New-York tribune., 1886-04-01
THE HEALTH OFFTCEK.S FEES
FAssETTs THREATENED DISCLOSURES

FASsETTS THREATENED DISCLOSURES.
SENATOR GRIswOLD ENDgAvoRING TO GET Hrs
BILL OUT or THE FINANCE COMMITTEE
PRoM REGULAR CORRESPONDENT oY THE rRrBrygI
ALBANY, March 31.-Thers a conflict in tho
Senate to-day Senator Griswods bill abolishing
the fees of Dr. William ~ Smith Health Officer OF
New York which upon the testimony Of Dr. Smith
himself give him yearly net income of about
s25 600 The bill has been in the hands of the Senate
France Committee since February o. and there have
been several hearings granted upon it. Senator Gris
void desiring that the bull should be considered In the
Senate itself o-day ed that the Finance Committee
should be discharged from it, further consideration
Ihs brought on debate on the measure which lasted
for three hours.
Senator Low he hfard Senator Griswold's
motion said: ave may - well deal with Ibis bill
frankly. AS read the newspapers the taxpayers of
the State are unanimously opposed 10 it, hey are un.
willing TO assume he burden of supporting the Health
Oihcers establishment al an expense OF $40. 600 or
$4,000 year. There is no complaint that tho
Health Officer docs not do his work ably and honestly
the Office. moreover longer blackmais commerce az
in former years II is we'll don't know Of
single member of the Finance Committee that fayors
ii although some talk about amending this measure.
But 1t is too late in tie session to do that Why should
tJnoh the quarantine establishment he tax upon
\
ship taxed a certain and more. if of greater
tonnage With the increase OF tonnage OF ships
the tax will decrease Moreover this Is not the great
tax upon commerce in New-York harbor: the piotage
fees, the dock rates the Harbor Masters fees-these
the heavy impostOns. The Health Ollcers fees
; are riie in comparison with them
"Tbs is the time the place for an extended
debate on this BILL" said Senator Griswold. HWbat
l ask is the small favor of having this bill considered
in the Senate"
"As a member of the Finance Committee" said
Senator Sloan I" make objection to surrende. ing
this measure; specially don't to be able
any agreement either to report It ayorably
un!ayOratly"
Senator Fassett opposed the adoption OF senator
Gris wod's notion Senator Griswold." he said, ia
light in saying that this is the lime place dis
cuss this bill The place is the Finance Committee
This Senate entitled to the Committees opinion on
that bill. don't know man on that committee that
iavors this bill think Senator Sloan not author.
izco say that they faye objections to th,s bill
being considered here. There is und ded OF
in that committee. Let them be called upon report
AT future day. senator Grlswold Will nave the
chance To- discuss his bill wheL the adverse is
made. The Only advantage he gaius is fictitious
strength for MS bill.
Senator tits then said I move that the Finance
Committee be instructed the Health once.
tees 80 they shall not be more than $1,000.
senator Gri,wold then said "Wbie generally
agree with SENATOR Pitts ! csnhot accept hs amend
ment / introduced the bill in response to de nand
Of public sentiment in New-l0lk ia iayOr Of ab0llshlng
the fee system The Produce Exchange. the Maritime
Exchange and other exchanges ask that this tax
commerce be abolished over $500 1000. 600 OF cap
| tai are concerned III he matter
Senator Sloan said " There las been earnest con-
sderaton this bill in the Finance Committee aud
unfortunately have been unable reach any agree
ment either report the bll tavorebl' or unfavor
ably. It seems to could ak the Senate TO give
it, own judgment Oh the BILL
Did not the committee vote unanimously not TO re-
port this bull favDraDly'' sald Senator kanos.
Ii did not answered Senator Sloan.
"Why." said Senator fasscti, " We voted TO mol
| to report this bill tayOrabiy."
have no recollection OF such vote, sad senator
| Sloan a surprised way.
said Senator Fassett: "Dsclosures will be made
that thi- measure is one of private vengeance that
bad ring Is behind it,"
-Vhy | wish YOU TO make these disclosures In tho ;
Omen Senate ,aid Senator Sloan, aud you object to
the facts being made known. What logic Is ite"e In
= think the Finance Committee should Investigate
these matters said Senator rassett, but permit ms
that you took advantage ol my ausehce To ih-
trOduce "a resolution calling upon Dr. smith 10 give lh
formation about his fees He wiling L. give ths
information but you must demand by pubhc resoiu
My resolution was absolutely respectful in tone,'
said senator Sloan and as God Is my witness did II
III the public interest
Senator PITTS then SAID " Senator Fassett has not
given a reason why Senator Griswold's motion. OF
mlne should not prevail Ssnator tasoett Is 200 much
in tie habit OF impugning the motives OF his fellow:
Senator's few days ago with theatrlc ar Ii sald
that lie had tremendous disclosures TO make. Aud
what do they amo int to Why that Senator Sloan ln-
troduced a resolution asking Or Smith tor certain in-
formation That resolution was right and proper;
Senator sloan had right Introduce 1t. Now have
n taken part in this discussion about this b'll bur
favor a reduction of the extraordinary fees OF the
health Officer Of New York believe the people also
favor such a blll Politically too, think such bill
should lie passed 1t may be that in TWO years thus
senate will be Democratic In that case. RepUbli-
cans would see Democrat put in the health once.
drawing those large fees and apply ing them TO par
tisau purpose"
Cpon motion of Senator Cogge shall the motion OF
Senator (irswod was LAID the table for II time.
the dinner hour having come The debate will be con
tnued tomorrow.