New-York tribune., 1874-02-23
LOCAL MISCELLANY.
THE STREET-CLEANING INQUIRY.
TESTIMONY OF SUPERINTENDENT THOgNE AND COM
MISSIONER CHARIICK

The STREET-CLEANlNG INQUIRY.
TESTIMONY OF SUPERINTENDENT THOBSE AND COM
MISSIONER CHARIICK.
The investigation concerning the operations
OF the STRENGTHENING Bureau was continued on satur
day by the Assembly Committee on Cities. Among
those present who watched the proceedings with much
interest Police Commissioners Charlick. Duryee.
and Russell superintendent Thorne again recalled,
and was exa;ned by Attorne y-G eneral Barlow lie
testified that the streets have not been swept since
the first heavy snow fall; there were $50 miles
of streets In this city. averaging 80 feet from
house 10 house allowing the TO be one
foot deep, there would be millions OF yards TO remove;
there were altogether about 10000 in the city, and
would require all Of these about co days TO remove one
foot OF the level the entire city; during
snowfall there little street cleannR tbe streets
could not be cleaned nnless milk were used
the matter watery and cannot be removed In that
state the witness employed every day from 675 TO 700
aboers and $50 TO 400 carts while the streets have not
been cleaned since the first snowsorm they have been
hoed up and some matter carried away around the
markets the garbage being constantly thrown In
the streets, aud required constant force OF men en-
ployed TO keep these localities perfectly clean 10 was
constant source Of complaint from bousehoiders that
the streets not kept Clean but they could not be
kept clean because the appropriation not sufficient
10 employ larger force OF men; he offered to deposit
the garbage the property Of the NewJersey Railroad
Company and bring 1t to them In he went to Mr.
Wynans the agent Of the Company, and offered TO give
more than they we're getting and take 1t to their
property but they refused 1t was then distrib-
uted to different places before giving it to
Mr.. Charlick; Mr.. Charhcks place was more
convenient for deposting It than any other place;
he had the appointing OF the men; many applications
made by private citizens for men 10 be put TO
work and If he required them he engaged them; he
also received applications from political bodes every
man In NewYork almost had made these applications
TO him; about 700 men were employed on an average
every day in the the rate OF wages was In the
Winter tl so in the Summer; every man was paid
alike, matter OF what nationality; If the Comms-
sioners could obtain dumpingground outside the city
limits instead OF sending 1t In scows, would DO CON
sideraby cheaper.
no contracts made in writing with persons 20 deliver
street dirt to them he did not know whether any money
contract last June July Mr.. Wynans agent OF the
NewJersey Company, wrote that he was gong TO ds-
to by the Commissioners he agreed to continue taking
the same quantity as usual; witness owned number
OF ots Hunters Point. but aid not own any where
dumping done; the property referred 70 by Mr..
belonged to the Long Island Railroad Company
a strip along the creek l200 feet III area
tins contract made about two years ago;
witness President Of this railroad; during the
Summer months the Board had no place to dump
this garbage account OF the health authorities Ia
the Summer months they had all they could do to get
posed he did think that IL would the Board
to have the garbage separated he had not heard OF any
for political purposes such demand was not made
with his consents two-thrds of his time was taken up
applications were made by members OF the LEGISLATURE
George Gett, Chief Accountant testified that ne nau
received money from the sale OF ashes and street dirt
from Jones McQuade, Mr.. Duryec, John ID. Crlmns
X W. Adams, and Mr.. Steers.
Commissioner ChaTiick recalled He testified
that he paid nothing for the cleaning OF West Thirty
fourth-s by private subscriptions he thought the streets
might be kept clean. but would want more money 10 do
It thought the streets would compare fayOraby with
their condition two years particularly during the
months Of August and september 10 would cost very
large amount to cart the away duriugithe Winter
months-Sl 10000 for this alone he thought the De-
psrtment had been demOralized by ofice-seekers ne
would not do the work for 81 ,00O00o.
Superintendent Tborne recalled ana testied that
he did not know men were receiving pay Tor pOtcal
purposes who did not work in the Department.
Commissioner Charlck was questioned by various
members Of the Committee with reference To the man
which the accounts were kept and the appoint
ment OF clerks aud deputies He said he thought tne
Bureau could 10 Supported for much less money there
1SnbeT OF inspectors who received 1900 year.
but tney not worth it he did discharge some
when the Board first organized he never offered
resolution to cut down the salaries as he knew It would
be voted down; he was engaged. on an average, five
hours "a day when he at the Office, and most OF
the time taken up in listening to political applioa
The further hearing OF testimony was then postponed
until ~ ., IN. today.