New-York tribune., 1901-10-10
WARNING TO TAMINANY.
SOLICITATION OF FUNDS FROM PUBLIC
EMPLOYEES NAY CAUSE TROUBLE
FOR WIGWAMITES

The demand made upon Tammany ofhcehold
ers by the Tammany organization for contrbu-
tions to the campaign fund is couched in most
diplomatic language owing to the Civil Service
law Despite the polite way in which the
request" for funds is worded the offcehoders
know it is case of put up get out" The
Civil Service Reform Association, made aware
of the demand for funds from Tammany Office
holders, intends to act vigorously. 1t has sent
a letter to each of the city departments calling
attention to the law forbiddng the solicitation
or receipt of contributions for political purposes
from public employees and containing extracts
from the act.
THE strictness of the new law of 1899 on this
subject is not generally understood said George
McAneny. secretary of the associa ton, yester-
day. Under the provisions it is misdemeanor
for any person to ask for subscriptions tr con-
tributions in any way from any officer o. en-
ploye. making the offence punishable by fine
of $1,000 or six months imprisonment, or both
An employe who makes a payment, directly or
indirectly, to an individual who is himself an
ofhceholder. or to the representative of COM
mittee having one or more officeholders among
It's members is also guilty 1t will be seen,
therefore, that such payments can be made.
even in the absence of direct solicitation or re-
quest only at considerable risk. The Civil Ser
vice Reform Association expects to prosecute
There is some danger that the Importance of this
element in the campaign will be overlooked.
The city payroll amounts to $44O00000. Count
irg out the teachers and other non political
classes. about S3O.OO0,OO0 remains. and an as
sessmeLt of from to per cent of this amour:
| the usual range-would place enormous
| fund in Tammany's hands. 1t seems not un-
likely that in the present circumstances this will
| be regarded of its principal sources of in
| come. The law. however, affords ample protec-
| ton to those who refuse to pay. The associa-
| tion is already preparing to take steps in cases
where soliciting letters haze been sent to police
| men and others"
The section in question provides. among other
| things, follows:
First-That mo officer. agent. clerk or emPloye
or any civil division city thereof shall directly
or indirectly, use his authority or official influence
TO compel induce any other officer, clerk, agent
| or empoye under the said government or any civil
any political assessment subscription or contriou
| Second-That every said officer. agent. clerk OF
| employe who may have charge or control in any
building. office. or room occupied for any purpose
| the entry of any person" and that he shall not
permit any person to enter esctn9 the sa
ceiving or giving notice OF any political assessment
sHpsGript1n I or cor G0ntrlDuton .re o- reran r.
any said office. building or room or send or direc
! of giving notice Of demanding or collecting oil
IN fact give such notice therein
out or take any part in preparing or making -,S Su
ton with the intent that the shall be pre-
seuted to or collected of any officer agent or EN-
| Firth-That no person shall knowingly send oil
present any such political assessment subscription
said oicer agent IT. or % emPioye: and
sixth-That any person wh9 shall BE. be guilty o
violating any provision Of this section shall b
deemed guilty OF a mtsdemeanor.