New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1873-08-06
LOCAL MISCELLANY.
THE ALLEGED PERMIT ABUSES.

THE ALLEGED PERMIT ABUSES.
az INDIGNATION MEETING or NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.
rzATIoN OF PERMANENT PROTECTIVE BODY
VIEWS or THE ASSOCIATION 'E +
A large number of influential grocers and
commission merchants assembled at p. yesterday,
In stuarts building at Reade and Greenvich-sts., to
form protective, association against the alleged
abusive demands OF the Permit Bureau. George A.
Merwin was appointed President and, on taking the
chair stated in brief tho object OF the meet
ing, and asked for united effort on the part
OF tho merchants for repeal OF "hat
he termed the oppressive ordinances which ne con
sldered an insult 10 business Frank b. Thurber
was then appointed Secretary pro te and L. Carstens
described at some length the abuses to which nc heo
been subjected by petty officials Holding up notice
from the MAYORS Office, he said: II mold IN
my hand an insult TO the American peo
pie. I have received half dozen OF
them before now. have been lined only once,
for have been among the favored ones Ihave called
several times at the Corporation Counseis ONCE and
been told TO 60 home about my business do not
want 70 be favored, and do not believe IN purchasing
nv rights for money The whole system OF the Permit
Bureau is a fraud. aud would like TO know how much
OF this money reaches the City Treasury"
gentleman from Washington Market stated that the
Permit Bureau was of $4,000 annual revenue to
the city but that its collection sSOOO0 The Chair
man stated explanation that there was no doubt that
all the money collected paid INTO the City Treasury
aud that understood that the Mayors position was
simply that the ordinances were on heistatute DooK
they must be enforced William Lindsay. the lawyer
who is to conduct suit gave his opinions concern
ing the unrairness and legaty Of the ordinances IN
question The following preamble and resolutions were
then adopted:
Whereas The administration of our municipal law ia
exceedingly irregular, arbitrary ana unjust; anu ,.
Whereas. The practice Of bringing suits sglnst
merchants for alleged violation OF corporation or
duapees has been abused until the institution or these
suits aud their settlement has been made the venice loI
gratihcatoa Of private malice ana gam 70 sucn
that t has become necessary 10 Organize o' s
TlSreGs TIC permits Issued by the Mayor for the reg
crcate no legal protection whatever aud the change OF
$40 for such permits - an unjust and improper TAX anu
is Inconsistent with the principles Of American liberty
aud government, and Is an interference with, and
burden upon the cOmhereiA ln'e'es'So NOV" AOAA Ni'
Essoped Tnat the merchants Of this city unite and
mutual protection from the unjust operation OF the laws
above set forth and the furner purpose of procuring
re use OF o Ui 'he s'O'eS 40f 'ne anu
Rcsored. That the police should be charged with the
duty of keeping the sidewalks Opeu for pedestrians as
well as the streets FOR vehicles and that when store
keeper sidewalk TO that they cannot pass.
he should be arrested as refractory cartmeh are when
lis a large norton Of which are never brought to
trial aRd another large portion az once dismissed by
Judges before WHOM they are brought does n0 an
sWer the purpose IN view ana gives rise 70 ugly sus
Iicions ana great dissatisfaction among merchants.
Res0igcd, TIA our municipal laws Should be examined
ness and that Executive Committee of five persons be
appointed TO al the attention of the Mayor and Alder
men 10 this matter, and urge such examination and
revision ana further that It shall be the duty OF the
Committee TO upon the Mayor and request him to
use his influence 10 suspend the further nsututng OF
uis ana collection OF moneys under these ordinances,
un the subject be presented TO the Board OF Alder
men for then action. ... .
wm. r. RoOme was chosen permanent Secretary OF
the Association and accordance with the last resou-
ton the following persons were appointed an Execu-
tive Committee Geo. A. Merwin, er o11cio; Henry N.
Morgan J. T. Wilson, l.. Carstens, VIM. Lindsay, F. B..
Thurlow. The meeting then adjourned subject TO the
call OF the Committee.