The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1875-02-24

soon the investigation OF the accounts OF the De.
partment OF Finance would be completed. Mr..
Howe replied he couid not TELL but, when pressed
to give an approximate answer he said not Tor
thirty DAYS probably.
BY Alderman Shandley-Mr Howe. what can
you tell us OF any DELAYS and distractions on the
part OF the finance Department as affecting the
exercise OF your dutesS A. Well, We have been
obstructed by the refusal OF the Comptroller 10
furnish papers which We consider necessary IN
order to make tn rough investigation OF his de-
partment; the Comptroller claims that ne has a
right 10 decioe which papers he should furnish US
and which he should not.
THE CoMPTROJLER's COURTESY.
Q. Have you ever applied Tor papers Of this
character which the Comptroller has refused to
furnish A. Yes. SIR; only two weeks ago APP
pied Tor the monthly balance shee, as made up
by the Comptroller-lt was in printed blanks-and
was refused; ] first applied TO tue Deputy Comp
troer and then 70 the Comptroller, and was re-
q. Any other Instances A. Yes. sir; q day or
balances OF the different bureaus; were nrst re-
fused by the Deputy Comptroller, and wnen we
went 20 the Comptroller he declined 10 talk TO US.
A. (lr. Howe smiled as he gave the repiv) lie
said that ne couldn't have his valuable time taken
up by talking To us. (Laughter)
Q. Did you finally OBTAIN possession OF the
papers? A. Yes, SIR; my colleague, MIR. Wester-
yels. notified hum that he would apply to the su.
preme Court Tor an order, and We got them the
next morning.
Q. How long had you applied for them before
you obtained tnemf A. Two or three days.
OFFICIAL DELAY.
Q. And were you delayed in the exercise OF your
uutles Dy reason OI luis REFUSAL A. les, we were
very greatly delayed during the time.
Alderman PurrOv requested The witness to ex.
PLAIN his report OF October 10, lS1S which stared
that certain securities OF the sinking iund were
missing IN the Department OF Finance, put the
witness declined TO answer the question, as the
reply would be more July set forth III the Commits.
sioDers forthcoming report. Messrs. PurrOy and
Shandiey were IN favor o making an answer COM
pusOry, but Alderman BILLINGS thought the excuse
was valld, ana the question was laid over.
Q. DO you know OF otner instances In which the
Comptroller INSTRUCTED you IN the performance
OF your duties? Yes. SIT: | remember tnat when
We applied 70 MIN lOr all the unpaid claims against
the city he declined 10 furnish them on the ground
that their publication might give them SEM
blance OF Justification or legality; subsequently
ne gave them to us from time to time; IN the
meanwhile we were seriously retarded in the per-
torrance OF our services.
q. How long was the delay? A. Sometimes as
much as a week; we were unable TO make our re-.
port, as we ielt that we required all the unpaid
claims to prepare correct report
The commit tee then adjourned until Monday
next, at ten O'Clock, when Mr.. Van Norris exam
ination will probably be resumed. Meanwhile 1t is
probable tnat the committee Will apply To q Court
for an attachment against Corporation Counsel
Smith, who, they say, Is me only witness that has
been subpGnaed and JAILED to put III an appearance
without sending al excuse