New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-01-07
FRAUD BROUGHT TO LIGHT.
WHOLESALE INDICTMENT OF BROOKLYN
AND KINGS COUNTY OFFICIALS.
THE GRAND JURY MAKES A SWEEPING PRE-
SENTIMENT Against THOSE INTERESTED
IN THE COLUMBIAN CELEBRA-
TON EXPENDITURES.

The elimination of the disgraceful scandals a.
tachcd "a the Democratic administration of
municipal affairs In Brooklyn was reached yes
terday when the Kings County Grand Jury
made a presentment charging that the city and
county officials had expended $50 900 unlawfully
In connection with the Columbian celebration, and
urging that suits be brought BY the Corporation
Counsel against the Mayor, Controller, City
Auditor, Aldermen and the persons to whom
the money has been paid by the city, and
by the proper officers against the County Au-
ditor Board of Supervisors and the persons to
whom the money has been paid by the county, to
recover the money. The Grand Jury also found
thirty forty indictments against city and county
officials and against the contractors, and they
will be called upon TO plead in court today
and give bail for trial upon charges Of felony.
Never before in the history of Brooklyn have
there been such sweeping charges of fraud made
against public officials snirching nearly the en-
tire body of men, from Mayor and Aldermen to
Supervisors. who legslate for tie city and
county. The demand for reform which will
sweep from power the men who have thus dis
graced the city Is imperative and will follow
close upon the result 81 the work of the Grand
Jury Already two suits have been brought to
recover money unlawfuly paid by the Super
vsors. and similar suits will be brought against
the Mayor and Aldermen
There has not been such public interest iu
charges affecting the integrity of city officials
since Mayor Chaplin, Controller Jackson and City
Auditor Rltan were charged with seeking to
swindle the city ly paying an eAtravagant and
exorbifant price for the Long Island Water Sup
ply Company's plant and franchises. About o
dozen years ago the majority of the Board of Alder
men were sent 10 Jail for contempt of court in
passing a resolution granting elevated rail-
road franchise over the veto Of Mayor Howell in
defiance OF an Injunction granted by the Supreme
Court. few years ago number Of Supervisors
were indicted in connection with the payment Of
alleged fraudulent bills for work upon the County
Farm at st. Johnland.
Among the other scandals attached to the Demo
cratic administration oil affairs in tie city and
county have teen the failure to keep the streets
properly clean, despite the sums Of money ex-
pended, the granting Of valuable franchises with
out adequate return to the city, the appointment
of notorously unfit men to positions of importance
and the inefficient management of the Fire De-
partment, the facts OF which have recently been
fully disclosed. Tie waste Of public funds for
many purposes has raised the taA rate to an ex
ceedingy high figure, despite the rise in real
estate values and yet the city is on the verge OF
going in debt beyond the lawful limit
The indictments found yesterday are believed
nos 70 include the Mayor and Controller. but the
Auditors of both city and county, and many meui-
bcrs Of the Boards of Aldermen and Supervisors as
well AS number Of contractors are SAID u 10
among the thrty-iivc persons named IN the In
dictmeitS.
lhe action which led up 10 the illegal spending
Of public money was begun last March. when
resolution was introduced in the Board OF Alder
men providing for the transfer of $4,000 from uie
Revenue fund 10 the Contingent fund Tor tie eN,
renses Of Columbian celebration. lhis was iaiu
on the table, and week later committee VI
seven was appointed to take The matter IN cnarse
Nothing was done until September, wheh 'ne "nn
Of 500 900 was appropriated, ana ia'er 9'V'o0O
was added. The committee lncufre" cNpe" 49,
""' g., as3. The following were the