New-York tribune., 1907-04-18
MUST DO OWN PROBING.
MAYOR HAS THE POWER.
GOUeTnOr Hughes Sends Back Eli
son 5citk This Message.
IBy Telegraph to The Tr.bune.l

Albany April 17.-GOvernOr Hughes sent Cor
poration Counsel Ellison of New York City back
10 Mayor Mcclellan to-day with the message 20
do his own investigating. The Governor de-
clared that the Mayor had power to investigate
departments through'hs appointed officers. The
Commissioners Of Accounts had power to investi-
gate all departments. and if any power properly
aPpertaining TO the Mayor in. the spirit OF the
charter was lacking. he would be glad TO recon-
mend legislation which would give that power
Mr.. Ellison called on the Governor this after
as Mayor McCIeIlan's accredited repre-
sentative He told OF conditions in New York
city departments. dwelling especially on the
Ahearn disclosures, and urged the Mayors sug-
gestion for general legislative investigation Of
all departments
To this Governor Hughes replied that the
Mayor ought to be able to attend to his own
troubles He pointed out that the Commission
ers Of Account had investigating powers sim
liar to the state Investigators provided for IA
the MoreIand bill.
There is no necessity in my Judgment. for a
legislative investigation said the Governor so
far as heads OF departments are responsible to
the Mayor, he is IN position to make full
inquiry, and he may remove any officer who re-
fuses to give him all the information necessary
TO disclose the condition Of his department
Generally. with regard TO all the city depart
ments. including those in charge Of elected off,
GERS, it the intent OF the charter that the
Commissioners of Account. who are responsible
to the Mayor. should have full opportunity for
investigation. / believe that these commission
ers have full power to investigate all the city
departments.
Further, if the information thus obtained war
rants the presentation of charges with suitable
specifications against any city officer removable
by me- such charges can be presented and the
matter investigated in accordance with law It
should be distinctly understood that the Mavo~
has full authority through his appointed officers
10 investigate the city departments and is re-
sponstble for making all necessary Inquiries to
insure the proper administration Of the citv
government IT, however it can be shown that
in any respect the power IS lacking that clearly
the trainers of the charter intended TO give the
Mayor in this particular. then the power should
be supplied. and l shall be glad TO recommend
any legislation which may be found necessary
for that purpose
Mr.. Ellison after his conference with tbs
Governor. said that Governor Hughes was a
good lawyer Il agree with him without any
reservation IN his construction of the powers
Of the Mayor and the commissioners of ac-
counts. to make formal charges against the
borough presidents or any other officials in
similar places" said he. Undoubtedly il will
be pleasing TO the Mayor, if he finds the powers
given 10 him by the charter inadeuuate to
know that legislation may be had ampHfying
them so he may investigate every department.
as fully as the Governor a legislative com
mittee could
He said he was glad the Governor had referred
to tie Mayors prsferring charges to HIM against
officials II ground We're given. This was hts
own view. He said that tomorrow. unless the
plans had been changed the special counsel con-
Quoting the Ahearn investigation would bring
out testimony seriously affecting the situation;
and If any of the disclosures warranted the
charges TO the Governor he was certain they
would be made.