New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-05-28
CASE AGAINST EASEMENT.
SUSPENDED FROM HIS PLACE IN THE
BROOKLYN WATER SUPPLY DE-
PARTMENT

The police think they have a strong case against
Edward Eas;ment the cashier OF the Water Supply
Department in Brooklyn. who was Indicted on
Thursday a result OF Controller Coler's invesu-
cation. EASEMENT. the police say. did not help him
self by his conduct when arrested. When Captain
James Reynolds OF the Detective Bureau told
Eastment that ne was wanted the man threw
away several papers and attempted 10 get rid OF
others. Captain Reynolds however. gathered up
the documents. which have been turned over TO tho
District-A;torney. They Will De thoroughly studied
and investigated
James Mofett, the Deputy Commissioner Of
Water Supply for Brooklyn. suspended Eas;meni
yesterday afternoon. Eas;ment returned to his old
post In tho Municipal Building and protested his
innocence 10 his acquaint ances.
When asked regarding his dismissal OF Eastment
Mr.. Morett said:
Whether he IS guilty or not. It Is not for the
good Of the public service that ne should continue
his duties while under these charges"
District-Attorney Marean admitted yesterday that
there might be other indictments IA connection with
the Eastment case. He said that good deal OF
testimony had been turned In 10 his Office by CON
,rollcr Coer and possible It would be
Investigated and laid before the Grand Jury. II
necessary. Mr.. Marean added that It might be
ascer,ained that the frauds the city by East
men, acting as cashier In the city Works Depart
ment might run back OF the term OF Theodore Is
Willis into the term OF Commissioner Alfred 7.
White
James W. Glendenning. the lawyer who is coun-
sci for Eastmcnt, said that when tho time came
the defendan, would be able to prove his inno-
cence without any difficulty. Mr. Glcndcnnins VIII
ask the County Court for copy OF tho minutes 81
the testimony taken before the Grand Jury. with
view TO making some motion in connection with the
indictment.
The fact that OF tho fraudulent bills seems
10 date back to tho administration Of Alfred T
White az city Works Commissioner Is not taken b.
the vrulent OF partisan Democrats 10 reflect
In any way upon the high character Of Mr.. White
or the conduc, Of his Office ar. White lived up 20
the letter and the spirit OF civil service reform and
unless there was something rlaringiy WRONG about
a machine Democrat whom he found in Office. the
latter retained In the Department Easimeni
was one OF these Democrats. and II this Indictment
De well founded in fact. Eas'men' repaid Mr. White
despicahly for tho confidence placed IN him. Mr..
White said yesterday:
hope that thls matter will 10 sif'ed 10 tho bot,
tom Alwnrs before Mr.. Colcr has made his
charges against Republicans. and Am glad 20 see
D"morrat People who have been criticising the
Controller for hammering Republican ex-oinciaIs
VIII have to take It back now. as he is after Demo
Gratis too.
The accountants department was necessarily run
wilt hout much aid from me. and had no chance 20
know what they were doing. II IS peculiar thing
that the department Is the only one In which d!d
not make some changes during my incunhcncy OF
the position | called Mr.. Rackus. the head Of the
dcnsrtrnent 10 me- and asked him how ne
satisfied with his assistants and ne said they
very satisfactory He had been In tho department
FOR more than thirteen years and Mr.. EASEMENT
half as long and ! had no doubt as 10 their hon
esty.
Mr. White sent a letter TO Controller Coler yes
.srday saving that lie and his former deputy Mr..
LYMAN would evadc no responsibility. lie ex-
pressed a regret that the alleged fraud Ind not
been discovered by some o, the officers under him.
and that his advice TO Mayor Schieren 70 inves,i-
gate all the departments under previous admins
trations had not been followed
Mr. Coler declined 10 make Mr.. Whites letter
hubble bu, said that It "A very manly com
munication."
When ex-Mayor Schieren seen last night
with reference TO the arrest OF Eastment and
the fact that Alfred Whites name appeared on
one Of the bogus warra nts, he said:
Shortly after had taken charge Of the o''iee OF
Mayor / asked the Board Of Aldermen Tor 5000
10 nav the cost OF thorough invesuBatlOn OF az
the books in the different departments. Inc bOaih
of Aldermen refused 10 give this money, and sec
ond attempt to get the Legislature 10 pass a Dill
allowing the city 5000 FOR the employment OF ex-
per,s also failed on account Of political causes
This money was denied 10 me. After TINS called
a ahinei meeting and ordered all chiefs OF tho
dIreren, departments TO furnish me within two
weeks with an exhaustive report, ana as Tar IA
eytfa allowance. Mr. White. AS did all the others
made this report and said that he had full conil-
dencc in his employs lie made only rev
changes while IN all the other departmenis great
many men were ulachhie'u anu Nv" appointments"
made. - -
business house bank. no matter how great care
is exercised in the management. | do not think
that these developments throw any reflections on
any department chief. because they could not De
prevented with the greatest care