New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-02-16
BILL TO PROBE
CITY INTRODUCED
Committee of Nine Mem
bers with $4,000 for
Expenses Proposed.
SITUATION HERE
CALLED APPALLING
Similar Investigation of Legis.
lature's Finances Suggested
by Senator Bennett.

trrom s',- Correspondent. ~ IN. Tribune
Albany, Feb. ia concurrent reso-
luton providing for legislative in
vestigation Of New York's finances was
introduced in the Senate tonight by
Senator Robert x. lawson. of Brooklyn.
The resolution, which was referred TO
the Finance Committee without discus
sion. reads as follows:
Resolved Of the Assembly concur,
That Joint committee Of the Senate
and Assembly is hereby created, TO
consist OF four members Of the Senate,
TO be appointed by the President Of the
Senate, and five members OF the As
sembly. to be appointed by the Speaker
Of the Assembly, 20 investigate and eX-
anime into the Department of Finance
OF the City Of New York and kindred
departments, their functions and or
ganization. with view 10 ascertaining
what changes. II any. In such organiza-
tion and administration are advisable
in the interests Of the taxpayers and
the citizens thereof
"Such committee shall make its re-
port 10 the Legislature thereon az
speedily as possible and may recon-
any, as the committee may deem
proper.
"it is further resolved that such
committee is hereby authorized to
choose from its members chairman
and is authorized to sit. after the sd-
journment of the Legislature II neces.
sary, within and outside the city OF
Albany. TO subpoena and compel the
attendance Of witnesses. including pun
lie officers and employees, and to re
quire the production of such books and
papers. including any public records or
document. pertaining to the subject OF
the investigation; 10 take and near
proofs and testimony. and to have all
the powers that legislative commit
tee is provided by legislative law, IN
Guiding the adoption Of rules for the
conduct OF its proceedings. Such com
mittee may employ secretary, coun-
sel, stenographer, an expert accountant
and such other employees as may be
necessary for the purposes of the IN
vestgation.
Want $4,000 for Expenses.
at is further resolved that the sum
of $4,000, or so much thereof as may
be necessary, shall be paid from the
funds appropriated for the contingent
expenses Of the Legislature by the treas
urer on the warrant Of the Control
Ter, and upon the certificate Of the
chairman of such committee. for the
expenses of such committee and its in
vestigation.'
Prior to the introduction Of the Law
son resolution, during debate on the
bill introduced by Senator Ogden l..
Mills. Of New York. providing for
fifth deputy police commissioner, SEN
ator Robert f. Wagner, the minority
leader. aided by other Democrats, criti-
cised the extravaganza of the. city.
"An appalling situation confronts
US" said Senator Wagner. Here IN
New York City we have funded debt
Of 81 900, 5000 1t is due TO de-
hatchery OF real estate speculation on
the part Of the city and not to any
mandatory legislation passed here"
Senator Bennett introduced reso-
luton providing for a similar investi-
cation Of the Legislature. In his reso-
luton, which was also referred to the
Finance Committee, he asks for COM
mittee Of five, three Assemblymen and
two Senator'S. He believes there are
too many employees. committee clerks
and the like in the Legislature, that
the expenditures for printing and sup
plies are eXtravagant, and that $780,
coo annually could be saved If greater
care were taken.