The New York herald., 1879-03-20
Extraordinary Scenes in the
Executive Chamber.
POLICE AID INVOKED
The Mayor Declines to Hear the Commissioners
Through Their Counsel.
INDIGNANT LAWYERS
Accusations Of Negligence and neffcency
Denied Altogether
WHERE WILL THE LIGHTNING STRIKEs

WHERE WILL THE LIGHTNING STRIKEe
At half-past eleven A. NJ. yesterday Mayor Cooper's
pfice contained only half dozen persons. They
were mostly clerks and attaches of the Executive
Department. and were 'busily engaged in arranging
desks and tables for the convenience of members of
the press and for the accommodation OF the
three members of the Police Board-Messrs. Smith.
Nichols and Erhardt-against whom His Honor
the 14h inst. preferred charges of ineficiency.
Mr. Cooper was in his private room examining speci
ncstions that he had prepared in reference to the
condition Of the streets Of this city prior to March H.
These specifications were compiled mainly through
tho medium and by the aid of the HERALD 'Com-
plant Book and laid bare in the most marked man.
Nor the exact state of the thoroughfares which had
been inspected.
When the hands on the large and quaint-looking
tmepiece in the Mayors Office neared the hour of
noon Colonel Tracy emerged from his chiefs inner
sanctum carrying in his arms large bundles Of the
documentary evidence that had been collated by His
Honor. Close upon Mr.. Tracy's heels walked secre-
tsry Morrison, accompanied by Corporation Counsel
william G. Whitney and Mayor Cooper himself.
While this was going on. and just as the hour Of
twelve was reached, President Smith. with his
sell Messrs. Willard Bartlett and T. c. E. Ecclesine
entered the chamber. Commissioner Mich
OILS arrival followed. and the entire
party, together with Messrs. Aaron J. vanderpoel
and John D. Townsend. who appeared as counsel for
Mr.. Nichols ranged themselves about grcen baize
covered table directly opposite the Mayors official
chair. The table placed the open CRATE fire.
but the heat was partially shut of by Com
missioner Nichols sat ut the head of the table. On
his right were Mr. Eccesine, Commissioner Smith
and Mr.. Bartlett, in the order named. On the left
with their backs toward the reporters table.
Mr.. Townsend and Mr.. vanderpoel. General Smith
appeared to be troubled At his entrance he glanced
at His Honor but the latter did not appear to recog
nixe him. small table was provided for two
stenographers.
Tho Mayor displayed that nervousness Of manner
which ia habitusl with him. and took of his eye
glasses and put them on sgain'.s dozen times in
quick succession as he is accustomed to do when in
earnest conversation or serious thought. Each and
Sveryact Of this kind was preceded by His Honor's
apparently futile attemptto put in order the
Of papers that were scattered about his desk.
Pigeon holes were actually stuffed with documents
and at the feet Of the Chief Magistrate ay printed
record of the trial of the Commissioners before
Mayor Ely. BY this time the chamber had become
crowded to suffocation Politicians of every polit
cal stripe and character were present Among these
were Aldermen Sauer, Hyatt and Cavanagh. ex-Com-
missioner Of Accounts Lindsay /. Howe, Superin-
tendcnt George W. walling John Franz "a candidate
for the Office Of Police Commssioner), Coroner Flan
agan, Judge Callahan Thomas Costigan. Supervisor
Of the City Record, and number of others.
THE BALL ROLLING.
Mayor Cooper before opening the proceedings held
short consultation with Corporation Counsel Whit
ney and his private secretary Mr.. Morrison. When
ma, IT. Ioo lo1 b;o
audience and smilingy asked if all the accused Com
missioners were present. glance showed that Mr..
Erhardt had not yet arrived aud he sad II will wait
few moments to SEQ il he will appear before
mence the hearing
At this point Mr.. Erharlt. with his counsel, Mr..
Eihu Root, entered the Office. and the former. plac-
ing his hat bookcase. seated himself in front Of
President Smith. but Immediately changed his seat
to one behind him. The cause of the change was ap-
parentlya desire the part of Mr.. Erhardt to get
away further from the fire. and Mayor Cooper, notic-
ing this. at aud placed the screen between
the Commissioners chair and the CRATE. Then Mr..
Erhardt stood up and walked sti further back.
Haven't you gotta chairy asked His Honor.
al prefer to stand" returned the Commissioner.
bowinr, and the examination was then begun
Mayor .Coopcr-You received a. letter from me.
Mr.. Erhardt, copy of which l hold in my hand,
dated March IA.
Mr.. Erhardt-I did.
Mayor Cooper-I sent you that letter under pro-
vision or the charter the terms OF which you
doubtless familiar. / am now ready to hear what
you have to say regarding its contents the charges
contained therein.
Mr.. Erhardt--I am ready to present my answer.
The Commissioner then read the following:-
In of tho charges preferred By Hon Edward
ESssdi PSiicc Of the city Of New York
The said Joel b. Erhard at the time and place
s 10,
TSs; the term Of "hiec OF the Joel Erhardt a.
Police Commis Of the city of New York. for which ho
:.ssps ss. ,hs saS E,S.rds Sayiss
ss sSsn 5 .H'"'Ss '1$ a the sss
provided ondhas since the said loh day Of
only holding the until his successor shall DO duly
duties imposed upon him in this behalf except by the
m 81 s"a Of sIsn o c Of S.w So nm
wisreioc he says that the Mayor of the city New
ceedng or to remove him said Joel Erirrdt, from
~ JOEL b ERiixRDr. Police Commissioner.
ANOTHER ANSWER.
His Honor listened attcntvely to <he reading OF the
document and when IL was finished he ovcrruled the
objections to his Jurisdictions contained therein and
said :"I will take the charges seriatim and for
this purposeI will hear anythng further that the
Commissioner may desire TO say
II desire. then. said Mr.. Erhardt. ''inasmuch as
you have ovcrruled my objections, to read another
answer to the charges"
Mr.. Erhardt thcn read as follows:-
In tho matter Of tho % snarsss preferred By Hon Edward
b Erlsrdt Police Commissioner of the city OF New
The said joel Erhardt appears the time and place
designated for hearing regarding the alleged
his removal IN the notice served upon him. datod March
"a 1870 aud having objected to the the
Mayor 70 remove him from office IN any other
than by the appoint tmcnt and n
TO his office, and such objection having
ruled ho further represents. =
Iirsrhat the aiesaticns contained in the said notice
or paper writing served him containing charges
or statement OF causes warranting his from,
oice arc general Indefinite uncertain that
a Ia impossible to know from the said paper specific
acts or omissions intended thereby bc alleged as
Wherefore he says that there Is not given TO him s
cjent of charges matters alleged can
for his removal, knowledge of the which, in
the vpnion OF tho said Mayor, his removal
from Office any knowledge Of upon which an
opportunity DO hoard against such removal within tho
ruc and meaning OF the statutes in such
and provided. .
that Mayor shall designate specify with regard 20
the said charges respectively
WAT wrongful acts Onssion TO act On the part Of