New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-04-23

william ]. Fryer was the most interesting
,,,ness at the seventh days session OF the
Nazet Investigating Committee He is a men,
her Of the Buildings Code Commission. the
BOARD of Building Examiners, and the New
York Building and Land Appraisement Com
many. In The Record and Guide" he adver-
tises himself as consulting architect and en-
etneer. the advertisement closing with the
words: Services good; charges high"
He admitted that the Board. of which he is
a member. frequently passes upon plans upon
which his advice has been paid for by archl-
,ects and builders. In one case where plans
were rejected by the Buildings Department it
was shown that fee of $3.50 to Mr. Froyer
brought out such good advice from him, that by
following it, the plans went through without a
hitch
Samuel Meyers refused TO tell who asked him
70 drum up sales for Maryland whiskey and
virtually defed the committee to get any in
formation out Of him or TO punish him.
william ]. MILL an employe of the Buildings
Department. who escaped a Civil Service ex-
animation by securing an appointment as
rconhdential examiner" was unable TO show
anything more confidential" about his duties
than serving notices mailing letters and run
ming errands.
when asked for the names OF his confidential
appointees could not remember them, without
the aid Of a written list.
The Chairman-Are you ready TO proceed?
FULL WARNING GIVEN.
Mr. Clarke-Mr Chairman in view Of certain
occurrences upon the witness-stand and certain
comments in the public prints desire to call the
attention of the committee. OF witnesses and OF the
gentlemen Of the press TO the following provision
OF the Penal Code, Section 6s: "A person VINO,
either House of the Legislature, or any committee
or neglects. without lawful excuse TO attend pur-
suant TO such summons. is guilty of a misdemeanor
Section GA person who, being present before
either House Of the Legislature. any committee
thereof authorized to summon witnesses. wilfully
refuses to be affirmed. or 10 answer any
material and proper question, or TO produce upon
reasonable notice any material and proper books.
papers documents In his possession or under MS
control. IS guilty Of msdemeanor Section IA
demeanor, for which no other punishment Is sPe-
cialy provided by this code, or any other statutory
provision In force at the time of the CONVICTION ana
sentence, is punishable by Imprisonment IN the
penitentiary or county jail for not more than one
year. by a fine of not more than $500, or by
both"
You will observe. for contumacious refusal 70
answer proper and material questions, witness
commits tS Is tne dnnToys OF OF the
committee at the proper tine 10 be rniiee ~ ~
present such contumacious witnesses VINO nave re-
fused to answer such proper ano material questions
as committee shall determine 10 the constituted
criminal authorities of this county for presentment
indictment and punishment. not for moment
doubling that the constitutional officer of this
the proper observance Of the laws OF the State.
OSULLIVAN CALLS IT A THREAT.
II for any reason. by press OF business or other
Wise IL should be Impossible to present such mat
tiers TO Grand Jury of this county. the provision
OF law OF This State which authorizes the Governor
70 appoint judge to hold extraordinary term
Of the Supreme Court fo- criminal matters, and
authorizes the judge so appointed 10 impanel an
extraordinary Grand jury and authorizes the GOV
ernor appoint the Acknowledgement or one OF his
deputies 10 conduct such matters as may be neces-
dinary Grand Jury, will be invoked II necessary,
In the due and proper time subject TO the control
of the committee and upon the advice Of counsel TO
Mr. O'Sulivan-I would like to ask the counsel
for some information about the matters he has just
asserted.
Mr. OSulivan-I would like 10 have it publicly
so II reach the people that he Is trying 10
ask who are the proper judges Of questions as to
The materality and propriety--
Mr. Clarke-Mr. Chairman, | protest / call the
genteman's attention to the improper language
used by the counsel 70 Intimidation, and ask
that he be directed 10 take his seat
The Chairman-I state that there was no intimi-
dalton expressed that could rightly be inferred
from the statement made by counsel this morning.
and this is not the occasion for any discussion
concerning e. You may call your first witness.
Mr. O'Sullivan-I contend that this committee Is
not the Judge 10 questions. as TO their materl-
Judges as TO whether a witness is contumacious or
not.
The Chairman-Has the stenographer the re-
marks made by DR.. O'Sullivan?
The stenograp her-Yes, sir;
= The Chairman-The committee directs that they
be stricken from the record
Mr. Moss-Is Mr. Clark present? (No response
Mr. Moss-Won't you call those names in the
other room? Mr. Bonheur. take the stand