Barre evening telegram. (Barre, Vt.) 1898-19??, 1899-05-17
Van WICK A WITNESS
Mayor Of New York Appears Before
the MaZetterS.
CONTRADICTS MR.. CROKER.
Testifies That He Selected the City
Officers Himself and That Tam
many's Leader Had No
Voice In the Matter.

|
| New York, May 17.-Robert w. Var
Wyck, first mayor of the city under the
new charter, was the star witness before
the MaZet investigating committee. His
honor had been subpnnaed and he was
on hand, escorted by President York OF
the police board. Frank Moss, chief
prober to the committee, examined the
mayor. The line of questions at the be-
ginning of the examination touched the
efficiency of some Of the city depart
ments and Offices starting with the Of
flee of borough president.
II want to ask you, do you think the
office of borough president serves any
good purpose in the city government
was Mr.. Moss first question.
Il have not decided about that" was
the answer. II have been thinking
about that"
Are you giving the matter particular
attention?"
mo, the matter is not under special
consideration"
II will ask you the same question as
W liiN '''dl VI VI dlutI IIltIl anu
is the present double system a good one
in your opnion?"
II am here to testify to facts, not to
give opinions" said the mayor
But" said Mr.. Moss suavely, Il am
asking you as the mayor of this great
city. You are certainly giving these
matters your thought?"
Il think we have gotten along re-
markably we'll under the circum
stances"
Mr.. Mazet repeated Mr.. Moss ques-
lions regarding the borough presidents
Il do not think their powers should be
either diminished or increased" said
the mayor. Il think the system should
be given fair trial before it is changed
or condemned"
Doesn't Consult Croker.
In answer to a question the mayor
said he thought it was a good thing
that the city departments were being
in the Syndicate building
This brought out the first mention of |
Cookers name. Mr.. Moss asked the
mayor if he had consulted with Croker
about moving the offices. Mr. Van Wyck
1enied that he had.
do you not consult with Mr.. Croker
about city matters?" asked Mr.. Moss.
mo"
did you not consult with Mr.. Croker
1t Lakewood about city Departmental"
continued Mr. Moss
NO" said the mayor.
did you not consult there with Mr.
,arroll?"
mo"
you We're at Lakewood, were you
lot?"
Yes, I was there"
Were not the selections made there"
"No. they We're made in this city"
Mayor Van Wyck gave his answers
apidly, never pausing an instant His
nswers regarding the influence of Rich
I'd Croker and of the Democratic club
stonished the members of the commit
ee, for they contradicted Mr.. Croker
1r. Croker, when on the stand. had very
rankly admitted that his wish had
cen powerful in the selection of city
Ulcers and that at the famous Christ
has conference at Lakewood in 1897 he ,
ad practically controlled the matter of =;
eectng officehoders, but the mayor
aid that it wasn't so.
II selected the men for the offices
,yself," he cried. Mr. Croker had
othing to do with it,"
The Mayor Very Angry. ;
Mayor Van Wyck became very angry r
hen Mr.. Moss asked him if he was :
with any poolrooms in the =
ty. The crowd made demonstrations n
I'd the mayor demanded the name of =
r. Moss informant. -
Il think" testified the mayor, I'VE n
ave more orderly city today than i,
e ever have had before in my reco-
ction."
Mr.. Moss asked the mayor about the
moval of former Chief of Police Nc
lllagh. Mr.. Van Wyck said that he l.,
Id Mr.. McCullagh he was not a proper -
an for the position. Regarding the
moval of Police Commissioners Ham, b
on and Phillips, the mayor said:
Il made up my mind about Phillips in CO
day and night and about Hamilton d.
ter conversatn l had with him."
What was the conversation with %
lmilton?" Ia
II told Hamilton that | had heard
at McCullagh had said that he was to J,
axe no transfers without consulting =,
amilton and that Hamilton was not
assent without consulting Mr.. Quigg.
:. Hamilton said that was correct. &c
cept that he was not to consult with OF
:. Quigg, but with Senator Platt"
What reason was there why Mr.. at
lmlton was not fit to be a police COM tr
SSioner?"
He blackma'led the Casino" said the ne
yor. He refused them a license be- r.
use they owed him a bill and whom
> bill was paid he granted the H. -.
lse." III
1t the conclusion of the mayors tes co
lony he was excused for the week.
----------- de