New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-06-02
THE TESTIMONY In DETAIL.
FAULTY METHODS OF ASSESSING REAL AND PERSONAL
ESTATE REVEALED BY TWO TAX COMMISSIONERS
WITNESSES TELL OF HORRIBLE RESORTS RUN WIDE
OPEN
OPEN.

that has been given TO the matter by those who are
taking an interest in the work OF this committee.
Now this Is what have to say. What has hap
pened upon that stand in the actions OF numerous
witnesses must convince the committee. as II has
convinced counsel that II will be absolutely neces-
sary for all to require witnesses to answer Ques-
tons and not TO travel outside Of the question and
vent their spleen and make accusations When
people under fire and the fire is hot. and the ac-
cusations touch. II is favorite performance 10
point to some other man. but II involves our pro-
ceedings and makes necessary the doing OF things
that take time and space.
Mr.. Osullivan-Mr. Chairman, this is absolutely q
criticism OF the chairmans government OF this in
vestigaton.
Mr. Moss-Mr Chairman. I hive already asked
you to exclude DR.. O'Suvan from the committee.
Mr.. O'Sulvan-This is a criticism Of the method
OF conducting the proceedings.
The Chairman-It is not necessary for you TO pro-
tect the committee at all We will take the respon-
sibility for everything that is done
Mr.. O'Suivan-I will submit, Mr.. Chairman
MOSS CLAIMS FAIR TREATMENT.
Mr.. Moss-Now, Mr.. Chairman, that is the sug-
gestion OF counsel and counsel will act upon 1t
from their side. and undoubtedly will be united
in the work. We are entitled to respectful treat
ment. This committee represents one Of the three
great branches Of our State government There Is
no tribunal that is entitled to more respect, and
that lie more dignifed under the law. than this
body that sits here. We owe IL 10 ourserVes we
owe II to the community Having sufficiently IL
Illuminated this condition. to hold the wit
Lesses TO a strict line.
Now, Mr.. Chairman the defiance Of this COM
mittee had it's beginning yesterday. its progress
its full flower In the testimony Of Captain Price.
and IT'S contamination last night You will gee
that what l have said proceeds not from e. dis
position to talk, but from a disposition TO warn
this committee Of what we are against, and dis
position to protect myself and those who are
working for me- have already become aware OF
many things that had TO take notice OF for my
own personal sake. and now i call the next wit
The Chairman wish TO say one word in con-
nection with what you have stated. So far as re-
Elections that may have been made against you
are concerned, they have weight whatever with
the members OF this committee. Your reputation
and standing IN this community is fixed, and no
statement that may have been made here VIII
have any effect, and It has not had any erect,
upon this committee.
So far as the action Of the witnesses on the
stand IN concerned, this committee of the Legis-
iature has taken due note Of their attitude during
the .ssions OF the committee and their atutuoe
has influenced this committee more forcibly than
anything that has come out by word OF mouth
from the witnesses The attitude Of these people
toward a government of which they are part
aud which they have themselves sworn to support
and maintain being as they are, officers repre-
senting the law. and sworn TO uphold law ana
order have had their due effect on this commit
tee of the Legislature and will receive proper
care and attention at the proper time. That is
all care 20 say at this time.
Mr.. Hoffman, desire TO say at this time tha'
90 far as the minority membership OF this com
rittee is concerned, we do not think time should
be taken up by the counsel TO this committee IN
unnecessary speeches in commenting upon the
evidence and In summing up from time 10 Time
This committee understands its duties. 1t under
stands the evidence II comes from the Wit
nesses and II Will make proper report TO the
Legislature at the proper time. For myself. do
not believe that the time Of the committee should
be taken up or the money OF the taxpayers
should be unnecessarily expended, In the con-
sumption OF unnecessary time upon matters which
this committee understands very well itself.
Mr. Henderson-May I make statement
want TO make the suggestion that II counsel IL
going to do as says. and that is TO ask Captain
Price 10 substantiate the charges he made VIII
give him the names Of some Of the witnesses who
may be subp9naed
The Chairman-You may arrange that between
yourselves.