New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1906-02-03
SUSPECT TAMMANY PLOT
TENEMENT Law ATTACK.
Dangerous Bills Introduced an As
sembly by Nezo- York Democrat.
ERr Telegraph 70 The Tribune. ]

TBy Telegraph TO The Tribune
Albany, Feb. 1.-Two measures introduces ~
day by Assemblyman Cohalan. or Ne"
thoroughly emasculate the Tenement House Id"
by vesting in the Commissioner power to authoi-
ize construction and alterations without re-
erence to the rules of the department, ana W
remit penalties within his discretion ana en-
empting threestory houses for three fanlhes lroii
the tenement house classification Inc plis are
similar to those which were introduced 'hipe
and four years ago, marking the plIlol ns
against the stringent rules which ROBERT W. 10
Forest mt into effect They represent, 1t is
said here the first step in an organized aVlsHip'
to get back TO the old conditions. now that New
York City Is in the power of Tammany Han iof
four years.
These bills were introduced 'by request" &C
cording to the Endorsement on them me ino'o
vicious one adds the following significant clauses
to the section detailing the building resuiatoAs'
In matters pertaining TO construction or al
teratioD Of tenement houses the COMMISSIONS
of the Tenement House Department shaH ma
the power, in where II Is lIhpi I. -
follow the law or the rules as to the latIel' 70
permit other modes or systems TO De uSeu; plU
vided such notifications do not materiaily lntei i
fere with the functions of the la" anu pioe
caliy answer the same purpose -
The Commissioner of Tenement House De-
partment having jurisdiction through the COT
poration Counsel. is hereby authorized IN . ms
shown therefor, to remit any fine or mes pen PEI
atty penalties, which any person OF persons
may have incurred or hereafter may incur under
any of the provisions of this law; but no me OF
penalty shall be RENTED for any such VOCATION
until the violation shall be remedted; sucn re-
mission shall also operate as the remission OF
the costs obtained in such action.
The other measure. exempt1ng three famhy
houses from the tenement house classification,
adds the following section 10 the Tenement
House law:
All buildings constructed or to be constructed
not more than three stories in height above the
cellar and occupied to be occupied by only
three families being one family on each MOOR
and having a private hall leading from the stair
hall and only three interior rooms on each sepa-
rate floor independent water closet and other
modern improvements, and having an exterior
court no less than four feet wide TO give light
and ventilation to such rooms. shall not be
classed as tenement houses.
The advocates of tenement house reform have
been keeping close watch Of the tenement house
situation in New-Yorll ever since Commissioner
Grain took office These bills will not induce
them TO relax this vigilance, The three family
provision it is said here, would apply to many
parts In Brooklyn, where three family flat
structures are popular. John McKeoWn. ex-
Assemblyman, has just been appointed Deputy
Tenement House Commissioner for Brooklyn,
and his record in Albany will not endear him to
the reform advocates the watchers CT legislative
affairs hold