The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1855-10-11
The Police Commlttee,


ANOTHER FRUITLEss sEssION-THE CHIEF STILL
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES MADE-wEBsTER AND
M'CANN MORE OBSTINATE THAN EVER.
Oor. 10-The Special Committee of the Board of AL.
dermen to investigate alleged corruption in the police
department, met at O'Clock, p. NJ.
present-Alderman Briggs, chairman, and Alderman C.
H. Tusker.
The Chairman opened the proceedings by stating that
the hour had arrived at which the committee called
Then addressing the Chief of Police Mr. George w. Mat
SELL he said We wish to ask you few questions to-day.
Mr.. Matsell handed in q written answer, and
firing.
The Chairman--But won't you take the oath?
Mr.. Matsei-i was sworn the other day. I have no
to say.
Tie Chairman-What becomes Of the stolen property
received in your offceY
Mr. Masel had passed out Of the door before the chair
man had finished the question.
Mr.. MatselPs document reads as follows
To THE COMMITTEE TIE BOARD ALDERMEN, usually
known as the Briggs Committee
is shortly This city inquire
&c
as 10 all matters connected with official duties conduct
compel . TESTIFY Decline snsEsss1s sny
en 70 asy
now present myself in obedience any subpGna
S%, as sany act for the E sSs Of RaR this
The Chairman looked disgusted
Mr. G. W. Mcclellan, clerk of Chief of Police, affirmed.
The Chair-What are your dutes-what Is your posi-
ton in the Departments A. have already answered
that two three times.
Mr. McKeilar-I hold to the opinion that yon have no
right to ask me any questions but am willing to an
clerk to tho Chief Of Police and my duties are various
will not be annoyed by unnecessary questions.
Did you ever act AZ clerk to the Board Of Surgeons
O. Did you your influence to favor sick pay to
policemen have to examine the afidavits of po-
think there sufficient in the papers to justify allowing
pay, endorse it upon the papers; not make the
trary endorsement 1t then goes to the Mayor for conr
nation.
The Chair-Then IT appears you are the sole Judge.
Mr. McKelMrI have already said that should not be
applied me- the papers in relation to the policemen 60
to the Mayor for confirmation or rejection.
Q: Was you ever naturalizeds a. That seems to me
an impairment question and shall not answer it,
Q. What compensation and above your salary do
you gets A. can't tell you; don't know; have
ceived various sums but that was not entitled to
all the money have received during the past year have
deposited with the Chamberlain; all the bills have not
yet been zen paid but that matter ~, l. not in my hands
lace Association during the great exhibition A. don't
recognise your right to inquire into private affairs,
perform services for the association altogether distinct
from my official duties and after office hours, sometimes
after midnight.
O. Did you not neglect your duties to attend to these
afars2 A. No; never neglect my duties.
Mr.. Mcclellan further questioned to the duty Of
abe police at the Crystal Palace but nothing OF import
ance ELECTED.
g 10 you know Of any sales of stolen property in the
Chiefs officer A. Yes
have been there and that in connection with sale
of stolen property at the Eighteenth District Court
OF 1t property taken from thieves and claimed
and left at the Office and sold to pay carriage;
property sold has either been returned to the
to the persons from whom taken but has been
received into the Office since the passage Of act Of the
legislature requiring all property supposed to be stolen
to be deposited with the clerks Of the Police Courts
O. Did you any handbills in the Chiefs Office
offering reward Of $25 for trunk. A. Have read evil
dence taken before this committee by Lombard in
lation to black trunk all Of which, far the Office
O 0r I
fedly false.
Q. Have you got anything Of that kind in your Office
nowf A. No sir the trunk referred to into
the Office remember once that large trunk to
the Office with silk goods but nothing to do with Mr..
lombard it stolen in Of the Eastern States and
the affidavts being made, il delivered up to the
officers; have held my Office since 1919; appointed
by W. +. Havemeyer for an indefinite period
There little passage at-arms between MIR. Nickel
lar and the Chairman OF the committee. Mr. McKellar
desired the Chairman to understand distinctly that he
wanted the examination to conclude then and there he
did not desire TO be bothered with any longer If there
TO be questioning oil him, he was ready to
answer but he could not have his time taken up BY such
nonsense any Alderman Briggs told him to keep
COOL and informed him that be done with him for
to-day.
Michael McCan, lieutenant of police, was called, and
refused TO take the oath rendered by the Chair The
matter was compromised, however, and he
He refused to any questions embraced by
resolution of the Goth February and after pleasant in
terchange Of compliments with the Chair, he retired
Timothy Webster, lieutenant of poce--He was sworn
but protested against the oath Illegal and told the
Chairman he would take it, but he must remember not
to insult him. but only to ask him fair and proper ques
lions.
Q. What ward you attached tor A. Twenty-second
q. What are your dutesS
Witness referred the committee to the police regula
lions, and saying he had better business to attend 10
than staying here retired and the session adjourned