New-York tribune., 1906-08-23
RECORD TAKES FIELD
DENIES PAYNE CHARGES.
LiUely Hearing Before Legislative
Investigating Committee.

The New Jersey state legislative committee IN
quiring into the Riparian Boards proceedings
held a special session in Chancery Chambers.
Jersey City. yesterday. TO investigate charges
made by John G. Payne. secretary and engineer
OF the Riparian Board against George L. Rec
ord. Corporation Counsel OF Jersey City, and for
merly counsel for the Riparian Board Mr..
Payne accused Mr.. Record Of acting as counsel
for persons desiring favOrs from the board whca
ne was counsel for the board. and Of various
other improprieties.
There was full attendance OF the committee.
and Senator wakelee. It's chairman. presided
The room was crowded with lawyers and poll
ticians and much interest was shown in the
proceedings The committee insisted on hearing
what Mr.. Record had 20 say in reply 20 Mr.
Payne's allegations. while the Corporation Coun-
sci protested against being called on 70 testify
before he had had opportunity of cross
examining Payne. The morning session was
taken up with the testimony Of Mr.. Record and
his examination by Attorney General Nc
Carter.
After canvassing the committee. the chairman
announced that it had been decided that Mr..
Record should proceed az once with bis te>ti-
mOny. Mr.. Record asked that note be made
tee. and after the chairman had instructed the
clerk to do this Mr.. Record was sworn Mr.
Record has sore throat. and at his request the
affidavit that had been prepared by MIN was
read by Corporation Attorney Robert Carey. OF
Jersey City.
The affidavit a long document. makes sweep
ing denial OF Pdyne's allegations. After the
reading of the affidavit Mr.. Record was cross
examined az considerable length by Attorney
General McCarter.
The cross-examination OF John c. Payne by
Mr.. Record began after o'clock. and was not
finished until nearly . o'clock. when the board
began TO discuss Adjournment. Record opposed
an adjournment except from day to day until ths
hearing finished. He had suffered. he said.
by what had been said before the COMMITTEES.
and should have an opportunity TO clear HIM
self.
Attorney General McCarter thought Record
had had a sufficient hearing for the present
he had not had day OF vacation himself. ho
said. and wished now 20 go. Senator Minturn
said he hadn't had any vacation either. Mr.
Record said his vacation had been spoiled.
Mr.. Record requested the COMMITTEES 10 include
account OF Mr.. Paynes testimony previously
given. Chairman Wakelse said that would %
done.
On the suggestion OF Senator Mfnturr Chair
man Wakelee requested the Riparian Board not
make any further grants until this commits ee
had fled its report Mr.. PAYNE told Senator
Minturn that the board had continued its old
way Of doing business.
The committee adjourned subyec. 70 IRE call
OF the chair. Senator Wakelee said he would
not call the committee until September and he
would call the meeting az date which would
not interfere with the special session OF tho
Legislature which may be called next month.
1T Ia certain that this whole riparian business
IS rotten. and propose TO have {, prohed 70 ths
torney General Robert n. Mccar.er az the close
OF the hearing 'I do not care how many care
less Governors may suffer. This Record matter
Is only side show.