New-York tribune., 1874-05-19
PRICE FOUR CENTS.

rom the people in the shape Of general taxess
pay ment OF 10 cent assessment certhcates, and
ized 5000 6s, which deducted leaves the present
debt of N2lO77s3 o. How far this result be
the people, az 1t In point Of fact stands to-day man
can tell IL certainly correct computation from tho
only accessible data which have been furnished. 10
probably falls much below the true amount which would
appear II all the elements were furnished ny those rho
alone possess the sources OF Information" He then
spoke OF the sewerage tax "a absolute and crushing in
justice. and It's utter iiIegality ,. -...
been also specially charged u inquire whether cores
measurements have been made of the work done by the
Board. Here we have the most Illuminating spectacle
OF fraud and faIsehood 10 the long career OF mail
yersation. II may seem to be bold assertion, bas
OF various kinds 1t cannot safely be maiDiaineI
thst there was absolute accuracy In single one Oh
accuracy OF measurement and charge in any one OK
them for the reason that in all OF them whore oppor-
In many cases enormous may not say wlfnl errors.
ao % tbe ~ ,nes ne Of ~ tse eu con- S Irsc9or ' ~ e "
speaking OF the OF the treasury Of the Boars
of Public Works Mr.. Herrck ASKS Bnt how have tho
accounts OF the office been In fact keptp and answers
1t by SAYING AS loosely and unsatisfactory az eyey
other branch of the service has been administered
And after all these proofs OF eAtrayagancc abd
folly OF proigacy, ayortism frand disregard of Jaw.
sponsiDei Are we to pass over those whose solemn
duty Il is 70 take care that the laws be iaitniuy es
ecuted, and seek Tor scapegoat1 among the ueD'iDS
As a remedy for existing evils Mr.. Merrck argues in
favor OF prompt and total reconstruction Of TIE raiDo
OF Government fr the District. total reconstrneton
ana new and trustworthy BODY or agents foi lts ALL
minstration, having constituent OF the old Hame-
work in its composition, temporary assumption OF an
administrative faculties by officers appointed under Con-
gressonal authority and particularly an Auditing Bos
TO be selected by this Committee, with the sanction oe
the two HOuses 10 take instant possession OF all tha
books and vouchers and papers and to examine fgor-
ously into the accounts OF the present Administration,
and report the result their aDors at the next ss
sion Of Congress.
Mr. sheabarger OF counsel for the memoralists also
submitted argument reviewing the usurpations OF
liw by the District officials. Appealing 10 the Com
mite, he says: "You come g. this Inquiry neither az
judges dispose of questions OF persond gt nor
citizens 10 act without the responsibilities OF 0atbs;
but In that highest character aud most solemn
responsibility in which the rulers OF great
people and responsible TO them FOR Row your diseretoD
your prudence your Justice your integrity your intel
lgence and your wisdom, shall be exercised IL your
rule here in this District"
Mr. Shelabargcr theu argued that the system or
Improvement which the Board OF Public Works baA
prosecuted ls not authorized by law but, on tho
other hand is sheer usurpation. prosecuted IN cru-
nal oppressive, and agrant disregard or law Justice,
and the publicly and officially pghted faith ana honor
OF these officers. He took up the question OF tue DIS
trct debt and argued that 1t incurred IN clear vo-
lation Of law. He then argued the illegally OF inc
tax aud contended that there have been oleae
violations of other clauses of the law, which he eed