New-York tribune., 1899-06-14
AFTERNOON SESSION.
HOFFMAN TRIES TO TURN THE PROBE
FROM THE TAX DEPARTMENT.

Mr. Grc resumed the stand.
Mr. Moss-Now. Mr.. Grell--
Mr. Hoffman, think It proper at this time to
call the attention OF this committee and counsel to
the fact of the appointment of special commit
tee OF the Senate and Assembly In the past month.
at the request and the recommendation OF the
Governor OF the State, for the express purpose OF
examining into the entire subject OF taxation, and
believe that in taking UP this subject II Is taking
up considerable time of this committee, and at
considerable expense, and doing the work assigned
10 a special committee appointed by concurrent
resolution of the Legislature. 1 believe by going
on and taking up this subject, II is encroaching
upon the duties of that committee, and on the
score OF economy desire to call the attention Of
this committee and counsel to It, for the purpose OF
the question being considered to whether or not
we should not allow that matter TO be examined
into and investigated by the committee expressly
appointed for that purpose upon the recommenda-
ticn of tho Governor OF the State.
The Chairman--In view OF the statement OF Mr.
Hoffman / will say that there is thorough un-
derstanding between this committee as to the work
outlined to be performed by the committee ap-
pointed for that purpose. The work we have done
here will save that committee some time, and en-
able them to devote the time at their disposal In
other directions, and they will consider 1t help
instead of n detriment TO their work.
Mr. Hoffman, call the attention OF the COM
mittee on the score OF economy as to whether we
should take up this work. believe We are usurping
the powers of that committee in taking up this
matter. and sum OF money has been assigned for
the expenses Of that committee. and believe we
are adding double expense to the taxpayers of the
State Of New-York in this committee taking 1t up,
and that committee also.
The Charman-As / have already stated, this
committee and that committee are in accord.
SUGAR TRUST ASSESSMENT.
Mr. Moss-Mr. Grell, you have produced state
ments OF three socalled trusts; first, statement Of
the American Sugar Refining Company for 1909,
showing that that company has an Office at No. III
Wall-st., in the Borough OF Manhattan; has its
principal office at Jersey City; the value Of safes.
fixtures and furniture in the State OF NewYork Is
500 900: cash on hand and in bank was less than
sGOs 500. and showing no other assets, and the
back OF this paper is this Endorsement: Assess.
ment fixed at sG2s. 800 Feltner c." "G" stands
for Grell And what is the other one? Salmon? +?
A-Samon.
Q-Feltner Salmon and Grell; that is the Com
mittee on Personal and Corporation Taxes? A.
Yes
Q.-Then this is an illustration of what you have
told U.S. that the corporation matters OF the Tax
Department entirely In the hands OF this sub
committed? Ayes, sir.
Q.--Now, Mr. Commissioner, have noticed that
large number OF the blanks on that certificate are
not filed up You notice that? Al do.
Q.-fIow ls that9 A.-Well. would like TO correct
n part OF that answer TO the question before.
Q.-Yes. you may Al stated before that In
case the line Is not fed-that few people will
ccme in with nnd help
Q.-You have said that before7 A.-well. yes.
sir.
Q.-But that not for your subcommittee ,
A.-Thls is made by the company
Q.-How does 1t happen that you accepted the re-
turn where many OF the blanks are not filled up? :?
A-For this reason: That Is "A nonresident corpo-
ration. Their goods are shipped TO New-York and
their bills collected from the main ONCE
Q.-Now let US see Geading) - Statement made