The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1891-10-21
ANCIENT CLAIMS.
The Finance Commission
ers Hear the Cred
1torS.
ALSO SOME THIN FISH TALES
Based ON the Theory that a Poor
Excuse is Better Than None
Action Of the Board
Later.
ALSO SOME THIN FISH TALES
BILLS THAT WERE ORDERED PAID.

President Edelstein and Commissioners
Hilliard and Peterson met yesterday as
Committee of the Whole to investigate
the long hung-up claims against the city.
and which are said to be exhorbitant.
The meeting was held in the Finance
Boards Office in the City Hall, and the
holders of claims were called in one at a
time.
Philip E. Martin, the plumber, led the
procession. He was asked how it was
that one time he charged s14 a dozen for
brass cocks. and $17 at another. Mr..
Martin said the tops were made especially
ior the city. In explanation of charge
of s73 for two lamps, he said the lamps
cost him $6S.
At this point Commissioner Peterson
said:--"We are now doing the Street and
Water Boards business. do not know
why we are compelled TO do 1T. know
we are not authorized to make any
changes III the claims"
Another bill of Martins, which charged
eight cents pound for pig lead, was
taken up. Martin said this was at the
time of corner in lead.
Commissioner Peterson did not seem
inclined to accept this explanation OF
rise of three cents in the pound. This
charge was in April last. A bill OF Mar
tins showed the plumbing for the jani-
tors house at High Service to be worth
$4l9. Martin said that he thought
janitor should have as good plumbing as
anyone.
Architect Broom, who was present
was asked what the plumbing IN his
mansion cost. He said about $4o0 at
4 L il. No, ft1nn Ic dc al
Contractor Condor was next called and
asked to explain why he charged $40 a
thousand for concreting brick about the
water main over the Hackensack mead
ows, when the regular price was $20.
Mr. Condor explained that the water
main was of tin, and great time, care and
a great thickness of concrete were neces-
sary.
Chief Engineer Ruggles. who was pres
ent, backed up Condon's assertion.
MIR. Peterson said:-"I have no feeling
In the matter, but will not compromise
myself and must do my duty"
Condor replied. II want the money
have earned, that is all. Iwould charge
you the same price for work as | have
charged the city"
UNIFORM EXPENDITURE.
Mr.. Peterson said, There seems to be
the same amount expended on that pipe.
$500. each month. will give you. Mr..
President, a written report on these mat
ters ii you wish.'
President E lelstein seemed to think
Condon's bills were honest.
Commissioner Peterson, said in reply.
II am not going to be compromised.
am doing business for corporation and
| will not be compromised. We have
sent bills TO the Street and Water Board
and have had them thrown back at us.
We have been, as | have heard Collector
O'Neill say, 'jollied' ~.
don, why don't you sue the city and
show up the Street and Water Boards
The Street and Water Board has treated
us with contempt. / take 1t as an insult
the way the Street and Water Board has
treated u.s."
have lot of bills fired at us with the re-
mark, we have made them; what are
YOU going to do about it?' IL we are cor
trolIed wholly by the Street and Water
Board there is no use OF having Finance
Board
much satisfaction.
CAN'T HAVE ORIGINAL BILLS.
At this juncture reply TOT letter sent
to the Clerk of the Street and Water
Board, asking for the originals of the bills
in question, was received. 1t was ad-
dressed TO Clerk German and read
Yours in matter of request for original bills
at hand I would be most happy to comply
with same, but as they are the only vouchers
which the Commissioners of this Board have for
th-i own prot sctlon IN case tne vandity Oh any
clear to forward originals without being ordered
to do SO by resolution of the Board. In other
bilty which should be assumed by them. Please
convey to the members of your Board, my re
gret at not being able to comply.
Very Respectfully.
GEO. T. BoUToN.
President Elelstein said he believed
the stand taken by Mr.. Bouton correct.
If the Finance Commissioners desired to
see the bills they should call at the Office
of the Street and Water Board.
Commissioner Peterson did not hold
this view.
Some small bills were then taken ups
Donshea, dealer in wood. charged sl4 a
cord.
Commissioner Peterson showed his
representative estimates for wood at $40 a
The representative of Donshea said
he did not understand how it
was done. The next bill was one
of O'Brien & Keilt's for furnishing and
connecting radiators amounting TO Slol.
Commissioner Peterson. as soon as ne
learned that the firm was composed OF
Young men who had just started in bus-
ness. was moved with commemorate
courtesy toward the representative OF the
firm present and said, IF you are new
firm won't question your bill. believe
it is honest.n
John McCann appeared as to his bills
for 1925 and 1884 for unloading coal at
High Service. He was told to get Mr.
Kearney, who employed him, to certify
to his bills. John Hart appeared about
his bill for distributing water and tax
bills. He said the bill was honest.
Albert Datz next appeared, and WIS ex-
amined as to bills for two permit books
for Clerk Woodcock at $1,000, for l5,O0O
Autographed envelopes at IS il thousand, !,
and other bills which were not marked as
TO who ordered or received them.
PRINCE ALBERT MOURNS.
The Commissioners would not hold out
70 Datz any hope that he would be paid
unless he has his bills marked with the
name of the persons who ordered and who
received the goods.
Theodore Smith had a bill of 1899 for
material furnished and work done, and
he said it was fair bill. He also had a
bill for grate-bars which he said were
costly because they were of an especial
pattern and make.
Chief Engineer Ruggles supported
Smiths statement. Mr.. Edelsteln then
left the Committee.
CORPORATION Counsel Edwards was
asked by Mr.. Peterson il the Finance
Com nlissioners could demand the pro-
duction OF original bills and the books of
the Street and Water Board.
Mr.. Edwards said they could and he
Ia ,,-annrad an nnfniOn on that auhiacG