The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1870-12-21
TIE Kiass COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.

The Shoddy Fabric Speculations Reported
Upon-A New System of Purchases Advised.
The regular weekly meeting of the Kings county
Board of Supervisors was held yesterday after
noon, Supervisor Osborn in the chair.
The Committee OF Accounts of County Treasurer
reported that they had examined the accounts OF
that Office and found them to be correct In every
detail. Out Of an expenditure Of three million and
three.quarters OF money during the past year &C
counted for the books Of the Treasurer not single
error could be found. Supervisor Johnson eulogized
as did also the representative from Flatbush, the
excellence displayed in the management of said de-
partment by County Treasurer Gardiner and his
deputy. eetett s-.-..e.
The Law Committee OF the Board, TO whom was
referred the matter OF supplies to the county jsil
and Morgue and
THE ACTS OF THE JAIL COMMITTEE
thereto, reported that they had held several meet
ings and examined witnesses In relation thereto.
The minutes OF the evidence, taken by steno-
grapher, were submitted as part or the report.
The facts SO clear and undsputed that they feel
It their duty to report In BRIEF that the supplies TO
the jail furnished by Kerrigan 4 Few, under the
employment OF the committee, nave been OF the
poorest articles at the most exsrbitant prices and
with the distinct avowal, on the part Of Mr., Few,
that for these or any other articles he Intended TO
charge 100 per cent profit 200 per cent he could
sUPEEvIsoRs sHEvLlN AND NELSON.
Of the committee, without supervision or control,
Wou rly,s Tie testimony as
mitJed and undisPuted, shows want Of capacity or
reckless inattenton on the part OF the committee
almost Incredible II not conceded TO De true.
The conduct OF Kcrrlgan Few In filling the
orders for the jail with poor and worthless articles
at fabulous prices could scarcely have been sus-
pected except upon personal inspection OF the ar
tcles delivered. The transactions involved need not
be characterized by your committee. The jail COM
m
furnished these articles at more than the proper
OF merchantablc goods OF suitable quality FOR
the public use. The present system OF furnishing
supplies through committees Of the Board OF Super
visors is, IN the opinion Of the Law Committee, I'M
suited to the present condition or the county. IL
did answer very well twenty years ago, under Diff
ferent state OF affairs and smaller population. The
Law Committee report that Kerrigan Few claim
they have the right to furnish any quality OF sup
plies ordered they please, and 10
CHARGE WHAT THEY PLEASE,
and II their bills are paid they cannot be compelled
TO disesrge, or be punished for receiving money
voluntarily paid them by the Board of Supervisors.
In this the committee concur the opportunity OF Kerr
rgan a. Few was presented by the receipt of the
supplies without Inspection, and payment without
suspicion or knowledge or examination as 70 the
meat for this firm would be under the afidavlt
affixed to the various bills rendered. No criminal
prosecution could be sustained under the law and
facts or the matter. except perhaps IN alleged short
measures OF carpet and mating at the Morgue.
The committee state that supervisor 18th, or the
jail Committee, does not appear to have any par
tc,pation in the employment OF Kerrlgan 4 Few,
or In tho purchase from them. There is no evidence
that any person except kerrigan Few were bene-
ntcd by
THEIR DEALINGS WITH THE COUNTY,
and both kerrigan and rev testify under oath
thai no person outside Of their nrm had any bcneht
or profit, directly or indirectly, from tue
profits they received from the county.
Tnat it Is Of moro importance TO guara, In future
against '.Kcrrgan & fewn and of the county AFFAIRS
than speculate on the moral and legal possibilities
| OF the matters involved IN the present
DIsREPUTABLE EXPOSURE.
They believe the present and future purchases OF
| this Eoard should be submitted 10 an mspecoi Of
CQNpetent nature. thai tAe present MetD0o VI Dur.