New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1912-09-14
commissioner Promises Affl-
dayit to Prove That Promo
tion to Inspector Was
Priced at $4,000.
SITS TIGHT ON IMMUNITY
Will Neither Waive Nor Claim
privilege-Calls Civil Service
system Responsible for Al
legged "Undesirables
He Appointed.

commissioner Rhinelander Waldo OF
,hs Police Department could hardly
rave shown more punctilious respect
,,r military discipline If he had been
.astifving before a court martial than
no aid when appearing as civilian
ritness for two hours Yesterday before
,bc aldermanic committee which is in
vpstigatine the graft situation. His
military bearing from the time he
,ook the oath. with his hand drawn
quickly and rlgidly up in tho semhlauce
Of attention" until he was excused
from the stand at the close of the ses-
sion never deserted him.
Perhaps the early sdmonition OF En-
o,v r. Buckner chief counsel 10 the
committee, for the witness to confino
himself strictly and briefly TO answer
ing the questions, was prompted by the
inclination of Mayor Gaynor, who was
witness at the first session 1f the
committee. on Tuesday. TO indulge IN
stump speeches" II proved unneces-
sary. however, in the case Of the Po-
lice Commissioner. as he answered his
inoujsitor with a precision and prompt
ness beftting an officer of the line.
Nr. Waldo was the second witness
10 appear before the committee pursu-
ant TO the present plan of the inves-
tgstors first 20 look into the admins
trative affairs Of the Police Depart
ment. There was a larger crowd OF
curious spectators on hand in the al
dermanic chamber. where the hearings
are held, than came 10 greet the Mayor
when he testified. That may have been
one reason why the Commissioner got
more hands" but ii was noticeable
that as he swung down the centre
aisle with shoulders squared and a
cordial smile for every one, the ap-
plause was louder and longer than the
chief executive Of the city received
when he entered the council chamber.
Tie Police Commissioner stood up
smiling and eager while Henry II. Cur
TAU, GIidiTIllCIl VI AAt iOliilibitltF.
ministered the oath. When Mayor Gay
nor was sworn he remained seated in
the witness chair with a solemn and
serious demeanor.
Temper Under Control.
An AMIGA ole feeling between counsel
and witness prevailed through most Of
the examination. Only once did Mr..
Waldo show some heat in his answers.
That was when Mr. Buckner inquired
pointedly il the Commissioner was will
ing 10 waive any immunity which
might grow out Of his appearance be-
fore the committee The Commis-
sioner would not answer the question
directly for some time, until he finally
snapped out:
Il neither claim nor waive immunity.
j regard the question merely as
sratuitous insult on the part Of the
committee"
DIR. Buckner commented.
Mr. Buckner's examination was al
most entirely confined TO ouizzing the
Commissioner as TO his reasons for
abolishing the bureau in the depart
aeat which used to examine into the
character Of each applicant on the civil
service list for a place on the force, in
View Of the forty-five cases which the
committees counsel had on hand Of
men who had been found morally unfit
oy Commissioner Cropsey. Commits
sionsr Waldo's predecessor, but practi-
caHy all Of whom had been appointed
Continued On third page. third column.