New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1895-09-21
GRANTS ACTION APPROVED.
THE POLICE HELMET CONTRACT GOES
TO SPELLMAN.
PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT MILDLY REBUKEs CON
BRINGING THE MATTER BEFORE

BRINGING THE MATTER BEFORE
THE FULL BOARD
There was a long discussion at the meeting Of the
Police Board yesterday afternoon regarding the
adoption and awarding Of contracts for winter he'll
NETS. The contract for the helmets was finally
awarded to Spellman. The price Of the helmet Is TO
be 81 IT, The contract was awarded some time ago
to Speman by Commissioner Grant In his capacity
of chairman OF the Committee Repairs and Sup
plies The other Commissioners nullihed the con-
tract because they had not been consulted Commits
sioner Grant maintained that he spoke to his col
leagues on the subject. New bids were then called
for
Those considered yesterday were submitted by
Lester Of Broadway and Fourth-st.; Weschler Lam
fer Co.: Simis. Knox, Henry V. Allen q Co.. ana
s. A. French The Knox helmet IS Of felt and the
others Of cork covered with cloth speman refused
10 submit a sample or bid. maintaining that the
contract had already been properly awarded TO him.
President Roosevelt said that II nothing had &C.
CURED he might be in favor of giving Knox the
contract the price being the same as for the Spell
man hat But" he added, "since the chairman OF
the Committee on Supplies has. through some mis-
apprehension, awarded the contract to Spellman.
would not like to change any action thus taken by
him without very excellent reasons. wish to say
however that do not think you had the legal power
70 do So"
The last remark was addressed TO Colonel Grant
The latter again expressed his belief that he had
spoken 70 the other Commissioners regarding the
awarding OF the contract.
IT had no object In giving II TO Mr. Spellman." he
said except that considered his the best hat MT
Knox is a personal friend of mine and a party man.
but does not feel that he was entitled TO the con-
tract"
Commissioner Grant remarked that II the con-
tract was awarded 10 any other bidder but Spell
man. the latter would hold him personally response
BILE for the contract he awarded. . =.
'"The Board should not be ready then. SAID the
president, ito have the responsibility placed upon
that such matters shall be brought before the iui
Board" ...,
"Do I understand" inquired Colonel Grant. that
every matter OF repairs or small purchases shaii
be brought before the Board?"
President Roosevelt would suggest that mat.
tiers representing an expenditure OF couple OF
hundred dollars be submitted. l oner TINS merely
suggestion.
''In some cases It will take time to con-
slider them" said Colonel Grant.
II promise that the Board will take immediate
The examination Of the helmets went on. The
Commissioners put them on their heads, felt them
and looked them very carefully. commissioner
Andrews finally made motion that under the
circumstances the award of Colonel Grant to Spell
man should be approved by the Board and the
contract given to him.
Commissioner Parker said he did not feel ex-
scty justified in putting upon the heads OF the
Department a helmet not a whit lower In price
because Commissioner Grant assumed that spell
man might hold him personally responsible. II do
j do not know that Mr. Grant is liable as Spell,
dealt with him as a Police Commissioner.
am sorry that Spellman should be put 70 any loss,
but the question OF his loss should not be taken
into consideration"
Commissioner Andrewss motion 10 adopt the
Spe,lman hat was then voted on. PRESIDENT hoose-
welt. Commissioner Grant and Commissioner An,
drews voted AYE" Commissioners Parker voted
hem