The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1879-07-16
WHO GOT THE CHECK ?

WHO GOT THE CHECK ?
RuMoRs THAT ONE OF THE PARK COMMISSION
ERs WAS BRIBED TO AUDIT CONTRACTOR s
BILL--AN EDITOR MIXED UP IN TUE TRANS
ACTION.
The report recently circulated that member Of
the Board of Park Commissioners received check
for $500 from Messrs. Quintard l. McEncroe. con-
tractors Of the Riverside Drive. to influence that
officials judgment in auditing certain disputed
bills of the contractors, has caused considerable dis
cussion in political circles about town As If to add
fresh zest to this sensational s,orceau journal
ist figures in the scandal 1t is said that
"the check was made payable to . gentleman con-
nected with one Of the leading morning papers Of
this city," mutual friend of the contractors and
the aforesaid Commissioner. He was used as sort
of go-between to bring the "dickcr" to a successful
issue. This by all accounts. he succeeded in accom-
pishing. The check drawn on tho Bank Of
Schenectady, N. Y. When presented for payment
the check was dishonorcd. there no deposit
to cover it. The draft consequently returned to
the Produce Bank. Of this city. of which Commits
sioner Conover is president. and where Mr.. Nc
Encroe. the contractor. keeps his account. Another
check subsequently, drawn by Mr.. McEncroe
alleged. and again made payable to the mutual
friend the editor. by whom it presented at the
Produce Bank and cashed. This .'scrap OF paper"
It is claimed is retained by the officials of the bank
where it honorcd. and is held in terrorem over
the heads of the parties to the dshonorable dicker
This about the gst Of the story which has caused
the latest sensation in connection with the manage
Inent of the Park Department.
AN INVESTIGATION IMPERATIVE.
President wenman was at the Park Department at
An early hour yesterday morning. in consultation
with the secretary to the Board. Mr.. Barker. the
result Of which that Mr.. Wenman has concluded
probe to the bottom the allegation of bribery and
corruption. When approached on the subject by q
HERALD reporter Mr.. Wenman aid:-"This is too
ser Gus charge to overlook treat with contempt
The full Board is compromised by such an
allegation. I have determined to institute an
official inquiry which. / certain. will result
in establishing the truth or fasity of the report
certainly will not permit the impression to go
abroad that the Board Of Park Commissioners Of
which President. has been assailed publicly
and dishonorabe conduct imputed to them without
having the charge fully and inpartiay investigated
was told that such transactions had taken place.
but the information coming to me in an underhand
way from irresponsible persons could not take ac
ton in the Board by having the rnmors gate
shall at once proceed to have the responsibility in
this case. If such exist. saddled on tho proper
..Who is the mysterious Journalist editor
ferred tor inquired the reporter.
ma " question ~. ot pr o~sHan"a 80
that gentleman. and know nothing personally Of
the financial transaction with which he Is credited
"But you certainly know which OF the Commits
sioners the allegation tends to rrminate?"
well. upon that point too. desire for the pres
emit to be silent. The whole truth will come out In
good time have been assaled by the city press for
negiecting certain official duties connected with the
department but hope IN the course Of the nyss
pending to prove the animus OF these attacks upon
me-
KNEW NOTHING ABOUT THE CHECK.
Mr.. Smith E. Lane. Park Commissioners. was found
at his Office yesterday by HERALD reporter. who
dollar check said to have been paid to Q Park Com
missioner under peculiar circumstances
II know nothing whatever about any money paid
to . commissioner under such circumstances" said
Mr.. Lane. ~ never received dollar III connection
with u contract and this is the hrst time have
heard of any check referring to one.
cit is rumored that the $500 paid by one Nc
Encroe. What connection had he with the Park De-
partment?'
mo connection whatever. He was but subcon-
tractor and the Commissioners had NO business to
transact with him. But IS for the money this is tho
first time have been told of it.
Have you heard that Mayor Cooper ia about to
prefer charges against the Park CommissionersY
Eyes, have heard q rumor to that effect but l
know nothing positive about 1t.
.'should tue Mayor prefer such charges. on what
grounds. do you think. would he base them?'
al know only Of one cause from which charges
might emanate. That is the Riverside Park Drive.
the work upon which has not been done according
the work being carried in violation of tbs specih
cations Of the contract"
MAYOR COOPER INTERVIEWED.
Mayor Cooper, when approached by HERALD re-
porter on the subject OF his intention t. prefer
charges against tho Park Commissioners before the
investigation into the affairs of the department be-
gun by Commissioner OF Accounts William Pitt
Shearman had been completed, emp hatically denied
the story printed in morning journal.
''Has anybody prepared charges against the Park
Commissioners 2"
Not to my knowledge" replied the Mayor.
'Then. OF course. mono have been presented to
you? ?"
Mayor Cooper-No charges whatever against the
Commissioners have been prepared or given to me.
/ have heard of many alleged irregularities. but
have not as yet examined into the matters, and Of
course would not like to speak on the subject.
''Have you received the report OF the Commission
ers Of Accounts YETI?
II have not. don't expect that it win be ready
before some days"
Mr. Sherman also said that he had not yet pre-.
pared his report and that 1t would not be ready for
some time