The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-12-01
WILL BE PROSECUTED
PROMPT ACTION BY GOV. BLACK ON
JUDGE COUNTRYMAN'S REPORT.
New York state Engineer, Surveyor
and superintendent of Public
Works to BE Punished, If Possible.

ALBANY. N. Y, Nov. SO.-Judge Coun-
trymans report to the attorney general and
Governor, which was made public to-day,
on his investigation of the report of the
canal commissioners, to ascertain and de-
termine whether any judicial proceedings,
civil or criminal, should be instituted on be-
half of the State against any party or pub
lie officer interested or engaged in the canal
improvement, finds that both State Engi-
neer and Surveyor Adams and Superintend-
ent of Public Works Aldridge have either
committed or permitted acts which should
be investigated by grand jury. Judge
Countryman says:
1T is a fair and reasonable inference
from all the facts and circumstances given
in evidence that most if not all, of the i'm
proper acts and proceedings of the state en-
gineer's subordinates were either directly
or Indirectly authorized or approved by
him, and that his own methods and prac-
tees in violation of the statute were pur-
posely adopted and followed to accomplish
the results which have proved so pernicious
and detrimental to the public interests.
have, therefore, no hesitation in reaching
the conclusion that the case, as proven
against the state engineer, is sufficient to
warrant proceedings by impeachment for
his removal from office. But such a pro-
ceeding, in view of the situation and the
circumstances is inexpedient, If not i'm
practicable, as the time is too short and
method too cumbersome and expensive to
prove effective either as punishment to the
officer or reparation to the State. Such a
course of procedure would involve a special
session of the Legislature. with all the de-
lay attendant upon vote of Impeachment
In the Assembly, and q subsequent trial be-
fore the court of impeachment and in the
ordinary course OF the proceeding his term
of office woula expire before the close of
his trial. The same remarks apply to q pro-
ceedlng before the Senate on the recon-
OF the state engineer under the public off,
GERS law. This course would also involve
q public trial before the Senate in extra
session and at best only result in his re-
mIoval a few Gays before the expiration of
his office"
The only remaining course is a criminal
prosecution by Indictment. After reviewing
the duties an acts of Superintendent of
Public Works Aldridge in connection with
his auditing of bills tor work that was not
authorized and concerning his connection
with the work.. Judge Countryman says: Il
have reached the conclusion that this is also
proper case 10 be presented to the grand
jury"
After Governor Black had received this
report he addressed a communication to the
attorney general in which he said: You are
hereby requested to Immediately take
charge of proceedings against the state en-
SlneSF ana surveyor ana the superintendent
of public works on behalf of the State and
to institute ana to prosecute to their con-
clusion such criminal actions or proceedings
as may be warranted by the reports and
testimony and you are hereby required to
attend in person or by one of your deputies
the Supreme Court, and appear before the
proper grand Jury thereof for the purpose
of managing and conducting such criminal
actions or proceedings. Special counsel Will
be designated 50 aid you, and the executive
department will render TO you in this mat
ter any assistance within its power"
Governor Black also addressed letter to
Governor-elect Roosevelt, saying that the
proceedings would necessarily be continued
under the lattar's administration, Governor
OF his own selection connected with the
proceedings from the beginning. Such law
designate.