New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1890-03-26

tious pceties The lcosenes. and irregular methods
employed Sherins in every branch OF its
affairs have resulted TO the advantage OF the persons n
general corruption. in that by THIS loo''hes
lack any proper system, the legal grounds OF
criminal prosecution have been FOUND In many Instances
where direct proof has been had OF Migrant eorrup'h
entirely wanting The sherlr and deputies by ackho"'
edsng injustice and improperly OF the charges Tor
compensation ard asking and receiving IT, nov IL
a lawful recognized fee but as grauity or o'her.
wise have succeeded in eyadng technical violation Of
defining and I'm the same manner the
SherIs have escaped criminal liability In respect TO the
auctoneers' and II has been found through
Investigation that in the various Styles
of corruption the shcrn's Office the guilty
parties have bench,cd by the unsyscmatic methods
practised in It's affairs
\ TAINTED OFFICE.
The sherIns Office at present and for long
time past and has been tainted and corrupt. For the
purpose OF gaining advantage inconsistent with Official
sworn duty and legal rights that Office has
been brought into public scandal and nfamy. The ad
Of its affairs during the last twenty years
has been characterized by utter subVcsion OF the
public interests personal gain and the employment Of
men ignorance and cupidity discharge It's ordinary
duties Little regard has been paid TO the interests Of
creditors. and the rights Of those whose property has
the Shcrifs custody been Icfsstenty
ignored The management Of the Office has been and Il
at the present time, mcrconafy, sovenly and who'll!
Indecent that confidence whatever attaches to it,
/ acts.
While would be difficult prove. within the
technical rules Of criminal evidence the Shcrr's per
sona knowledge Of any particular OF actual crime
committed by Of his subordnae there Is doubt
his knowledge Of the Systematic abuses which are the
inducements such crimes Public policy the
administration OF justice and tho rights Of lilgants de-
mand prompt action. Legislation, 1t is believed can
effect speedy remedy.
HOW TO sTRANGLE THE SERPENT.
The Sheriff should receive annual salary, in a sum
proForoned the responsibilities devolvng upon
the Office and the fees prescribed by law for his Official ser
should be paid into the county treasury His per-
responsibility and liability for his acts and The
Of his subOdnates should he preserved ana Indeed
under the constitution now in force, the Legislature Is
prevented from changing such liability.
The Under Sheriff should receive proper salary from
tho county, and a sufficient number Of deputies should BE-
appointed regular salaries payable by the county All
persons connected administration OF its affairs
by made public officers with the duty Of
each expressly defined EXtoon should be declared to
consist in asking acceptance by the Sheriff any
of subordnaes. Of any property. except on
behalf Of county and a expressly prescribed by
law irccncc Of Official right authority
Bribery should held consist in the asking accept
ancc Of money. any property by Sheriff or any
subcrdinates for doing emitting u do Official
act or respect any which the Shcrifs Office
has or may have any Official concern.
New-York March 25 1889.
BY the Grand jury
JOHN IIARSEN RHOADES, Foreman.
J. BOWERS LEE. Secretary
Assistant Distrct-Attorncy Lindsay said that
the work of the Grand Jury il Investigating the
Shefiii's Office was not completed. Witnesses
would he examined and possibly indictments
might he found Tho Grand Jury will remain
IT. session for several days. Copies Of the Grand
Jury's prescntmcnt sent yesterday afternoon
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