New-York tribune., 1867-10-18
THE OFFICE or CITY cHAMBERLAIN.

Mr.. Peter i. Sweeny has issued a long reply
to the letter Of the Citizens Association He first refers
to the charge that he "does nothing in return for his
mense income, and says:
The managers OF the Association labor 10 establish that
the Office OF City Chamberlain has no duties OF any coI
sequence attached TO IT, or as TIE TRIBUNE sums up on
their statement that as its incuneent, am paid for
"dOng nothing" They say that the duties are limited
opening account with the Broadway BANK and the
Bank keeps the accOIlnts.' q az - 'tFtF'-'
This j. not true The CITY Chamberlain the treasurer
satekeeping. give 70 the City and state $4,000 secu
city aud County funds which come to my hands-each
appropriation by itself-and am charged with the duty
OF paying the public debt and the interest as accrues
and as all know who hold any city securities, draw my
checks for these puIpOses-sOmetimes as many as
5000 AT a time. I furnish weekly statements 10 the
Controller Of all moneys received and dlsbursed under
operating as mutual checks ON each other and guarding
against irregular payments loss of the public moneys
Besides an City aud County Payuaster paying all the
public cemplOyGs-except officials appointed by Ordinace
who paid by warrants ! am, In addition, Commits
sOner OF the Sinking Fund, where have important and
responsible duties 10 discharge employ five assistants
beside my deputy Of whom paid large salaries
ihor duties being arduous and responsible
lie quotes elter-ffOm Controller Connolly, in which
The Chamberlain keeps his books and accounts in
regard 10 all the many appropriations and matters of ac
with the City aud County lie pays directly the
public debt and interest and is the charged
ment of the labor department Of the City Government
All his acts reported 10 my department The system
adopted between tins department and that Of the Cham
beFain operates the one RS check the other and c
fcctually guards the public moneys. But il is as mem
ber Of the Sinking Fund Commission that desire 10 refer
Mr. Swecny In this commission bis services have been
indefatigablc aud valuable. HIS first coming
into Office the introduction Of resolution by which
all the unprOductiye real estate was sold at puoe
uOn and the revenue OF the city thereby largely in
creased Ills attention to ali the interests affecting the
public property which the public debt depends, has
been most faithful and efficient lie has also introduced
reform in regard the public wlarves and
markets and other property which promise great public
advantage IN their ultimate results. consider that Mr.
Sweeney services have been invaluable to the public
Mr. Sweeney then quotes the law OF April 1866, which
requires thar the Chamberlain Of the City OF NewYOrk
shall by written notice to the Controller OF said city,
designate not less than three banks in which al tile
moneys of the city county shall be deposited II
then goes on To provide follows:
SECTION 2. The banks in which such deposits shall he
made shall pay prOpOrtiOnaCly 10 the monthly balances
in each, tho Oee rent Of said Chamberlain. Tie salaries
~ be b4ed by him Of his clerks and Deputy CARJgbCr