New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-09-19
COLER AFTER MORE ABUSES
oUTRAGEoUsLY LARGE FEES CHARGED
IN CONDEMNATION PROCEEDINGS.
THE CONTROLLER SAYS AssEMBLYMAN MAzE1
HAS ASKED HIM TO CALL TO-DAY AND
TELL HIM ALL HE KNOWS ABOUT
THE RAMAPO CONTRACT.

HAS ASKED HIM TO CALL TO-DAY AND
TELL HIM ALL HE KNOWS ABOUT
THE RAMAPo CONTRACT.
Controller Coler is after the engineers OF corrub
ton in civic affairs In a speech which he deliv-
cred last night before the Manufacturers Associa-
ton Of New-York at No. 800 Montague-st.. Brook
lyn he made It apparent that the Finance Depart
ment soon would unearth some new scandals. he
denounced as outrageous the system BY when the
city has 10 pay exorbitant fees for the condemna-
ton OF property for its own purposes. He SAID
that the condemnation OF a block OF property re-
Gently for $4,000 cost $1,000 in fees. The speaker
said that there many similar abuses in the
city government. and he appealed to the associa-
ton to exert its influence against them
There is not enough publicity in the affairs OF
the city" continued the Controller. The idea that
a Ike the Ramapo water deal could be
drawn up and all but passed is simply appalling.
Perhaps l should not tell all I know about the
Ramapo business I have just received a note from
Robert Mazet asking me 10 call around and tell
him all know bout II tomorrow
TO say that the news Of the contrac, 10 me
astounding is put 1t mildly. Commissioner Shea
brought me the that the Commissioners OF
Water Supply had report 10 make. I not only
found that he had report on water but that he
had contract drawn UP by the Corporation Coun-
sci all ready for signature and he said that he had
the votes TO pass ii. I was needed up the State
mat day very much, but did not 90 OUT OF town.
AS you all know. there little disturbance at
the Board meeting that day. and We succeeded in
killing II at that time Injunctions have been got
and stil pending. and l hope that they
will kill II effectively.
we glad 10 have eminent lawyers take our
side in this matter As the contract stands
engineer OF any prominence ever consulted
regarding IT, few gentlemen drove over the
Ramapo region. came back 10 New-York. and the
favorable report was prepared one Of the best
engineers of the country, Mr. Fteley. is In the en-
ploy OF the city, but he never consulted. tell
you there is TOO little attention paid these
tiers by the public. Mr.. Fteley has told that
for 5000 go the city can procure million gallons
Of water a day by going TO the Ten Nile River
Island. Ny idea is that whatever money is spent
by the city should be spent In the direction OF
Lake Champlain or Lake Ontario. so that when
the system Is finally completed We shall have con-
nection with this unlimited supply. Some day
that has got 10 come
Something about the contract itself: The entire
receipts OF the NeW-York Water Department
about A.5O0.O00 year Here Is a contract which
binds the city pay 10000 a year for water 10
be delivered at the upper limits ~ New-York. IL
would cost the city another 81 000 GO make
necton with this company's reservoirs IL IS my
opinion that the company never intended 20 COM
plete the system to meet water mains. II fOr
any reason they failed they could simply lie down
on their contract and the city OF New-York would
have TO settle IN the end
At the close OF the Controllers speech the
citation passed resolutions recommending 70 the
Legislature that section AZ Of the Charter be re-
peaed so amended throw around the
making % contracts regarding the city's water
supply all OF the safeguards contained In sections
4l3 and 4l9 OF the Charter properly applicable
thereto. The resolutions commended the course OF
the Controller and thOs" who have aided him In
stopping the proposed Rlmapo water contract.