New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1874-01-12
BROOKLYN IRREGULARITIES.
7nE TAX COLLECTORS OFFICE-ARREST or CAPE
GILL.

PIE TAX COLLECTORS oFFICE-ARREST or CAPP
GILL.
The opinion prevailed yesterday and on
saturday Brooklyn that the frauds already discovered
In the Tax Office only a small fraction % those
which actually exist This opinion only enter
sained by taxpayers and persons familiar with the
workings OF the Office bnt by the members Of
or Examining Committee, one Of whom, Alderman
Ropes Is reported have said " understand that
the Discrepancy is about 5000 5000 that is the
amount far discovered is about that figure Further
Investigations may show that larger discrepancies exist
Business IN the Tax Office has been conducted very
lcoselyn altogether inconsistent with justice
and equity. Now, l believe that Mr.. Burrows the
present Collector. is strictly honest man. and has
1ied his best But prior TO his administration things
were conducted very loosely he has ienaeavored
think, 10 correct the abuses"
1t is already deemed questionable whether Capt Gill
be indicted according the facts discovered to
present time. The evidence of his guilt entirely cir
sumstsnnaL Capt Gill continues to deny his guilt,
while at the same time he admits his inability to
count for the deficiency.
While he was sitting in the Tax ONCE on Saturday
ne approached by officer attached the Second
District Court who Informed him that there was
rant for his arrest The prisoner smngly accompanied
the officer TO the courtroom. where Justice Morse
OF Collector Burrows The arrest made about
moon, and on consultation with District Attorney
bail Counselor p Ready then appeared for the accused
and called OH the Dstrict-Attorney settle upon the
bail. They agreed 10 go before Judge Nelson OF the
City Court 10 argue the question Bail finally fixed
st 5000 and furnished. Capt. Gill waived exsmina
tion and asked to have his laid before the Grand
Jury. IL stated Saturday that the tax col
Iectors accustomed retain the Surpluses which
received In the collection Of tax assessment bills
after they had paid TO the city the amount called for by
she tax warrants.
The Examining Board Board OF Audit in examining
fhe accounts OF the Registers Department of the Board
of City Works for three yearspreyious TO April 80 1873
discovered deficit OF 5000 Mr.. Wietts who occupied
tho position OF Registrar at the time ia poor health,
and daring the latter part OF his life unable to
deficiency simply the result of neglect and that il
his life hsd been proanged he would have been able 10
account satisfactorily for this small sum.
BRrTTON EXERTING HIMSELF.
Whatever may be the ultimate result of the
BrittOn investigation good effects have already been
produced partcuaryin the of the District
Attorney himself One OF the results manifested
saturday IN the Kings County Court Of Oyer and Ter
miner where Mr. Britton called attention Of Judge
Pratt 10 the alleged frauds committed by the Commits
soner of Charities He said he had waited these
charges would be made in Ia regular by other
parties interested but since they did not forward
he conceived to be his duty to bring the matter before
tbe Court that the Court might charge the Grand Jury
On the subject.
Judge Pratt then charged the Grand Jury
Quested He informed them that they had the 10
send for persons and papers order 10 substantae
charge against public officers 10 the end that they
be indicted If sufficient evidence was sdduced to war
rant indictment Ii not their business. he said
10 investigate scandals, but when competent men
before them aud testified under oath, then would be
proper subject for investigation.