New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1912-08-06


movement for the investigation. was
named as chairman. He is kepuo-
Iican. az are Folks, Hamilton. Ester
brook. Downing and Shipley. Bowling
smith and Kenney are Democrats.
Alderman Bowling. the leader ~ the
Democratic minority, insisted that inc
Democrats ought to have four OUT o.
the nine members OF the committee,
but had to be satisfied with three.
Watson To Be Present.
c.rporation Counsel Watson. wn'
made a speech before the board, ratne,
hacked down from MS attitude Of a few
days age. when ~ asserted that Ii
WIS MS province TO act as counsel TO.
the committee. He SAID yesterday that
he was willing ~ have another man
aupolnted TO act as counsel, but thc'
me should insist upon his rights in be
ing uresent IN person or by representa-
tive whenever the committee took ans
testimony. 70 examine witnesses and
have such additional witnesses eailcl
as h might consider necessary.
In his speech the Corporation Ccun.
sol acknowledged that graft and cor
ruption might he found TO exist, ana
So did Alderman Dowlins tho Tam
many leader. Both proclaimed their
desire 70 have the inquiry pushed re-
ientlessly, that Il might uncover ever
tAing Of rottenness that there NIGH
&c.
The Cooperation Counsel did not pre-
tend 10 say ne had the right 20 dictet'
who the special counsel should be, Ou'
said he would be glad t. co-operut.
with the committee in getting the
proper man. Alderman Downing holds
the view that any man appointed
would necessarily have to h- "a -pec!a
Assistant Corporation Counsel am
that ~ that way Mr. Watson could d.
rect the. work.
Chairman Currau Said last uig.'
that no fear nor favor would bee show
in pushing the inquiry, no matter whom
Il might reach. Alderman bowling eX
pressed the willingness Of the Tam
many men 20 cooperate by declaring
that they woulc vote for anything mr.
10 SLOoO.pvo Il that much should b.
necessary 10 carr on IN" inquir,
properly.
Lawyers Talent Vital.
Alderman Curran SAID last might ih-'
no consideration had been given to th,
objection OF d counsel. but that II
would he taken az al once. lie real
ties that this first step 10 one o. ~,
most important that the committe,
has 10 take a on the wisdom shown
IL the selection OF q counsel viii de-
pend TO a large extent the success ~
failure OF the Investigation 20 get re-
suits.
Some one suggested 20 Alderman
Currau thai president John Purroy
Mitchel 81 the Board of Aldermen
might make an excellent counsel. ll
view OF the record as al iuGuleItor that
ne had as Commissioner Oh Accounts
II was the general impression. however
that the suggestion was not feasible
The charter provides thai no city officer
hold an other Office under the city Il
was suggested that Mr. Mitchell nigh
serve without pay. but that might moi
meet the charter provisions.
Under the terms OF tho resolution IN,
special committe, IS directed % "ln-
quire whether the laws and ordinances
OF the city relating to the Police De
partment o. the city OF New York ar,
the duties ~ officers OF such depart
ment are being faithfully discharged
anc 10 examine and report whethei
there are any unnecessary inefficient OF
unfit employees of such department. am
generally H. respect Of any and all mat
tiers which will conduce TO the orderly
and economical administration OF IN,
affairs Of the Police Department
Carefully and Slowly
Speaking ~ tho work OF the commit
q
tee. Alderman Curran said last night.
We appreciate the gravity or he fagi
ahead OF us, ana We Expect to approach
IL IN a most earnest spirit w expect 4.
70 slowly ard carefully. bu' AK we wer'
appointed for work we snail set down L
business AZ soon az possible. We WI
push the inquiry along as fast rs We coi
without emba rras sing the District Att1r
ney IN MS criminal prosecution OF th'
| Roeenthai case. We shall do everything
IN our power 10 aid the District Attornei
and 10 avoid anything that might ninde
| him.
The fusion members OF the board arr
extremely pleased al the ASSURANCES %
support from no democrats and th'
CORPORATION Counsel We will welcom'
| q ssjstarce from every one IN a position
! to help us We must ask patience on ~
part OF the public. however. as our tasi
lis not one that can De- accomplished In
short time.
Before we get through We shall 20 Il
the bottom OF eVerything germanc 20 thi
inouirv and shall spare nobody We mus
and will have the facts and Will not b'
taiked in our duty 70 the public.
II il is possible for him 10 arrans'
an appointment Alderman Curran vii
have a conference with the Distric