New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1872-03-01
THE GRAVEL CASE.
MR.. BUSTED ENTIRELY ExoNERATED-No
DENCE OF FRAUD.

DENCE OF FRAUD.
Tn the Assembly yesterday Mr.. Nvord pre-
sented the report OF Committee Ways aud Means
on the investigation into the charges against Mr. Hustled
as follows:
IN N, Hoaorobe he Assen,Jll-The Committee on
ton the charges against the Hon. James w Hustled of
guilty Of fradTeut practices connection with tho
sale Of gravel to the city Of Eew-York, and
Of $50 was controlled by corrupt bargain at that time
entered into by him in connection herewith beg leave
the discharge Of their duties in the City OF New-York
where where all the witnesses reside. on Friday
the 23d day of February inst and devoted two days TO
the investigation giving all parties interested therein
fun opportunity 70 be heard. and to call aud
Upon thorough careful and searching examine
ton into the facts OF the case, your commit
floor Of this House two separate occasions, by the
Hon Mr. Hustled touching these charges were fully and
completely horne out by the testimony Messrs Andrew
II. Green, Stebhins, and Hilton, Commissioners OF the
Department OF Parks, Mr. Van Mort late Controler and
Mr.. Backer, Purchasing Clerk thereof were each eh
amned at great length in all matters pertaining to the
purchase OF graye for the parks ana s
and boueyards In New-York has always been bought in
ties Would allow, and that under every
of the public parks there has been u1ceasng effort on
gravel Of suitable quality ut the lowest possible price
that in the case Of Mr. nasted, VINO o was
and superior quality, ne has from time to time
received and filed orders for the same at
parties the time OF the sale and delivery or each par
cell that the transactions we're In no regard III the
nature a preGxstng contract for the exclusive con
troll Of the delivery Of gravel at price nxed ana I'M
aterable by the terms Of the contract but were IN az
respects ordinary and business operation, IN which
no collision corrupt practice or bargain bad been en-
tered t6 any city or PARK oclals ana MI
Hustled. Mr. Ryder the gentleman upon Whosc Ict'
ter published In The Nee York Times OF the 3lst OF Jan
airy last and the comments Of the press thereupon MI
Hustled founded his demand for this investigation tes'
fled positively "a want OF any knowledge OF any such
Fraudulent practices Of any influence growing out or
the business transaction Of Mr. Hustled with the Com
nisoners OF Parks that IN any way affected his action
a. legislator at any time. Mr. Ryder was anxious ana
nerssenf in requiring Of the Committee an examina
Ton into the personal and private difficulties be
tween himself aud Mr. Hustled but the Committee de
cided that personal and private grievances and difcn
ties growing out OF business transactions between nd
yiduals were In no part OF the legitimate duty OF
the Legislature TO investigate and examine and they
decided not 70 admit any testimony other than tlt
which pcrtaned the acts Of public officials and MI
Hustled relating to the sale and purchase OF
gravel Your Committee therefore report that MI
Gusted stands entirely acquitted OF any fraudnlent
praetces i'm connection with the sale OF gravel 10 the
city OF NewYork or the Department OF Parks and that
his action a. member of the Legislature was not 10 the
opinion OF your Committee, from the evidence IN any
manner OF In the slightest degree controlled or
by any corrupt other bargain connected thee"n ~
that OF any other time entered into by him: ,..,.
All OF which Is respectfully submited BY order o tue
Committee, l. ". hLNohD' NH"'