The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1877-03-08
THE CITYS GOVERNMENT.

CONFERENCE OF HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS IN
THE MAYORS oFFIcE-PUBLIc WORKS IN
PROGRESS.
conference Of heads OF departments was held In
the Mayors Office yesterday afternoon in accordance
with the resolution passed by the Board OF
Aldermen providing for such gatherings on
the first Wednesday of each month. Among those
present were President smith, OF the Police Depart
ment; Wales. OF the Docks Campbell, Of Public Works
Wheeler, OF Taxes; Chandler, OF Health; Adams, Of
Buildings; Martin, OF Parks; Wood, OF Education, and
Morton, Of Excise Mayor Ely Comptroller Kelly, Cor
poration Counsel Whitney and President Purroy, OF
the Board OF Aldermen, were also present.
The meeting called to order by Mayor Ely shortly
alter twelve o'clock He presented petition DO.
half OF a number OF workingmen soliciting employ
ment from the city.
Commissioner Of Public Works Campbell stated that
two gangs laborers had recently been put to work
in his department. The repavng OF streets had to be
done by contract and authorization. for the work
CURED routine proceedings which were attended
to. The Commissioner was directed under the law TO
certify TO the Board OF Aldermen all the work ncces
sary this connection and then the department could
proceed without any delay The APPROPRIATION Tor
this work was limited TO 500 900. He would shortly
present thS certificate to the Board
THE DOCKS.
President Wales Of the Dock Department. stated
that work could be done oil any account during the
frosty weather. All concrete or mason work should
be covered during fine weather. About seventy-ive
men now employed by the department IN that
particular kind OF labor Under the contract system
from to forty per cent had been saved. One
piece OF work which would have cost $S7 0OU by days
LABOR had been completed under contract Tor $57 0O0
TIM PARKS.
Park Commissioner Martin stated that two mpor-
tant works now In operation in his department.
Ohe the Riverside drive, where some 800 men
were employed at present-ln u few days probably
loo would De engaged; the other was the Mill Brook
sewer in M0rrisana, about two miles long. The con-
price Is $4,000. The department. was further
engaged the ordinary work 0l maintenance and
construction. The appropriations were forty per cent
less tnan that OF former years
BUILDINGS.
Superintendent Adams, OF the Department oil Build
ings reported that there was good prospect of u
large number OF private buildings being in this
Guy during the coming year. several CAPITALISTS had
district They were not ready proceed until
acquainted with tho grades to be liked certain loca.
lions
Corporation Counsel Whitney called attention to the
bill pending before the Legislature per uniting SUIT to
be brought against the city III any part OF the State
lie argued IN iuvor oil Killing this bil as II would work
disadvanta geousiy to the Interests OF the CITY. Tho
legal expenses vi defending SUITS OF such character
throughout the State would Ue enormous Sometimes
there many as nly or hundred suits against
the city upon the calendars III a single day Mr. Whit
ncy alluded decision Of the Court OF Appeals
which has just been rendered, giving authority 10 the
CITY to collect taxes upon pier property
Commissioner Chandler supported the Corporation
Counsel IN HIS attack upon the City Suits bill In this
connection lie alluded to litigation, involving about
half million dollars where actions had been com.
menced Tor the removal oil b00t his at Washington Mar
ke also III relation 10 the carrying away OF night SOIL
and for other purposes. The city would DO put a
great deal OF Inconvenience # compelled try
suits ut u distance.
No further remarks were made, and the conference
adjourned alter about half an hours session.