The sun., 1897-01-31
CLERK vAX DEUssN KEMoyED.
Accused or sciiinE distraction Hooks to
New York Election Oacers.

Accused OF Seiltng Iustructtou 10
New York Election Oacers.
Clarence V. G. Van Deusen was removed yes
terday from his place as ballot clerk OF tho
Brooklyn Board Of Elections by the Commission
ers The Com m missioners said they had removed
him because he had sold to the Election Bureau
OF the New York Police Department 1000 in
struction books to election officers. receiving $50
for the books which they allege were taken from
the city by n printer named Speth. with whom
Mr.. Van Deusen had business transactions.
Mr. Van Dousen said to n reporter last night
that he was discharged summarlly, without
having q chance to explain the case. and he
said:
"The election code which the Commissioners
claim is tho property OF the city OF Brooklyn
comes from the Secretary OF state. aud was
never paid for by any one. The city
OF brooklyn never owned u code. COM
piled the code with the assistance Of
Mr.. Jewett OF Albany, and my compilation was
approved by the Secretary OF State. The Com
missioners sent for $4,000 OF these. to be dis
tributsd among the election officials. After
ward l took charge OF the remainder. some OF
which took home. When tho canvass OF the
vote began ] was called upon by Col.
Norton, who asked my advice on certain
subjects. and ! suggested that some OF these
instructions be sent to the Aldermen. The
suggestion was acceptable. and sent thirty.
To the general election law I added twelve
pages. OF introduction. stating the changes in
the election laws. When Commissioner Blair
returned from his vacation he objected TO some
of the things, and. with me, ss complied new
instructions. These cost ths city 1890.
1T was after this that the Bureau OF Flee
tions IN New York decided to get copies OF these
instructions with my original oomDilations, and
they made arrangements with Speith, the
printer. The New York police wanted the
l.A. IA
could let him have 900 copies OF the books or
the Board OF Elections"
Mr. Van Deusen said he worked with Senator
Raines In compiling the state ballot law, ana at
the same time his com mpiiation was adopted by
the secretary OF State.
ent event He said: THE Greater New York
Commission, while engaged in flaming the
charter. invited me. through Secretary Pinney.
to aid the commission In drafting the chap
M. and worked hard On the matter, and tie
new charter In this respect wipes out the
present Board OF Commissioners Of Election.
also drafted several amendments to the Elec-
tion law. which will he introduced at Albany,
making provisions for the first election TO he
held In the consolidated city.
~ hav~ also drafted laws which. when
passed. will save the city 0t Brooklyn S3O. 900
this coming year, and will ravs the city OF New
York siI5,o00. besides saving the state thou
sands Of dollars"
Mr.. Van Deusen was formerly a reporter. and
was appointed ballot clerk In July 1890. at
81 500 year. His salary was increased last
month from s., 900 to $4,000.
The Board of Elections is composed of four
Commissioners. Mes.rs. BLAIR and Moulton
being Republicans. willie Messrs. Edwards and
Erreger are independent Democrats. Mr.. Van
Deusen Is q Republican.