New-York daily tribune., 1865-11-30
EXPLANATION BADLY NEEDED

Mr.. John +. Hoffman is commended by the
journals in his interest as the very man for a
Reform Mayor-not honester than Mr.. lIecker,
Of course; but better posted as 10 the arts and
lodges of our "Ring" rascals, and go able TO
outwit and defeat them. We cannot see the
matter in this light Mr. Hecker though never
in Office, has sgnazed himself by conspicuous
and decided resistance TO the gigantic robberies
whereof our Taxpayers are the vctims-has
risked and came near losing his life because Of
such resistance. Mr.. Hoffman, on the other
hand, holds a most responsible and lucra-
tive Office, wherein he might have borne hard
on Municipal corruption if he would; but when
did hel lie was made q member OF the Street
sweeping Commissions: TO what good end :
Let the $4,000 per week we are paying for moi
having our streets cleaned make answer.
The following affdavits are so circumstantial
and positive that We must say they urgently
require explanation at the hands Of Mr.. Hofi-
man. We await that explanation before speak
ing more decidedly. Here are the afiidavits:
City and County eJ NeN Yort. ,s' l. Russell J. Briggs
being duly sworn do depose and gay, That the SOD
OF the George W. NJ Briggs referred to In the anneIed
affidavit; That the said affidavit Is true hereinafter
modified; That was IN the employ of the seid John T.
Hoffman, then holding the Office Of Recorder OF the
City OF NewYor That on or about the last Of No.
rember Of the first year OF his holding gad Office there
was presented 20 me payroll, on which my name Was
written stating that my Office was as messenger. and
on which the said Johu I. Hoffman had stated. over
his own signature that did hold and had performed
all The duties OF seid Office Of messenger. and also
that 1 vas entitled 10 the sum Of Forty.
odd dollars compensation for such services
FOR the term Of one month. ct the rate
OF 500 per year that the said payroll was lodged in
the Office Of the Comptroller of the City Of New York
and on sad officer directed 20 call TO receive a
warrant the City Treasury ('that was The Park
Bank , made payable TO my order, Russell j.
SiuTges and for which, the said check did give re.
ceipt; that when the said check presented by
(aitcr had DdOrsed the same) 10 the paying teller OF
the lbovenaned bank he (the said eller) refused 10
cash the same ss 10 Sot acquainted with. had
no knowledge OF, Inc or my signnure that aherward
the said check given to tie said John T. Hoffman.
who had Eaid that he would gc the same cashed which
he did having It converted into money. by sending
Mr.. Philip Hoffman 20 n broker DItuated in Wast..
N. Y. where the snld cheek finally easoed and the
proceeds Of said chcck-about the sum Of sl0-was
handed by Philip Hoiinrsn to said John T. Hoffman
who then handed TO me the sum OF SIC as payment OF
services rendered BY for one month and retained
the balance himself. RUSSELL J. BRIGGS.
Sworn to before me- tho Goth day OF November. 1865
FRrDEIcK BuLI, Notary Public.
Ciy and County Of Ntr. York, m; ], George W. H.
Bripgs being duly sworn depose that at and previous
10 the time Of the election Of John 4. Hoffman M
Recorder Of the City Of NewYork. my son, Russell j.
Briggs who was then boy of about IS years Of age.
ia the employ ofJohn T. Hoffman. at salary Of
81 30 per week that he continued In the employ Of Mr..
Hoffman after he was elected Recorder. until u few
months taereaneras Opponent tbants until December