New-York tribune., 1873-01-06
THE EAST RIVER BRIDGE.
IMPORTANT REPORTS DELAYED But NOT sup
PRESSED.

IMPORTANT REPORTS DELAYED But NOT sup
PRESSED.
The proceedings at the meeting OF the Board
of Directors of the Brooklyn Bridge Company have been
the subject very general discussion in both this city
and Brooklyn. The contents OF the reports have been
the much speculation and their publication is
awaited with very great interest All members of the
Committee Of Investigation have their adherents, who
avail themselves of every opportunity to advocate the
integrity Of their friends in the Bridge Company.
TRIBUNE reporter called upon Abram S. Hewitt in
relation to the bridge controversy Mr. Hewitt stated
that he was not at liberty TO communicate the contents
of the reports the majority and minority OF the Com
mee nor was necessary that he should do as the
reports would be given TO the press, probably to-day
but that under pledge of secrecy TO the pro-
ceedngs of the directors In regard to these reports and
was quite willing TO say that action had been taken
at any tme Or far he knew, contemplated looking
TO the suppression of these reports Mr. Hewitt then
stated that the facts were briefly as follows:
On the presentation of the majority and minority re-
ports, the Executive Committee requested that
time might be allowed them TO answer such allega-
tions and inferences contained in them as they
were not willing to admit to be true The majority and
minority of the Committee Of Investigation assented 10
the propety Of this course and stated that they would
be glad TO correct any errors in the report which might
appear have been made after hearing the reply read
The reply Of the Executive Committee presented at
meeting
the Committee OF Investigation found nothing 10 alter
in their report, except in sentence, which was in
nowse material the ISSUE and In fact seemed TO be
irrelevant Mr.. Barnes, however, desired 10 make nu
merous alterations in the minority report, and after
much discussion the meeting adjourned in order to give
him time TO make such notifications and such only, as
he might desire. A resolution adopted that both
the majority and minority reports, and the
reply Of the Executive Committee. should be
presented 10 the press as soon as MI
Barnes could prepare his report IN a
shape to suit his modified views, Further than this no
delay was contemplated, and Mr. Hewitt believed that
it was quite unjust charge upon the Board any desire
10 suppress the reports On the contrary, the great ma
ory Of the Board preferred that the reports and reply
should be published in their original FORM and the other
course was taken only in order 10 enable Mr. Barnes to
put his report in a shape satisfactory TO himself.
Mr. Hewitt repudiaed the idea that the majority re-
port was intended TO whitewash the Board but insisted
that the only idea in the mind of Mr. Schroeder and him
self was to make plain and straghtfor statement
of the facts and conclusion at which they had arrived
after the most careful and patient examination. and
with sincere desire do justice to ALL and If possible
to suggest such would secure the early com
petion of the bridge important to the interests OF
New-York and Brooklyn.