The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1872-01-18
The ALLEGED HARBoa MASTER FRAUDS.


Reply to the Governors Letter.
The further investigation into the charges against
Harbor Master Hart for malfeasance In office was
resumed yesterday at the Office OF the Captain of the
Port. This investigation Is creating considerable
commOtiOn among shipping and mercantile firms In
the lower portion OF the city, ana the letter of Gov
ern0r Hoffman which appeared in Yesterdays
HERALD has excited no little comment as 1t shows
how anxious His Excellency Is to have reform In
the Harbor Department II 1t is really needed.
% William K. Niver, the wharnnger much mentioned
heretofore testified as follows, In answer to his
counsel, Mr.. Rdgeway:-I received SIS on each OF
the bills for $25 produced, dated July 10 and 20,
1871; the remaining $40 on each Of the bills was for
towage; did not retain the two sums OF SIS, but
paid them to Edward L. Donnelly, the lessee OF
pier East River; have no knowledge OF the
payment OF any money by Donnely to Hart and
have nothing to say about any negotiations for the
payment Of any. As a.
BY Mr.. DAvIs-I do not remember by whom was
Introduced to Hart, but do not think it was by
Daniel Trunley; viii not swear did not ask Trnn-
ley to INTRODUCES me; sce sW
DON'T REMAINDER
telling Trunley that there was great deal Of money
In Harris district, ana that II Hart would become
acquainted with me and let me manage matters my
own way great deal Of money could be made there;
might have had conversation with Trunley about
Harris returning the $500, but don't remember posi-
lively; may have told Trunley in substance that
had made Hart q present Of $780, ana that he had
returned return It to me-. and that wished he Irumeyl
would persuade Hart TO take the money, but have
NO RECOLLECTION
OF asking Trunley to take the money back, because
Knapp must have had the money returned to him
at that THE; don't know what may have said TO
Trunley; don't remember any thing about 1t; might
Or might not have talked with Trunley about II;
don't think l solicited Trunley to con.
tribute money toward making Hart q present;
think Gardiner offered to contribute; but don't think
asked him; think asked vosburgh II he wanted
to contribute money towards 9 present for Hart;
that was before Hart returned the $500, think;
Wsa to further into e thai maser
remember Hart telling me that he would not accept
the present II got 1t FOR him don't recOect asking
watch, telling Irunley that lo1 ~
HAD THE MONEY
all subscribed for it, and that Hart had told me that
II got 1t he would not accept 1t; don't think said
the same thing substantially to Gardiner; did not
to me before gave 1t back to Knapp; refuse to an
swer any more questions about that 5000; had no
hin IN the execution Of his duties as Harbor Mas
ter 10 any manners did not give that $500 to Hart
to bride him In the execution OF his Official
duties; have no recollection OF stating to one,
after Hart returned the 500 to me ana before re-
turned It to Knapp tnat u mad been given to Hart
not keep It, though might have said he was foolish
for returning 1t;
whether stated since that transaction and since
made my affidavit before the Governor in January,
oillcer and that regretted having made any an.
davit against him; l refuse on the ground that
have answered that question In Judge Ledwith's
think have stated that believed Hart to Be- an
atlldavit against him." tMr. Davis here showed
MYERS counsel copy OF the minutes Of the wit
give distinct answer; but witness was evidently
AFRAID OF committing himself and refused TO repIy.l
gave before Judge IedWtn was srue have eTgce
lection OF stating that the affidavit made to the
Governor and my testimony Delore Judge Ledwith
DID HART GREAT INJUsT1CE
Mr.. Henry never asked me to file charge against
Hart before the Captain OF the Port about the 5000
untl the charges were fed after Hart returned the
$500 to me three OF four days elapsed before gave
1t back to Knapp; during that time don't think I
asked any one TO urge Hart to take the money again
think Mr.. Edgerton, the towboat agent, made the
arrangements Tor towing the vessels or Mr.. Powell,
named In the bills in evidence; Edgerton mas been
In the habit OF towing for Powell; Knapp once gave
me $50; It might have been present Tor giving him
This being the last witness the complainants pro.
air oocs to-day gave enc
notice that the compainants' case would close finally
In reply to the letter received from the Governor
BY Captain Jones yesterday relative to the charges
against Hart the Port Captain despatched the fol-
lowing communication last night:-
80 PEAR. sr.Ess s Gas1 4osa Ssn f. .s7a
u.
sIR- had the honor receive from you this morning
communication in regard to the Hart investigation which
shall earliest attention of the ca
now pending before me- for believe fully appreciate
anxiety protect the commercial interest and the
rights OF Individuals so far lies your power Several
OF the gentlemen whose names appear the petition
you have testified already and of them tMr Henry
Med additional charges some time against Hart which
have considered part OF charges originally fled
and large amount Of evidence has already been taken
ss'n sna bo o5fi .asr
the grievances complained of in such general
terms Tor any length OF time without HAVING
ever applied TO me for relief The investigation thus TAR has
peen tedious In consequence OF the get
ting Witnesses &C. have eudeavored make the inyest
gallon as ,soroush as possible and have ruled no evil
could DC admitted without enchng upon the rules
Goxerning egal evidence Mr. r. ID: Benedict and Mr..
f f ia1nan.s and Mr. c. Davis behalf Captain
Mart hey are all gentlemen Of acknowledged legal stand
ana seem 70 be conducting the with great
apy snan DC able to forward you the Of the
vesaon 10 very Few days. well knowing that the interest
OF commerce aud the Of Mr. Hart viii receive such
Az your hands the evidence shall justify
seiy respectfully yours, .- JAMES r. JONES,
Captain Of the Port Of New York.