to HIM. Laying 1t down,
the examination resumed.
Aid. B.-You do honestly and truly affirm that the
evidence which you shall give In relation to the matter
referred to this committee for investigation shall be the
truth the whole TRUTH and nothing but the truthso
help you God.
Mr.. MoK.-I do and in order TO prevent any question
dispute about the matter have reduced to writing
brief statement, which will now read.
Aid. B.-I think that is not in order. We have not
asked you any question yet. .... ....
Mr.. MCK.-Wel, sir.
AID B-what position do you ho Id in the Police De-
paltment9
Mr.. McK.-ln answer to that question, say that
consider myself issulted.
Aid. B.-I think that Is out of order entirely.
Mr.. NICK. (readipg from paper in his hand)-
consider myself insultsd BY the resolution Of the
Beard Of Aldermen and the conduct Of tho chairman OF
this COMMITTEES. For these m aalf
my legal rights and denying that either the
or the Board Of Aldermen have any power to require
to testify In reference to the subject matter of the last
outon under which the committee acts, decline to
answer any question in relation thereto have held
fullest statement Of all my proceedings those who de.
sired had deccrousy requested the information; but
having refused me common courtesy, shall require
them to show they have some power TO demand II.
Ad B-You refuse to an ,wer any qnestonsY
Mr. Nick Yes, any question put to me BY this COM
mittee.
AID B Then, sir, we shall have to proceed legally
Nj. McK.-That is right, sir.
AID blow much Is your salary
AID You positively refuse to answer any question:
Clerk, who leaves the room.
Aid. There would be nice state Of things if We
hadn't right to overhaul the affairs Of city, and
see how things are conducted.
The Clerk returns and whispers to Aid. B.
Ald BYou refuse to give any information In regard
Mr. ScK-I refuse to answer any questions, sir.
Aid. B.-What salary do you geu Do you refuse to
Mr. NICK, in evident disgust-Oh there Is NO use in
repeating it over. give you gene raj refusal.
Aid. B-Do you get any compensation over and above
your salary .--.
AID B-Have you paid in $500 or 81 900 to the Comp
from the dog pound surplus? Do you refuse to answer
Nj: NICK Has the committee done with .mes
Aid. B.-No, sir; want to know why you retained
this money in your hands 80 longs
No answer.
Mr.. Branch who was sitting beside Alderman B., sur.
gested something to him In under tone.
Mr.. McK.-ls Mr.. Branch the adviser Of this COM
and have right to hold communication with them.
Aid. B do yor know what disposition made of o
large trunk scaled or locked that was received in your
Mr., McK'-I object to the Secretary putting down,
answer STATED that utterly refused to answer any
questions asked oy this committee.
Aid. B.-These are regular questions.
Mr.. Mckinley not, SIR; and shall not answer
such questions, or be insuted here BY any you may
AID. B-They are legal questions, as shall be shown
hereafter. viii you answer any Of thems
Mr.. McK.-I told you would answer no questions
AID. B.i demand you, sir, in the name Of the com.
mittee to answer these questions Do you stall refuse
Mr.. McK.-I have given you my answer already, sir
Matters now began to assume a serious aspect, aud
AID b. after brief pause entered into earnest CONVEX
tation with Alderman Tucker and two Others who
sat near him. The result follows
Aid. B.-Mr. McKellar We VIII see to you tomorrow.
Mr McK.-An right sir.
AID. B. You viii withdraw, sir. You win please with
draw from the room at present
Mr. McK-H the room is cleared win. suppose
have the right here that any other citizen has
Aid. B.-I believe we decided that no should
main here except reporters and No witnesses
are allowed
Mr.. hcK.--I have been examined, sir and am moth
ing nov but spectator.
Aid. Il ought TO have been prepared for this. No
matter, there IL another day acoming.
Further consultation among the Alderman and his
friends followed this solloquy, but 1t did not to
Hevc him from his difficulty.
Aid. B-Are there any other witness in the room?
voIcE-Mr Webster said he'd be back by the time
you got through with Mr.. McKellar.
ANOTHER VoIcE-0h, that may take day or two yet.
AID B-we shall require all the witnesses to retire
to the other room for short time, they please Mr.
McKellar We consider you witness heseyou will have
to retire. You have not been fully examined.
Mr.. McK.-Wen, sir am perfectly willing to retire on
the condition that this committee shall NOT bring
Fam in rpa IN NV a A