New-York tribune., 1870-05-21
THE BROOKLYN POLITICIANS FIGHT

THE "RINGn AND DIsTRICT-ATTORNEY MORRIS
The Kings County Board of Supervisors, at
its last meeting, passed resolution appointing Com
mee investigate certain charges made against Dis
trictA Attorney Samuel ID. Morris by Hugh Mclaughlin
leader Of the Democratic Ring" The Committee, con-
sisting Of Supervisors Crooke, Cassidy, Johnson
shevcn and Cross held its first session yesterday after
noon in the of the Board of Supervisors County
Court House.
Supervisor Crooke presided and called the first wit
ness County Treasury Thomas A. Gardiner who pro-
duced the books Of his Office and stated that the District
Attorney had applied to him for the payment OF the
salary OF his assistant clerk. William W. Armfed. He
refused TO pay the money without written order which
Mr. Morris afterward produced. The order signed
by VIM W. Armfed and requested the Country Treasurer
TO pay the to the DstrictAttOrney On the Sd OF
July 1862 paid Mr Morris $50 the strength of this
order and again the sd OF October he paid 1915 He
Jas H. Cornwe Clerk in the District Attorneys office
William W. Armfed was next called and stated that
the District Attorneys office on January l. Ise and was
at that time Assistant Librarian of the Law Iibrry
for the position. but called upon by Mr. Morris who
asked if he would like to enter his office as clerk at
stand that he could retain his other position; he could
whether he had the conversation before or after
Christmas; he indexed the minutes OF the Grand jury
and also copied indictments, which work occupied him
some months; he continued in the office until October l.
signing he paid for his services s5 IN ALL
he claimed that there is due him se out Of the $40 per
blank and not ed up; he did not know the amount
the county gave him.
Attorney Morris stated that the testimony OF
the County Treasurer correct that OF the boy Arm
field not. He not employed in the office on the
first the year. Mr. Morris then related that he had
gone to the boy and told him that he wanted clerk IN
his Office and would give him the situation as he was
the Office, and made arrangement with MIN Tor
$40 per week He began his duties In February, 1863
October told him that the work needed was done,
and he would make other arrangements. Paid him S5
and said that that more than he had earned. 1he
balance OF the money drawn paid in disbursements
OF the Office He had paid out S272 between January ana
July 1870 but had not and did not intend to charge IL
against the county.
AT this juncture Mr.. Hugh Mclaughlin attempted TO
question the DstrctAttoney but Mr. Morris SAID tnat
lie examination before him, and the Boss Of
the Ring" subsidized.
Supervisor Crook then asked Mr. Morris to what he
had applied the balance Of the boys salary amounting
TO $780, Mr.. Morris replied that part had been paid To
Moore for his services the Fisher divorce case
In going to Boston the same $500 IN employ
ing detectives in New-York Boston. and Philadelphia,
also in the same He had kept an account. and
could furnish every item Of the disbursements.
Mr.. Morris claimed that he entitled To make the
ngement that he had with the boy regarding his
salary also that the order the boy had signed was filled
up, and that the latter that the amount ap
propriated by the county for his salary was 81 500
Supervisor Crook-Do you consider that 1t is right for
you DisrictAttorncy, to draw the salary OF subor
dinae allowed by the county and then pay the person
a small allowance and appropriate the balance at your
discretion about public business .
Attorney Morris consider perfectly right
to do II the subordinate would allow IT, He would
like 10 make the ments with his other clerk
and the county would not lose by it, Mr Morris also said
that he stood by the card published in The Mercury bat
they could cOnstrue its meaning tO suit themselves.
The Committee adjourned until Tuesday next.