The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-03-05
PR0BERS SEEK
BENSEL In VAIN
Sullivan Committee Loses
Week Searching for
Official.
LOCATION A MYSTERY
Commissioner Carlisle Will
BE on the Witness
Stand To-day.
NEW LAWS TO BE ASKED
Meeting To-day to Decide on
Remedial Measures to
Eliminate Graft.
NEW LAWS TO BE ASKED

ALBANY, March Process servers OF
the Assembly have been seeking state En-
gin,er John 4. Bense for a week without
success, according to a statement made
tonight by John L. Sullivan Of Chau-
tauaua chairman OF the committee.
What d, you want to question Mr..
Bensel about Mr.. Sullivan was asked.
"I wouldn't want to say" he answered.
Mr. sullivan admitted that the commit
tee had a new line Of investigation which
is expected 10 turn out something inter-
es;ing and said that he hoped to be able
to locate Mr.. Bensel SO that he can tes-
tlfy next week.
Mr.. Bensl astonlshed many persons
two weeks ago by refusing to sign
waiver OF immunity when asked TO by
District Attorney whitman OF New York
before tes;ifying before the John Doe in
vestigat!on there.
Chairman Sullivan said that inquiries
at Mr.. Bensel's office ELECTED the informa-
ton that he was on the barge canal on an
inspection trip. Further Inquiries brought
an answer TO the effect that he was In
New York. Mr.. Bensel's secretary. James
G. Neville, said yesterday that Mr.. Bensel
probably was stalled by heavy SHOWS in
the woods somewhere.
The committee will hold Its final session
tomorrow before submitting a prelimi-
nary report to the Assembly embodyins
general recommendations for remedial laws
governing the State Highways Depart
mont designed to eliminate politics and
graft
New Laws To he Urged.
! Chief among the recommendations will
be the following:
! A three headed non-partisan highway
commission similar to the Hughes COM
mlttee legislated out OF Office In 1911.
/ Placing every employee Of the High
ways Department under strict civil service
supervision. even down TO deputy COM
missioners and division engineers.
Making II felony for a contractor
doing business with the State, directly OF
indirectly. through n firm or otherwise
to make political contributions. and max
Ing IL a felony to receive such contri
buttons.
Making 1t a felony for any person OF
organization 10 fail to Ale complete
list Of all moneys received and expended
as election contributions or expenses thus
putting teeth" into the corrupt prac
tees act.
District Attorneys shall pay more at
tention to prosecuting cases affecting tn
body polItic-crmes aimed directly Al
! t.,
affecting few people, such as assault case
and the like.
Other drastic amendments will be rec
commended. The report will probably
be submitted to the Legislature on Fri
day. although Chairman Sullivan says
may 20 In tomorrow.
Within "A few more days bills will b.
introduced carrying out the recommends
|, tions OF the committee. A resolution will
, be introduced by Chairman Sullivan ask
, ing that the life OF the committee he ex
tended for the rest of the year. so tina
Il can make full report to the mex
Legislature. Mr.. sullivan promises start
ling testimony when the committee get
to work.
I'VE have found things In the Stat
| departments WHICH up
man with gun In dark alley loo
like child's play" said the committee
chairman.
Carlisle Will Re- q Witness.
When the committee meets to-morro'
morning John n. Carlisle. State Highwa
> Commissioner. will be the witness. Tn
committee wants to clear up missing link
, In the testimony taken at the variou
3 Highways Department Investigations
I'VE want 10 make sure what the sir
!, OF omission and commission are, so this
$ they may be corrected" said Mr., Sullivan
D As the members OF the committee wi
be busy for the rest OF the season wit
a their ordinary legislative duties It Is nj
: believed that they will be very active
. their Investigations. The delay howeve
will give their counsel. John X. and Rogt
=. Clark. time in which TO get evidence.
1t IL said that tho State Excise Depar
ment. OF which w. w. Farley OF Bingh
ton Is Commissioner, will be investigate
as soon as the committee finishes with Il
: Highways Department.