New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1875-06-11
ALDERMEN DECLARED IN CONTEMPT.

ALDEkMEN IEtLAhED IN YIN
RIPUBLICAN MEMBERS OF THE BOARD DECLINE TO
PLACE THEMSELVES ON RECORD IN REGARD TO
LABoRERs' WAGES, AND ARE DEBARRED FROM
voTISG-THE BOARD UNABLE TO TRANSACT
BUSINESS ON THAT ACCOUNT-CONF:RMATION
OF PATRICK G. DUFFY AS POLICE JUSTICE
MINORITY REPORT IN REGARD TO CONTROLLER
The Board of Aldermen met yesterday after
their Chamber in the City Hail. All the members
we're present except Aldermen Cole and Southworth
Alderman Lewis presided. After the transaction Of con-
siderable routine business Alderman Morris presented
resolution requesting the opinion of the Corporation
Counsel the validity OF the assessment the prop
ery owners for regulating, grading, and paving River
Gdc-ave. Alderman Morris stated that the amount in
VOWED between 100000 and 100000, aud 1t
OF the highest importance for the city authorities TO
know before proceeding further whether they could
enforce collection of the The resolution
was referred to the Committee on Law Departments.
The Special Committee appointed TO confer with the
Heads Of Departments in relation TO the reduction OF wages
Of the aborers employed the public works. submitted
report, with resolution protesting against the action
Of the Departments and avoring return TO tie wages
heretofore paid, 81 per day. When the roll called
Alderman Vance declined TO vote on the ground that the
Board exceeding its powers and the members
not called upon 10 place on record their opinions on mat
tiers OF this character lie claimed that there was no
authority conferred upon the Board by the Char
legsate this subject The Chairman announced
that the report had been accepted and the resolution
adopted but that Alderman Vance had declined TO vote
This led TO long discussion in reference TO the rules Of
the Board and the rights OF members in voting
fusing vote Finally the Board reconsdered the vote
the report and when the question put again the
seven Republican members declined TO vote This led
70 further discussion and several of the members were
their feet at the time some submitting points of
order doubling the correctness of the decision of
the Chair, and others demanding that the Republican
In in VhDrl
directed 10 do So Motions were then made "a excuse
these Aldermen from voting but the Democratic mem
then formally declared in contempt and not
allowed 70 participate further IN the proceedings OF the
Board.
The nomination OF Patrick Duffy for Police Justice in
the place Of Thomas d. Sherwood, deceased was con
fmed by the unanimous vote of the Democratic Alder
present, the names OF tie Republican members not
being called The Board then proceeded TO act upon the
General Orders hut found that owing the posi-
ton Of the X. publican members, there not sutii
Gent numier of Aldermen present and voting TO pass
any resolutions ordinances requiring the expenditure
Of money. The Board was therefore obliged to adjourn.
Alderman billings submitted IA minority report from
the Law Committee. winch read, because OF
contempt proceedings. The report in favor OF the
Controller Alderman Billings states that he had had
opportunity 10 discuss inspect the report offered
Notwithstanding, he says. such reasonable expecta
Tho Committee held as am informed, at the residence
Of member OF the Board OF Aldermen. without nOtica
Non 0F INVITATION 10 ne 10 be present al tne meeting
understand, as indeed the report
state, that many persons Of high rGspOns i
to refused TO appear, the inference being TO
mind tLdt tIeN material evidence 10
FROM what heard personally judged that of those who
did appear those witnesses who not opposed to the
Controller personal grounds, testified rather in his
favor than otherwise although in several instances their
evidence to he msconstrucd. In justice to the
Controller seemed 10 that he should have had the
opportunity Of being heard In his own behalf but quite
20 the contrary, he only not invited nnOneG
" appear but also not allowed 10 have any repre-
sentative present This again seemed ~ unfair
proceeding In view therefore of these facts,
willing that further steps shall he taken In this mat
Yer without entering my protest against the Tegulay
are, In my opinion unbeeoming the dignity Of repre-
sentative body of the City of New York"
The action Of President Lewis and OF the Democratic
members Of the Board Of Aldermen In declaring the Re
publican Aldermen In contempt unfavorably
inened upon about the City Hall, after the meeting OF
the Hoard yesterday As long these members kept
IA this position II Will be impossible for resolution
be passed requiring expenditure Of money or for any
general oder to be taken up Ii was stated that,
might be thrown the validity Of the confirmation Of
r. -. Duffy Police Justice. ii is understood that
compromise will probably be effected.