New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1911-04-29
DISCUSS GAYNOR CHARTER
Legislative Joint Committee Con-
siders Finance Department.
DEPUTY CONTROLLER TALKS
Proves a Stand Patter'--Citl-
zens Union Objects to Giving
More Power to Mayor.

The first hearing on the proposed new
city charter before the joint Senate anc
Assembly Cities Committee was held In
the aldermanc chamber yesterday after
noon.
Finance" occupied She day. and this
morning the Police and Fire departments
will be considered Deputy Controller
Mathewson asked that the consideration OF
financial matters be deferred until Con-
troler Prendergast returned to town.
I'VE should DO pleased TO hear you as to
any specific objections that you may have
now" said Senator Cullen. OF Kings, the
chairman. I'VE may arrange TO hear the
Controller as to his objections later on.
Mr.. Mathewson said the princial obtec-
ton to the proposed charter was to be
found in its handling OF the Department
of Finance
1t will make of the Finance Department
merely a bureau OF audit" he continued.
1T strips the department of authority
| which. we believe. has been proved neces-
sary to the city"
How does your department stand as 10
the proposal to have taxes collected twice
year,"
we favor It," replied Mr.. Mathewson.
WHO then explained that such payments
would save the city interest on special rev.
enue bonds
why do you object to placing authority
to settle claims in the Corporation Coun-
sells hands," asked Senator Cullen.
Il object 10 placing such authority in the
hands of one office"
But you would have no objections 70
vim al
ton Counsel's office and put in your hands,
would your" asked Senator SAKE.
~ would prefer TO have things remain
as they are" replied Mr.. Mathewson.
At this point Senator Stillwell, OF The
Bronx, said: we should not be obliged to
listen 10 this generalization. He has said
a great deal about what he objects TO-
think he should be obliged to point out
what he objects TO, by section and page"
Nj. Mathewson was then excused. with
the assurance that the Controller would be
heard again on Friday next.
l.. \. Tanzer, OF the law committee Of
the Citizens Union. took exceptions TO the
limiting Of the power Of the Finance De-
partment. He said the Citizens Union op-
posed the So called Gaynor charter be-
cause It provided for taking away from the
Controller much of his auditing power. As
TO transferring other powers Of the Con-
troller 10 the City Chamberlain. he re-
garded the move as unjustifable.
The Controller" ne said. has been
elected 10 serve out a term OF office. Now.
in the middle OF his term it is proposed to
take from him the power the people have
vested in him. In this respect ] call this
a ripping measure
Assemblyman Foley, chairman of the AS
sembly Cities Committee. suggested that
the Citizens Union was not consistent in
its present stand. because in the course Of
the discussion regarding the Wins charter
/ it was much in favor OF a provision trans
ferrins the care of the city treasury 70 a
city treasurer.
"As q matter Of fact, you are opposed 10
the proposed charter in its relation to finan-
Fclal matters because you believe IL con-
centrates power TOO strongly in the hands
of the Mayor through his appointive suo-
ordinatss'
That IS true" sssented Mr.. Tanner.
Henry Bruere, for the Bureau of Munich
! pal Research, said the proposed charter
makes favoriusm and graft possible by
/ permitting the Board Of Estimate 10 ap-
. departments for All purposes other than
those for salary and wages, these lump
/ sums apparently to he paid over TO the
I heads Of departments and dlsbursed by
! them without audit
! This makes possible the uncontrolled
/ expenditure of upward If $59,o00,oa0 on the
basis OF the present budget he asserted
FRANK ". Smitn, now chief clerk OF the
! Count of special sessions and tor twenty
| years attached 70 the FINANCE Department,
/ OF when ne was, und-r JOntrOuer MetZ,
! chief boOkkeeper. defended the proposed
J charter. Tine Contfouer function snodd
/ be TO audit the cltys hnances,' he said,
! and that alone.
! Assistant corporation Counsei Sterlng
/ took up the cuugeis for his chief ana
{ DEPUTY Controller Mathewson, denying the
| Al egaiion Of Mr.. Watson, made pubic ON
Thursday, 20 me effect that the city had
/ lost through the rejection Of certain adj
I iuetrnsnre of lawsuits by the Controller.