New-York tribune., 1907-10-25
AHEARN CASE CLOSED.
Borough President Under Cross
Examination Thirteen Hours.

Albany, Oct. 24.--President John r. Ahearn Of the
Borough of Manhattan left the witness stand be-
fore Governor Hughes $40 p. to-day, after a
total Of thirteen hours of minuely searching cross
examination A few minutes later the end Of
the long hearing of the charges preferred by the
city Club of New York against him a result Of
the renort by Mayor McCIean's Commissioners of
Accounts Of their investigation of the several bu
Teaus OF the borough government.
President Ahearn has been indsposed since last
night. and during the last few hours OF the cross
examination evidently in bodily pain
but he refused to permit his counsel to ask for a
recess. At the close of tho hearing he said TO
Governor Hughes:
Governor, matter what conclusion you may
reach to removing me from Office I want TO
thank you for the consideration you have shown
me throughout this hearing"
NO oral argument. or summing up. was made by
counsel on either side, and the Governor gave them
until Monday. November H. to file briefs. caution
ing them that he would receive nothing from either
side after that date He gave no intimation as TO
his decision, but complmeuted counsel botn Sides
upon their conduct OF the case.
Nelson s. Spencer of counsel for the city Club
conducted the cross-eXamnaton. with ineXorably
minute persistence assisted by Charles II. Strong
President Ahearn stoutly held his ground. and the
result was number OF sharp tits between counsel
and witness Martin w L4ttletou and Charles ~
Collin, Ahearns counsel. interviewed only or
twice. Governor Hughes listened intently. and sell
dom took his gaze from the face o. the accused
official Those who had expected that he would
eXauliua the Borough President disappointed
The only important question the Governor asked
this afternoon had reference to the firms furnishing
supplies to the borough departments.
do you still deal with the Metropolitan Equip
ment Supply Company?'' asked the Governor.
II don't think so" replied Mr. Ahearn.
When did you discontinue"
Il believe when Mr. Thompson. the Com
missioner of Public Works took charge.
Replying Mr. Spencer. President Ahearn said
that the open orders. without contracts. given
firms than formerly. and that efforts
were made now TO obtain contracts and competitive
bidding for many supplies formerly purchased on
open orders.
President Ahearn admitted that he knew little
about the details OF any of his bureaus. trusted his
appointees implicitly. and did not closely scrutinize
acquisitions. orders, vouchers payr1lls. relying
upon the reports and recommendations OF his sub
ordinates and upon the vigilance OF the Controllers 5
office to exortionate charges for supplies or
work furnished. until disclosures through the In
yestication by the Commissioners Of Accounts
opened his eyes 70 evils in the departments under
his jurisdiction Then he demanded the designations
of several of the bureau officials.
When Mr.. Spencer demanded to know what steps
he would take improve certain conditions, the
Borough President replied looking straight into the
Governors eyes, That depends on the future.