New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1884-03-15
ATTACKING CITY ABUSES.
AN EFFORT TO CORRECT PUBLIC EVILS.

ACTION ON THE REPORT OF THE ASSEMBLY INYEs-
TIGATGNG COMMITTEE.
lFRoM THE REGULAR CORRESPONDENT OF THE TRIBUNE.1
ALBANY, March 14.-Mr. Roosevelt presented to
the Assembly this morning the report of the special
committee, of which he is chairman, that has
lately been learning how the business of the public
is done in the Sheriff's, County Clerks, Registers
and Surrogate's Offices in the city of New-York.
In lieu of having the report read he made speech
giving its chief points. which was listened to with
deep attention by the Assembly. When he had
concluded his sketch of the report he moved that
two of the nine bills reported by the Committee
for the reformation of the abuses discovered should
be made a special order for Tuesday next.
MR.. LITTLEJoHNs OPPOSITION
Opposition was expected from the Democratic
members from NewYorlS; but to every ones surprise
it came first from a Republican, ex-Speaker Little
john, of Oswego He said he hoped Mr.. Roosevelt
would not press any Of the nine bills now; as
he desired to have the Supply bill considered next
week
Except the Supply bill there are no bills of such
Importance these" said Mr.. Roosevelt "YOu
ought not TO oppose these bills, Mr.. Littejohn."
You are attempting to have us consider New
York bills before those of general State Importance"
replied Mr.. Littleohn. Let youI bills come along
after the rest"
SHARP WORDS BETWEEN REPUBLICANS.
81 am not responsible because other members
have been derelict in their duty in pushing their
own bills answered Mr.. Roosevelt.
81 will not be censured by any one" replied Mr.
Lttlejohn Indignantly. The Speakers gavel fell
smartly at this moment. Mr.. Littlejohn's oppos-
tion, however proved effectual Mr.. ROoseyelts
motion was defeated by vote Of % to CO. Mr.
Roosevelt then moved that the bills should be made
a special order for a week from Tuesday next. 70
the adoption Of this motion James Oliver, Demo-
crat Of New-YOrk, made resistance He argued
that other legislative business needed attention
Mr.. divers opposition led other Democrats to
follow his lead. Mr.. Roo>evet's second motion
was defeated by vote Of 81 to 30. 1t received 81
Affirmative votes but majority OF twO-thlrds is
required. Only two Republicans voted in the
mluOrity-NasOn. OF Brooklyn, and Zimmerman, Of
Albany.
MR.. ROOSEVELT NOT DISCOURAGED.
This was a defeat for Mr.. Roosevelt, but he was
not discouraged. He gave notice Of suspension Of
Rules for the purpose of making special OrderOf
the bills without majority Of twO-thlrds. tie then
moved that the committee of which he Is chairman
be authorized to continue their investigation. lie
moved that the committee have until April 10
10 make another report James Oliver, as before
offered opposition. In bis opinion further inyesti
CATION of the New-YOrk departments was nnneces-
sary. He understood that the Police Department
was next to be investigated. That was a non-parti-
san department, and its affairs had lately been in
vcstigated by the Commissioners Of Accounts. Be
sides the Grand Jury were now investigating New
York departments Mr. Roosevelt replied that the
member, of the Grand jury were heartily grateful
to the investigating committee for their work. Mr.
ROoscvclt's motion was then adopted
[For ne report Of TIE commttte see mira TaGel