New-York tribune., 1900-06-15
COLER DEFENDS HIMSELF.
SAYS THE MATTER IS ONE OF POLIT-
ICAL AND PERSONAL ANIMOsITY.
E WANTS A COMPLETE AND SPEEDY IN
yEsTIGATIoN TO PROVE THE
CHARGES FALSE.
rBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE ]

Urbana ILL.,. June l4-Bird s. Coler, Controller
Of New-York City. who is visiting relatives in
this city. said to-day IN an interview that the
charges brought against him by Jacob w Mack
were caused by personal and political animosity
and were not worth considering.
Upon advice of friends in New-York Mr.. Coler
has decided not TO curtai his visit here on ac-
eount of the scandal. Mr.. Coler made the follow
ing stenographic statement regarding the mat
ter:
The attorney for this man Mack. who makes
these charges is the attorney for Mr.. Cook au-
ditor Of the New York City Board OF Education,
who is at the present time suing me for $4,000
damages for libel because had the temerity
70 say that he was incompetent to perform the
duties OF the office to which he had been chosen
and l VIII stand by what have said respecting
him.
IN the bond sale referred to there were two
bidders for the full amount, Sl3.0Oo.OOO, the
other bidders not taking enough to insure sale
Between the two bids there was only $1,000
difference, which on SO large an issue Is not
worth considering In New-York City a per
rot completed. The highes. bidders, in order to
save the forfeit OF $500 suggested that they
take the bonds upon the approval OF their prt-
technical flaw in the issue and refuse TO take the
bonds should the deal look Improbable. The
courts held that such bid, having on the face
Of il the appearance OF bogus offer, was no bid
at all. Hence there was choice but to award
.he bonds to the Produce Exchange Trust Com
ltigated at the time Of the sale, and Justice
Cohen. Of the Supreme Court of New-York de-
cide6 strongly in my favor.
This matter from beginning TO end is Of
personal and political animosty. / sent tele-
gram to Governor Roosevelt as soon as learned
OF the charges. asking him TO take them up
without delay and make a complete investiga-
ton. / do not believe that any of the unsuccess-
full bidders have anything to do with the attack.
The statement that I aided my brother in the
purchase Of public bonds is too ridiculous to be
discussed seriously.
The charge of bearing New-Tork City bonds
will be refuted by every banker in the city
even those whom have decided against. It has
absolutely foundation There is no chance OF
crooked work being done in the disposal Of city
bonds, as the sale is advertised for seven weeks
previous to its holding. Then the bids are
opened In the presence Of all the bidders and
the award is made TO the highest and best bid
Ger. None of the disappointed bidders have
charged conspiracy. This man Mack thinking
he saw a chance TO injure me, made the most
Of IL.
When asked whether he thought the Tam
many organization was behind the matter on
account Of his opposition to the Ice Trust Mr.
Coler replied in the negative. He added:
Nobody except the disgruntled members of the
school Board have anything to do with this
prosecution. / am not worried over the charges
the least BIT for they will prove false on investi-
cation. The sooner the matter is thoroughly
sifted the better for me.