The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1872-10-01
THE HARLEM COURT HOUSE.

to Remove tho Court HOuse-Genet Re-
fuses 10 Give Testimony.
Yesterday afternoon the Senate Committee-Sen-
ators Weismann, Tiemann and Benedict-continued
the investigation into the alleged frau DIS in build
ing the Harlem Court House, In the Library OF the
City Hail. The attendance OF citizens was larger
than on any previous day, and the tits between
counsel far more interesting than ever.
Mr.. Adams, Mr.. Genet's particular friend,
was there with his counsel, who was very anxious
that Mr.. Genet should be examncd but the last
named gentleman decidedly objected, and his OBJ
lection was sustained. One OF the witnesses ex-
amined was Mr. Spears Of Harlem. During his
cross examination he endeavOred to remove the
Court House from west to east Of Sixth avenue,
but 1t was too heavy and he decided to leave it
where it Is. He also said that he drove past the
Court House because the driving in 12sth street was
better than that in any OF the adjoining streets,
which, OF course, provoked much laughter rom
those who are acquainted with the street mas
much az II Is partly INSTRUCTED by the Court House
materials.
Mr.. SPEARS TESTIMONY.
Mr.. Spears was the first witness called. He said -
am resident OF Harlem and builder by trade ;
have been q builder for twenty or twenty five
years. made an estimate as to the cost OF building
mason work could be done. including the iron
beams, platforms, &C. for $780, 5l 81. OBSTINATE
my estimate, but not in my handwriting ia Mr. Tap
pan made out the estimate under my instructions.
by MI. Gcnet-WhO Is Mr.. Tappln2
"He IL q gentleman OF good character, elr.N
That's more than you are II you swear to that
estimate"
Here Senator Tiemann called order, and said IL
there were any remarks TO be made they would
have to be addressed to the Chairman or not
spoken at all.
Crosse xamined by Judge Waterbury, examined
tie building four or five times, but never made q
careful estimate until two weeks ago; made
measurements OF the Court House before; cannot
tell what the date was; think IL was about cleo
ton time.
Mr.. Kitcbel-That is date enough. Genet remem-
bers when election time was.
Here Mr.. Genet nared up, and intimated that an
important member in Mr.. kitchens head might
have cause to mourn for the nppancy OF his tongue
unless he was less insulting.
Cross-examination resuned-I passed the Court
House because the driving I2sth street is better
than any OF the other Streets the Court House is
east OF Sixth avenues; did not pass 1t every day;
now that ] think Of i, the Court House is west OF
Sixth avenue; used to see II from the Sixth ave-
nue.; there are shanties between 1t and the ave-
nue..
THOMAS WILSON'S TESTIMONY.
Mr.. Wilson said he had been carpenter and
builder for twenty or thirty years made an esti-
mate of the lumber and sheds around and belong
ing to the Court House; have the estimate with
me; II states that the buildings half wrought and
raw lumber around the place are worth $5,s09; the
backsmiths' Tools anvil furnace, bellows, &C., S4s5
this estimate was made last Fall; the estimate Is
from actual measurements; made these estimates
for the Twelfth Ward Taxpayers and Citizens
Association, Of which am a member; my estimate
does not include the iron beams, only the black
smiths tools, shops, sheds and 0uthOuses; there
mentioned; cannot say how many windows there
We're In the building but saw frames for twenty
or twenty-five windows In front OF one OF the Sheds
Mr.. B. p. Fairchild, the man who sold the prop
erty on which the Court House Is built to the Com
MISSION was next called, but he was not present
A friend Ofhs, however. stated that he could not
be present, as he had to attend the funeral OF
friend.
Mr.. Genet was next called. lie said he would
answer through counsel Mr.. Waterbury said that
Mr.. Genet did not feel disposed to answer. He,
being the counsel for the Commission, thought
1t would be time enough for him to speak
when all the others who were interested
had been examined. Mr.. Parsons SAID that
when the questions were put II would lie time
enough TO decide whether or not he should answer
them and also that the Commission or counsel
would not ask him TO betray the confidence placed
in him by the Court House Commission. Senator
weismahn CONCEDED lIi lps last opinion. ana said
that Mr.. Genet should sweat and fortiEitA pro
ceeded to administer the oath; but Mr., Genet re-
fused point blank TO take tho oath OF give any tes-
tlmony unless advised 70 do so by his counsel
Judge Waterbury said Mr.. Genet should not swear.
lie said he would have no objection to his giving
his testimony when every one else I nad
not allow him to say anything In reference TO the
Court House. And further, that 70 make Mr.: Genet
swear was suggested by the counsel OF one In The
room against whom Mr. Genet had had libel suit
pending, he hoping thereby to make Genet commit
himself by giving said counsel Information.
Justices McQuade and Porter 1ad been subpR-
naed, but through counsel informed she committee
that owing TO Official duty they we're unable to at
,ena I'm, ,snnid do 50 by Friday next At halfpast
four the committee s@.,ouInsa untll Wednesday a.
two O'Clock. &c.. - $50