The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1858-02-02


they can make survey cost jnst much they wish
for my part would rather be City Surveyor than pres
dent Of the United States, far salary concerned;
N fact, don't think these men are honest
sHAIRMAN-I should think not, II they swear to work
which IL not done.
TIrsHs-Yes, that they saw 4 done Mr.. vider one
occ aston told me that he certain work DONE and
learn from Alderman Mcconnell that be could show me
he green sod sl h.s very property just as II was
forty years ago though the woman who owns it was as
sesed for he work believe there an understanding
between the surveyors and contractors.
CHAIRMAN-rhat will do Alderman
Ar. h0NAGHAS-I would like TO say one word more
oeheTe the young (Mr. Pinckney) bad honest in
G. Before you 60 let ash you question. DO you
CONSIDER the Inspectors an important officer A. Very
when he oes his duty but they seldom do the inspector
ought 20 see ha, tho work done and the surveyor TO
certify that il Is DC ne according to specification.
CHnRMAS-We are working at a great disadvantage
here We cannot get the books containing the contracts
from the Street Department, one being recognized
street Commissioner. kr. Rogers, the Contract Clerk
who made tnis contract n South Carolina with bis IA
health ain. good. (Laughter)
;. d. MouLToS examined Il have lived for twenty five
years in the vicinity Of this work on Fifty fourth street.
understood .bat the CONT act for filling out the side
wax htcen feet and Tagging four feet aud heard tina
the Surveyors return made out as done but know
Of my own positive knowledge that not that nine
feet Of IL was flled on average.
q. How deep is the tilng required? A. About fifteen
feet deep; but u Is not filed up farther than nine per-
haps not 50 much; l am speaking now OF Fifty fourth
street, between Lexington and Third avenues.
Q Does il make a material difference not to I'LL il in?
a Up Inere does, Tor nDg OF the hagg
pg has fallen already consequence OF the earth sink
ing under the tagging aprevous contract had been made
FOR his same work and Mr. Als told that he had paid
al assessment OF $50 lot on it, yet it has never been
done.
Tue advertisement for the contract in Fifty fourth street
here produced and appeared that was for grating
only nine feet of the sidewalk fifteen stated by the
witness The Chairman then said that in consequence of
they should adjourn the investigation.
MIR. j. 3RIcE SMITH offered communication relative TO
ne frauds in Fifty second street, to which he testified at
The last meeting of hecommittee, but the Chairman d.
rectsd him TO present IT TO the Board of Aldermen and
ey would refer TO this committee to be acted upon
The committee then adjourned TO Monday next, at
PM
OUR CITY FINANCES AND MR.. FLAGG.
New York, Feb. l, 1858.
JAMES GoRDoN BENNETT ESQ.,,
EDITOR OF THE NEW YORK HERALD
am glad TO see the position you have takenrn regard
to Comptroller Flagg and his incompetency for the i'm
portant office he hods-an incompetency, am glad To
say which involves suspicion of dishonesty the part
OF Mr. Flagg but resulting from his great age. When as
member Of last years City Council Chairman Of the
Finance Committee Of the Board OF Counclmen, and as
member of the committee 10 inquire into abuses in che
Comptrolier's Department, took occasion to say that
from advanced age Mr. Fagg had become united for the
pace ne neldthat from defective eyesght or other rea
sons he obliged official papers home with him
nights 10 have his children read them TO hint wss
mace a subject OF complaint that had raised my
voice against man much esteemed a, Mr. Flagg,
and against officer hitherto by many deemed so If
tciCnt.
Mat The committee which have named then referred
to, suspected the part of favorite clerk in the
Comptroliers Office, s now proved by Mr.. Fagg's
testimony. But this matter Of Mr.. Chemung Smiths is
only drop IN the bucket Those draftson the
ordc- OF the Commissioners Of Records by which ahaf
million u dollars have been obtained through the Comp
Eucls department. for the printing OF volumes Of
copied matter should have been arrested by an investi
earon on the part Of an able and efficient Comptroller
wh,e was his eye OF scrutiny when these drafts passed
his chcrY Again as read il in the papers the time
vas Nr Flagg's objection which caused the bid OF
Dnsmore Wood for the Reservoir construction 10
be rejected and another 10 be adopted place at an
expense 10 the city Of fifty thousand dollars II bis
duy ~ the new charter 70 be present at the opening
The bids, but he seemed to have gone beyond his duty
aDd osumuR 70 act In judicial capacity his interfere nee
Vib mot narrow and captous objection costs the city
a. that rsia' ce a large sum OF money.
IN ths l'ter be Herald has been the right track
from he 1rst II Is exposures and 10 po4
ha~t re C3cct o. !cadiDg u Mr. Fseg's resignation
han cor -dcs u ny duty as representative from the
city Of New Yoh 20 introduce bill in the Assembly at
early day declaring the office OF Comptroller vacant
upon The passage OF which will be made the duty of tho
Mayor and Aldermen TO I'll the Office by appoint.
ment JONES, JR.