New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-11-15
STILL AFTER CIRCUIT.
association TO ACT.
Nay Present Charges to GoUernor-
Controllers Reply IN McCooey Case.

The Civil Service Reform Association. II was
learned last night, has determined to follow UP
fits controversy with Controller Grout, and may
present charges against him to the Governor.
A committee has been appointed with instruc-
lions TO investigate the appointments made by
the Controller particularly after he was quoted
as saying that for every McCarren man dis
missed by the Mayor his heads Of depart
ments he would find place. The association
does not consider that IT has q case against the
Controller for the appointment OF John II. Nc
Cooey as the appointment not made by the
Controller directly. Members believe, however,
that a number OF appointments have been made
in violation OF the law, and that case be
formulated against Mr.. Gruut that VIII warrant
action by the Governor.
When charges are presented against the Con-
troller they are forwarded 10 the Governor. who,
.f the circumstances warrant, removes the Con-
4roller. whose successor is appointed by the
Mayor
Controller Grout yesterday made reply TO the
criticism Of the Civil Service Reform Associa-
zion ia the McCooey matter. His statement was
as follows:
Mr. McCooey was appointed by the Collector OF
Arrears and Assessments as his deputy in Brook
s , 1ia iy5 maze o nm The place to
which he was appointed then and mad been
caused by the death of the incumbent: l believe
that the appointment was not only lawfully Dut
Afr. McCooey Ike Mr.. Bell Mr.. Crowninshieid.
-ir. Siegel Mr.. Day and MI. OConHoT, the other
tho Mayor The Mayor had the absolute right by
she charter make such removals But the
Mayor had judicial power conferred upon him
by law determine that these gentlemen Elolateo
ahe Civil Service laws and 10 make n finding 10
Ehat effect which prevents other people from udg-
sng the facts themselves
least. hut : have myself also carefully examined
the facts IN this case. and, whatever may have
bten the fault Of the Park Commissioner in The
Bronx. ] am unable 10 see any violation OF law on
the part Of the removed Civil Service Commission
Certainly there was 10 motive on their part
70 violate The law and suggestion has been
made by any that such motive existed.
If there motive. then il is exceedingly
difficult believe that they had intent so TO
violate il. I know of provision Of law. in any
event. which without a trial in court, confronted
1uation, viii impose upon these gentlemen any OF
the penalties OF conviction of the right TO hold
public ONCE any more than the right TO vote. MT
McCooey has a long record of efficiency honesty
and faiIhfuness in public office, and l dare say
there is now In the service or the city more
efficient. honest and faithful than he
] do not intend TO violate the provision or any
law. Civil Service other, and II ] had done so
should constantly d. my utmost 10 make amends,
but / confident that MI. McCooey's appointment
IS violation Of law. either in spirit or letter.
Before Mr.. Grout issued his statement the
Mayor was asked If he had anything 10 say on
the subject Of the report OF the Civil Service Re
form Association.
Nothing 10 say" he replied. Mr.. Grout is
not q subordinate OF mine. He is the head or an
responsible only TO himself and the people,
The Mayor was at luncheon when Mr.. CIRCUITS
statement was given out. II was shown to him
on his return 10 the City Hall. He read ii care
fully. and then said that he had nothing to add
10 what he had already said on the subject