The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1855-08-25

| MUNICIPAL C0RRUPIoN-HUMBUG INvEsTIGA-
TIoSs.-The daily papers yesterday contained
reports Of the proceedings of two investigating
| committees Of the Common Council, which be
| gun and ended on Thursday The first was an
.Aldermanc committee, empowered to ascertain
the factsrelative to the statements made by
| Alderman uotfmire against Alderman Moser.
| When the complainant came before the COM
| mittee it was found that he had no charges to
make, or, what amounts to the same thing, he
refused to specify them. Alderman Herrick
| refused to proceed unless the charges were
| specified, and Alderman Ely claimed that the
committee had power to make general inves-
tigatioA into Alderman Moser's character.
And SO the committee adjourned; that is pro-
| baby the last we shall hear of the matter.
| Now, this is not justice to either party, and
Alderman Ely ought to know that it is the
| right Of Alderman Moser to demand copy Of
specific charges made against him. Alderman
Hofmire charges him with official corruption,
and then fails to substantateit. But the stain
is not taken from the city, or from the Board to
which these gentlemen belong.
The next case is that of Mr.. James Furcy,
Commissioner Of Streets, who is charged with
taking bride for contract to build ter
race wall on the shore of the East river, near
Fifty-6rst street. 1t is alleged that Mr.. Philip
Foley paid five hundred dollars for the con-
tract. There have been two or three stories
about the same transaction, and committee
Of the Councilmen was appointed to investi-
gate the facts. In the meantime Mr.. Foley has
taken himself Off to q farm in Michigan, and
there is nothing but hcarsay evidence--and
not very good, even, at that-to substantiate
the charge against Mr.. Furey. Only two wit
nesses could be found, viz Alderman Her.
rick and Mr.. S. D. Moulton. The last named
gentleman was supposed to be well informed
on the subject, because he kept Mr.. Fohey's
accounts, and knew all his affairs" All he
knew was, that he had heard Mr.. Foley say
that he had paid five hundred dollars to get
his plan Of the wall accepted. If the money
was paid, why could not the accountant say
to what it was charged, and when and to whom
paid? Mr.. Herrick knew nothing important
about the matter.
The above cases are by no means singular.
Almost every week some one connected with
the city government is charged with corrup-
ton. A committee of investigation is raised
some stationery, as we'll as good humor, is
used up-and, after great deal of talk, there
is an adjournment to Delmonicos for hroiled
chicken and champagne, and then the matter
is dropped. But the people Of New York, who
place these men in office, are not satisfied with
this shutting. Many of them think that
where there is SO much smoke there must
be little fire, and they demand that all
such investigations shall be strictly carried
through, and that even handed justice shall be
done to all parties. In the Moscr case, Hoif-
mire should make his charges at once, and if
they are proven, the offending Alderman
should be expelled from the Board which he
disgraces. In the case of Furey, he is q can
didate for reelection in November, and if he
is rogue, we all desire to give our votes for
an honest man in his place. Let US hear from
IIofmire and Foley.