New-York tribune., 1871-09-13
CORRUPTION IN THE BUILDING DEPAR-
MENT.

| EX-JUDGE TAPPEN'S GRIEvANCES-A BOLD GAME
OF BRIBERY AND BLACKMAILING.
| The proceedings in the Foley case were inter-
ruped for few minutes yesterday by application to
Judge Barnard for injunction restraining the further
interference of the Superintendent of Public Buildings
of the City Of New-YOrk with the construction Of cx-
Judge A. r. Tappcns house The application WAS made
in consequence OF an injunction granted shor time since
hy Judge Barnard to the superintendent of Public Build
ngs, restraining Tappen from proceeding with the
strucOn Of his building unless he made party wall OF
the width required by the statute Is inches. motion
made Sept H. before Judge Joseph F. DAILY of the
Common Pleas to vacate the Injunction and his decision
rendered yesterday, denying the motion, and re-
mng Judge Tappen to his remedy Of mandamus before
the Supreme Court to compel MacGrrgOr. the Supern
tendcn to permit TaPpcn to proceed with his building
ia conformity with the order issued by Judge Barnard.
The temporary injunction was dissolved, ana the motion
to make it permanent denied with $40 costs to be
paid by MacGIcgor.
ExJudge Tappen produced the afldavits OF himself
and others opposition the motion. The affidavit Of
John Sexton says that Mr.. Armstrong Deputy supcrin
tendcnt directed dcponent to to Robert Murray, who
would obtain the permission he required from the Court
lrs and demanued 500 for them that depOnent said it
yet all the money, hut had to divide 1t among the
Judges; deponen then paid him $3.50, by check drawn
by M GS snS S Gs %
Itself proper one, and should have been granted
On the application yesterday. Judge Barnard said In
regard to this appication wherein an Injunction was
granted, have vacated that injunction. 1t has
been Obtained, am satisfied by fraud on the Court by
and if afiavits Of MI Happen and others true
as no doubt they are IT Is gross fraud ana outrage ana
Jury. When that order was applied for, or when the
application was mado to me. l supposed that the
TO grant the Application But Is soon as discovered
that was not imperative, and that certificates to
buildings in this city were to be obtained. except
by orders OF ATTORNEYS to whom should be paid sum of
money varying from SO to 1900, where they not
entitled TO cent, vacated that injunction. | will
Try TO put stop officers of the Court obtaining
money when they assert that some of the money
| ccived by them has to he given TO Judges Of the
Court. This matter must be fully investigated by the
Grand jury that shall find out who these Judges
are that njuuctiOs and take part Of the money
given for them from attorneys apply wing for the same.
Ex.Judce Tappen-I was Informed by persons in whom
had perfect confidence that the parties referred to
Mr.. Armstrong and Robert MURRAY. who said that they
had divided the money with the Judges and got these
orders and these gentlemen have stated that they will
Judge Barnard-The injunction is dissolved. Go on
with tine Foley case
OTHER CASES OF BLACKMAILING
Complaints Of oppression the part of the Depart
ment of Public Buildings received at THE TRIBUNE
Office time ago. and inquiry has revealed the fact
that many builders especially those who have not much
wealth influence, find 1t impossible to conduct their
business without hrihng persons directly indirectly
connected with the Building Department. They com
plain that attempts made to lure them into snares in
order to backmail them. Their work will be watched
until II has too tar 10 be easily altered and then
charge of egaEty in the construction is brought which
nothing but large Of hush money will set aside.
Again. they find it difficult get their plans and bids
alnned without consideration" The inspectors take
especial delight Ill discovering wooden buildings illegally
sltuaed-fOr instance piers. case is mentioned
Of builder who had raised large shed upon pier.
After II completed, al inspector came to him and
told him the shed had business there and must
down. He intimated, however, that the payment OF
molestaon We how much u" Five T%t.omx hnhrsh IiT
doars dol, SO VIII We teHr it down first don't make
paid and the unlawful building stands there now.