New-York tribune., 1873-03-01
FACTS FOR TAXPAYERS.


press to expose, whenever opportunity shall
unfortunately offer, any and every scheme
which there is reason to think has for its OBJ
iect the plunder of the Government or the
fleeing of ax-payers. In recognition ofthis
obligation we called attention recently to
schemes of punder in this and adjacent cities;
and this morning we commend to the atten-
ton of all, officials and taxpayers, Others
which, if not cOunteracted by exposure, will
result in gross robbery. In uncertain cases
we have given those on whom the
statements reflect the benefit Of the doubt, and
an opportunity to state their side of the story.
We shall be glad to give others an Opp0rtu-
nifty for explanation also. But enough has
been developed by our inquiries to show that
there is need for investigation, and we hope
il will not be denied or delayed.
Among the statements made on Thursday was
one to the effect that an immense supply OF an
inferior kind of sewer-pipe, bought under ex-
travagant contracts with the Ring, is lying In the
Corporation yards, to be used when opportunity
shall serve. We are now told by the importer
that the pipe is Of very superior quality,
which we are willing to admit we think he
honestly believes, but partial investigation
shows the contrary, and moreover indicates
fraud in the contracts. Now why should not
this investigation go further, in the interests
and under the direction of the property own
ers who have to pay the assessments
for these sewers? Why should not the Commis-
sioner of Public Works accept the wise
argument of the taxpayers, that it is poor
ecoLOmy to lay down the many miles of
these worthless;s wer-pipes for the sole reason
that they are still On hand9 1t would be
cheaper to throw them away or thrust them
back upon the hands of the contractor, If that
be possible than to lay them now with the
probability of having to replace them in
few years.
Another exposition of fraud in Thursdays
paper has an interest for the whole country.
Information of this scheme came into our pos
session during the late Presidential canvass, but
in such form that we could not use it, for the
authority for the statements was not the best,
and proof of their correctness could not be then
had for the simple reason that the schemers
had deferred action until the election was
over. Now feeling secure, they attempt to
carry out their scheme, by which they propose
to collect claims of the Government amounting
to nearly $5,OOO,OOO at cost thirty times
greater than has heretofore been paid the
proper revenue officers for the same work.
This is simply robbery of the Government.
1t is for the benefit of minor
Ring Of the greater "Whisky Ring" which
has compromised suits involving millions upon
millions in this city alone, without benefit to
Government. but for the enrichment of New
York and Washington officials. Revival of
this long deferred swindle ought to suggest
some sort Of investigation; and when Con-
gress is well rid Of Credit Mobilier it should
look to these matters.
This morning we give particulars Of
scheme to swindle the Government out of
half million for q store which is not needed.
Before Congress appropriates $10OO,000 to
buy public store worth less than half that
sum, and situated in locality remote from the
business districts. we hope some honest busi-
ness men will be asked to investigate the
matter.
And before the Legislature adopts the
Charter we trust it will seriously question the
propriety of giving, as contemplated by Sec
ton 76, any Commissioner the powers under
which the Ring imposed the Navarro water
'''' "' o"ihuuin6 PiiOc uPoh taxpayers. |
Commissioner Van Mort denies that he has |
any purpose to contract for the water meter |
OF Navarro, and we believe that he has al |
ways been s-honestiy opposed to its adoption.
But the safest way to prevent the possibility |
OF fraud in this matter is to change the objec-
tionable clause of the Charter, and give us a |
better provision than that under which the
old Ring found it 80 easy to swndle.
Here are matters Shich Taxpayers aud the |