New-York tribune., 1907-09-17
REPLIES TO SYRACUSE.
j. ". SuLLiuam Explains Report to
Ci1ic Federation.

Syracuse. Sent Is (Special).--The MaNor ana
Chamber Of Commerce up in arms against J.
W Sullivan. editor Of 'The Clothing Trades Bui-
leti1'' New York and Of the commission on
public ownership and operation appointed oy IiI0
National Civic Federation 70 study municlpaI OWL
ership in America and Great Britain, because ne
gave an opinion the report Of the commission
work IN Syracuse in which, It is alleged. ne SAID
that the city was politically rotten and deoauched
The Mayor wants Mr. Sullivan TO retract bis stare
rnents or give proof TO substantiate his charges
Mr. Sullivan has sent a reply to E w Benis. OF
Cleveland. chairman of the committee OF -FOUR on
summaries Of the reports OF the commission, who
viii sit as an arbfter in the case
Mr. Sullivan and Professor John r Commons, OF
Wisconsin University. had the task OF presenting
certain phases the labor investigation conducted
bv the commission. The commission had invited
him TO go to Syracuse to ascertain specifically
among other points. what was the relation OF the
Water Department to politics Professor Commons
who differed with him in the Interpretation OF their
duties as investigators, visited Syracuse Two
months later and extended the Of the investi-
f-a+;an So As 70 include the alleged relations be-
tween the privately operated franchise under
takings Of the city and politicians or political ma
chimes.
Professor Commons investigated the workings Of
fhe Lighting and traction companies and inserted
his findings in the Joint report Of municipal con-
ditlons in Syracuse signed By him and Mr Sullivan
Ar Sullivan allowed these points against the light
ing and traction company to go into his report on
positive of their truth This he atterward appeared
TO regret. as the findings of Professor Commons
In their joint report were apparently committing
him TO assertions which he did not intend 70 make
and which were later interpreted by ihe Syracuse
press as sweeping condemnation OF the entire
administration CT the city
While he in Great Britain Mr.. Sullivan
asked TO summarize a review OF his report IN a
cable message. His report was too long for the
correspondent TO digest IN day. and. appar-
lpxara f4-T7+
stirring matter. the newspaper found It in
the words Syracuse political rottenness" and
politically debeuched'' The Syracuse press had
evidently taken this message OF condemnation TO
apply 10 all the departments Of the city, whereas
Mr.. SulIivans message was his opinion OF the
Water Department administration only.
Mr.. Sullivan says he will stand by the report he
made that .the testimony 10 political rotten
ness" in the Syracuse municipality operated Water
Department was conclusive and that the wage
rystera Of that department 'debauched''
TT must be remembered said Mr.. Sullivan.
that used the words rotten and debauched'
one judging from his accustomed standards II
any trade union IN America should engage 10
investigate fits administrative Offices. and found
that fts officials custouarily imposed assessments
on the union clerks and organizers, recognized
without Interference the purchase Of votes. per-
rnftted ring influence 10 i'll all high places.
cepted outside contributions for union campaign
funds and connived at favoritism. sinecurism and
evasion of union law IN obtaining work, should
deuounce such a state of affairs as strongly as
language permitted.
Il call on the citizens of Syracuse TO remember
that every one Of these coUnts-of political asses
rnent machine influence, etc.-was conceded
rotorsousIy true in the editorial columns OF The
Syracuse Herald of July IL While certain po-
Ttical evils which, The Herald says, Syracuse
shares with other American cities. continue, II
would be folly 10 enter on a course Of municipal
ownership hoping for political reform through IN
creasing enormously the power Of the politicians
Mr. Sullivan said that the Syracuse municipal
water supply was chosen by the Municipal Owner
slip advocates IS one Of the American models Of
administrative excellence and political purity He
considers that he has performed a public duty in
exposing the political atmosphere that existed in
that CITY From his investigation Of the cities IN
Europe that are trying TO maintain pure municipal
ownership he believes that in good results Amer
Is fehtudhand