New-York tribune., 1899-06-15
PRICE THREE CENTS.
COLER AND THE ASSEMBLY.
HE THINKS THE TWO CHAMBERS
SHOULD BE MERGED INTO ONE. q
THE CONTROLLER BEFORE THE MAzEr
COURSE OF THE CITY LEGISLATORS

COMMITTEE. SEVERELY CRITICISES THE
COURSE OF THE CITY LEGISLATORS
AS TO NECESSARY BOND ISSUES.
The Mazet committee paused in its probing
OF the Tax Department for brief space yester-
day in order to allow Controller Coler TO ex-
plain the failure OF the Municipal Assembly TO
perform the public duties intrusted 20 II. In the
matter Of approving the issue Of city bonds
necessary for the completion OF pressing public
work and 20 receive the Controllers suggestions
as to the need Of remedial legislation. Tho
Controller submitted his views with candor.
The readiness with which he answered the ques.
tlons asked him and the responsive attitude he
adopted toward the committee were refreshing
after the consistently inimical stand and thwsrt-
ing designs Of the Tammany administrative Of
hcals who have preceded him in the witness
chair With the utmost frankness. Mr.. Coler
went into the details OF the city's finances and
described how the city was not only loser
pecuniarily by the obstinacy OF the Municipal
Assembly, but how important public improve
ments would have TO be abandoned unless some-
thing were done TO overcome the obstructive
tactics OF the Assembly.
John Proctor Clarke conducted the examina-
ton Of the Controller. After the requirements
OF the charter for the issuance OF municipal
bonds for public improvements had gone upon
the record Mr. Clarke read some Of the numer-
Gus messages forwarded by the Mayor 20 the
Assembly urging that body to act upon the
issues in order that contracts entered into by
the administration might be proceeded with
Among these letters was one from Mr. Coier
himself.
NOT IN ACCORD WITH ANYBODY"
Mr.. Clarke attempted to touch upon the poht-
ical complexion OF the Assembly. but the witness
intimated that politics had nothing 70 do with
the deadlock and when, a moment later. he was
asked II the Assembly not In accord with
the administration he answered amid laughter
that he did not think it was in accord with any
body. Turning his attention then to what has
been called the Brooklyn water scandal. Mr..
Clarke elected from the witness that while the
Long Island Water Supply Company has
Judgment OF $4,000 against the city. secured
on appeal to the United States Supreme Court,
the Assembly could not be prevailed upon 10
issue the bonds for the payment OF the award.
In the mean while the company keeps possession
OF the property ard collects revenues for the use
of it's water. The legal proposition was involved
as TO whether the companys Judgment carries
interest Similarly, Mr.. Coler believed that In
terest was running upon the obligation OF
S3O5 900 due upon the contract for the construc-
ton of the Harlem Speedway. The Assembly
had failed TO issue the bonds. and now the con-
tractor was threatening suit. There was no con-
trcversy ot any kind between the city and the
contractors. and the only effect OF the Assem-
bly's action was TO compel the payment of in
terest for which there was no necessity.
Dwelling briefly upon several minor improve
ments which could not be carried for reasons
similar 20 those he had already explained, Dir.
Coler went on 10 alude TO the imperative need
of the Vernon-ave. bridge between Brooklyn ana
Queens and the Newtown Creek bridge. Both
of the old structures had been condemned by the
War Department, the people in those districts
were anxious for the new bridges. and yet the
Assembly persisted in its refusal 10 indorse the
issue of bonds for carrying out the projected i'm
movements Mr. Coer pointed out also that un-
less money was forthcoming soon for the new
East River Bridge at Grand-st. work upon the
structure would have TO be stopped In the Case
OF so large q construction the city paid Tor IL IN
piecemeal so that all the money required Tor the
work need not be bonded az once. The last ap-
nronriation for the bridge had now nearly run
out.
From time to time II was apparent that MI
Clarke was desirous OF having Mr.. Coler ex-
nlain some of the inside reasons for the hold-up
OF the various bond issues. But while perfectly
STRAIGHTFORWARD in his replies to every question
bearing upon fact, the Controller declined to be
led into saying anything in any way savorins OF
nolitics For instance, IN the hold-up Of the
50 900 issue authorized for repaving streets
in the greater city the witness said he knew OK
no particular reason for the Assemblys per-
yerseness other than that he had heard some
OF the members insisted that they should have
the right to name the streets. Constant COM
plants were being received from all parts OF the
city regarding the condition OF the streets, ana
REQUESTS for repavements but nothing could %
done until the Assembly receded from It's oo-
structive position The dilatory tactics Of that
body. the Controller related, not only halted de-
sired improvements, but resulted in large losses
10 the CITY, Some time ago condemnation pro-
ceedings had been taken 10 acquire land for
mark surrounding the Poe cottage, In Fordharn
The amount Of the awards was s1.s49.1oI. OF
this amount 81, 1sl. .s44 was now drawing inter
est at the rate OF per cent. will the remain
der as soon as the awards are four months old
Had the bond recommendations been passed. the
citv would pay only 3 per cent interest The
same was true. Mr. Coler declared, Of the bonds
for the nroperty acquired for the Little Italy
porL and Hester Street Park Finally the wit
rass sa,d that all the issues OF bonds. with the
exception Of those for the Fire Department ana
the two Newtown Creek bridges. were TO meet
contract obligations. Replying 10 Mr. Clarke
the Controller said he could conceive OF no sens'-
ble reason for the neglect OF the Assembly TO
lass the bonds for the purposes he had de-
scribed. Nor, ne added. could any sensible rea-
son be advanced why the Assembly should hold
out against the payment OF the eitys honest
debts. especially as the bonds. which could be
sold for per cent. would quidate Judgment OBJ
legations against the city which are drawing .
per cent.
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