New-York tribune., 1908-03-31
MORE BERMEL CHARGES
Demand for RemoUal Filed by
Grand Jurymdn.
rBv Telesraph 70 The Tribune

Telegraph
Albany, March 3e-Another demand for the re-
rnoval from Office of Borough President Bernel or
Queens filed with Governor Hughes to-day
accompanied by charges OF misconduct IN ONCE
incompetence. neglect. waste and violation OF Id"
in his official life during 1866. 1885, and part or
1903 Christian F. thinner a member of the Janu-
airy grand jury. which took the kissena Park
case. signs the charges
One notable specification in these charges is
that BermeI failed aid the grand jury In a
thorough investigation of this scandal. but did
block its procedure with his influence and money
suppressing evidence and in refusing 10 tes-
tify."
william s Petit. of Far Rockaway. brought
these charges to Albany He is son Of Theodore
f. Petit. another member OF the grand jury, in
whose presence Mr.. thinner signed the charges IL
young Petit who brought to the Governor
last week affidavit declaring that the Kissena
Park case. which Nathan Vidaver, appointed
Special Deputy Attorney General the desgna-
tion of Attorney General Jackson. was prosecuting.
had been ended suddenly to the dissatisfaction of
some of the jurors That affidavit understood
to contain other material also. which is in
corporated in formal shape in these charges Mr.
thinner, "on information and belief charges:
l. That the said Joseph Bermel cons2ired with
others to defraud the City of New York in the
That said Joseph Bermel accepted money from
Of New York and did vote for and use his influence
In the matter of the purchase of said lands by the
B. That said Joseph Berme failed aid the
Queens County Grand Jury. January term; in its
block its procedure with his influence and money
in suppressing evidence and in refusing testify
In teStifying falsely and in removing his books Of
account from the jurisdiction.
T. That said Joseph Bermel material
ness in the investigation of said grand jury. That
while under oath said Joseph Bernel swore falsely
made by him which he sought to corroborate by
the testimony of a witness who presented apparent
upon investigation proved TO be false and fraudu-
| 5 That said Joseph Berrnei did wilfully procure
and induce Welz to commit perjury before the
said Joseph BerrneI as a public Official
s.. That said Joseph Berme did fraudulently
false Instrument or instruments in writing to wit:
M Sr G or an nd Of
@ paper or papers ,d mentioned above With intent to
upon the hearing and investigation Of the said
!. That said Joseph Berme then and there. being
the President idIT of the Borough of Queens and
him above mentioned hearing or hearings Of
said grand jury on the ground thar his answers
though such questions were directed toward his.
conduct public official
8. That said Joseph Bermel wrongfully received
money for the granting of special privileges to con-
9 That said Joseph BerrneI has demanded and
received and allowed his subordinates and
tractors and others. promising therefor immunity
from prosecution for violation of laws and ordi-
10 That he has wrongfully compelled and al
loved ms sun9rd,hares % tI ana emPloyes to compel
alton Of the receiving and signing Of contracts and
permits.
Il. That he has neglected to keep the Javenlents
streets and avenues in said borough proper re-
pair
IL. That he has allowed improper material o
lower grade than specified he used CARRYING
of contracts both highways and public build
ngs and improvements
13. That he has purchased supplies for the of
the puNsC buildings and offices in said borough
and has procured repairs TO be made thereto
travagant prices and has wasted the public moneys
and he has neglected to supervise properly the
purchase of said supplies and the making Of such
repairs or TO inspect properly such supplies when
purCha sed or such repairs when made.
Il. That he has appointed 10 office improper. In
efficient and incompetent Subordinates-
Is. That he has wrOngfullv retained upon the
payroll the names of persons performing service
and allowed them to draw salary.
Wherefore. your petitioner respectfully submits
that said Joseph Berme is unfit person 70 hold
office. and respectfully that remove the
said Joseph Bernie! from the office Of President OF
the Borough of Queens in the city OF New YORK
One request for Mr.. Bermels removal from office
now is before the Governor. 1t came from the At
torney General with affidavit OF Mr.. Nidaver.
his special representative. This arraignment de
cIared that Ferrnel be guilty of crime since
he had refused testify before the grand jury
Nothing much has been done with this. be-
cause II was understood that something more spe-
cifc was to come from the Attorney General o-
Vidaver to be substituted for IT.