New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-04-12
MAYOR CALLS BLUFF.
PRESSES MURPHY FIGHT.
Wants Investigation of Al City
DeDGrtmPntS.

Departments.
Mayor Mcclellan yesterday called the bluff
of Charles f. Murphy. who this week caused to
be sent to the Mayors office the threat that
If the proposed investigation of the Borough
Presidents office not called off the friends
Of Borough President Ahearn would find way
to bring about an investigation of the depart
ments under Fire Commissioner Lantry and
Water Commissioner John H. OBren.
Mayor Mcclellan yesterday. after a confer
ence with Corporation Counsel Ellison. had him
send letter to Assistant Corporation Counsel
Butts. in Albany. requesting him to see the
Governor and leaders Of the Legislature and
ask for a legislative committee TO investigate all
the city departments
When the news went around last night that
the Mayor was pressing the fight between him
self and Murphy to a finish there was conster-
nation among the friends of the leader of Tam
many Hall
Borough President Ahearn has Joined forces
with Charles F. Murphy. and will stand or fall
with him There VIII be no further delay in
the investigation OF the Borough Presidents
Office. Corporation Counsel Ellison saws that
there is some doubt about the ability Of the
Commissioners Of Accounts to investigate thor
oughly the affairs of the Borough Presidents
office, and he makes it clear in his letter 20
Mr.. Butts that the Jurisdiction Of the Commits
sioners OF Accounts IS likely TO he challenged
The move by Mayor Mcclellan reveals his
determination 10 clean things up In all the de-
partments. and it is said by his friends that
he does not care what head Of department is
hurt by the investigation
The friends OF Borough President Ahcarn are
getting ready TO block the investigation by
the Commissioners Of Accounts which is sched-
uled tosbegin on Monday. They say Mr. Ahearn
cannot be forced 10 produce books and papers
unless he is so disposed. and that he VIII at
the outset refuse to obey the requests OF the
Commissioners of Accounts If it is TO his inter-
est to oppose them.
When Corporation Counsel Ellison was seen
last night he admitted he had sent letter to
Mr. Butts asking for an investigation, n prac-
ticable. of all the city departments He said
that he had taken the step after consultation
with the Mayor
Threats have been made" said Mr. Ellison.
that maybe there would be an Investigation Of
other departments II the Commissioners Of Ac-
counts were allowed TO press their proposed in
vestigation Of the Borough Presidents office
The letter sent to Mr.. Butts will speak for
itself do not care 10 make further comments
on It. The letter to Mr.. Butts is as follows:
As you have probably observed. there has been
considerable comment in connection with the pend
ing lnyestigation Of the department Of the Presi-
the powers Of the Commissioners OF Accounts are
sufficiently broad 10 enable searching and com
of Accounts @ aag are 9s5 t db h9
empowered to do IS not without some doubt. and
u may be that when the test comes their powers
to enforce obedience 10 their subpunas and compel
10 be insufficient Certain that their authority
In the premises IS being vigorously questioned,
Paton that understand I'M me o Li ana TAR IN inyes
md
other departments Of the city government.
Before this difficulty could be solved by judicial
decision-if the powers of the Commissioners Of
Accounts are, as rather expect they will be, ques
tioned-the Legislature will have adjourned.
therefore request that you ascertain. if possible.
Legislature whether In their opinions an investi.
eating committee with full powers can be secured
mncb 9nnreciafe ypnr nhtainy ily his M i1n w11
If understand the Mayor correctly. 1t is his de-.
sire that all departments be carefully examined.
but he has some doubts as to whether the powers
Of the Commissioners OF Accounts sufficient for
the purpose: This has been a matter under con
sideration for some time. and it now becomes
powers OF the Commissioners of Accounts by those
who claim to speak for the department now under
investigation.
It will be noted that the letter of the Corpora
ton Counsel makes restrictions with refer
to the investigation. The Police Depart
ment would be investigated among others If the
committee is appointed. Mayor Mcclellan
signed the Bingham Police bill yesterday. and if
it becomes law, a legislative investigation OF
the Police Department might act a sort Of
housecleaning preparatory to rcorganizing the
department
Mayor McClellans friends say that he is going
to allow Commissioner Bingham a fair trial
under the new law IL It goes into effect as seems
probable, and if the Commissioner does not make
good he will ask for his resignation before he
takes his summer vacation.