The New York herald. [volume] (New York, N.Y.) 1920-1924, 1920-11-12

had conversations with a man by athe
name of Hettrick."
What is the difference between 'Het-
trick and "a man by the name of Het-
tricky"
Il cannot remember the names of all
the people who come to the office"
THAT is your best recollection?'
Eyes. and / stand on it,"
"You don't want another chance?"
mo. sir, do not"
Many questions about a letter to the
Mayor from the Journeymen Stone Cut
ters Association. which Mr.. Untermyer
said Hettrick had drafted 10 be signed
and sent to the Mayor If the Mayor APP
proved brought but little information
from the witness. The Mayor could not
remember whether the letter was sent or
not. 1t set forth that the Mayor was
much interested in the cause of union
labor and that certain special interests
TO the detriment of l-bor We're trying to
prevent employment Of certain men.
Mr.. Untermyer asked the Mayor
whether he remembered the big hurrah
meeting in City Hail. when the Court
derman Kenneally. Tammany man. made
a speech for limestone
The afternoon session ended at that
point. and the Mayor said he would make
another search for letters which the
committee might want and have them
ready when the hearing continues this
| forenoon.
AT the close Mr.. Untermyer went over
| TO the witness chair and the Mayor
leaned over the rail. They had five
minute talk. but neither would say after
ward what it was about
Mayor Reads correspondence.
The Mayor was present when the ses-
sion was called to order shortly after
10 o'clock in the Council Chamber,
where Mr.. Hylan has presided for three
years as chairman of the Board of Esti-
mate. The Mayor consented TO wait
while the committee finished up the
testimony of Roswell ID. Tompkins,
secretary of the Building Trades Coun-
Gil
When the Mayor had been sworn and
had taken his seat Mr.. Untermyer said
that in order that there be no misap-
prehension he wished to have read the
letter sent to Mr.. Hylan inviting him to
appear.
There has been nothing in any way
rejecting on the city administration, and
there is no reason why any official
should be called here to make explana-
| lions of city contracts" Senator Kap-
Ian. Democrat. interrupted The Sena-
tor made several efforts to defend the
Mayor, but did not get far.
Let's see about that" Mr.. Inter
myer said Il do not propose to be
| diverted by any personal or political
/ controversy"
The Mayor insisted upon going ahead
with the reading Of a statement and
the letters he had brought from his files
before he would consent to being ex-
amined
Then he proceeded for more than an
hour to read. His correspondence COW
cred all his letters exchanged with John
T. Hettrick, he said, with various Off
Gals dealing with city contracts and
with Mr.. Untermyer and the Lockwood
committee relative to the inquiry. and
all tended to show that the Mayor had
been anxious to give all possible assist
ance in running down crooked builders
and aiding the Legislative inquiry.
Mayor Goes Back TO 1918.
There have been attempts made to
| convey the impression" the Mayor 5
statement began. that I have been dila-
tory in taking action in connection with
| the resembling of school and other con-
tracts, as well as an attempt TO withhold
from publication the contents of letter
sent to me by John T. Hettrick.
80 that the housing committee may
know what action has been taken TO help
solve the housing question and protect
the city's interests. I wish to state that
some time during the year 1918 I dis
cussed with Mr. Nathan Hirsch. who
was at that time chairman of n commit
tee appointed by me and known as the
/ Mayors Committee on Taxation and the
Investigation of Mortgage Loans, the
question of rents and mortgages and the
unwilingness or inability OF the lending
| companies to advance money on building
| loans. Mr.. Untermyer was invited to
aid the committee. which invitation
| he accepted"
Here the Mayor read a copy of a let
| ter he wrote TO Mr.. Untermyer then
commencing him warmly.
I'm the summer of the year 1920"
continued the Mayor. the housing situa-
ton became so acute that the Governor
called special session Of the Legisla-
ture TO deal with It, And prior to the
! calling OF the session several courthouse
contracts were advertised. There were
rumors OF the existence OF granite
combination. / requested the Commits
sioner of Accounts to make an investiga-
ton. and sent him this letter on .tuly 26.
1920
understand tnaI 1T lne H'NeslOHe
r.en have TO bid for granite and lime
stone as one bid on the new court house
| Il will cost the city a great deal NOR"
| tl:an IL the granite and limestone are bid
! for separately. The limestone men have
/ Ia go TO the granite men to get granite,
and the granite men will soak them
/ because they want granite for the whole
| l,uilding. Give this your immediate "a
/ tcntion, as these contracts are coming
/ up in the near future
Explains Limestone Contract.
THE following letter was addressed 20
/ the Commissioner Of Accounts on Au-
/ gust 4, 1920:
Enclosed please find memorandum
u, to bide and bidders I'm regard TO the
court house matter. which is coming up
/ at the meeting on Friday. or possibly on
I thursday as there Is a meeting al ia
I Give this your personal attention an i
/ have your men on hand when the mat
| to- comes up and In position to advise
me Have your men ready to be called
I upon at any time.
/ ''P Swatch these meetings and
be. present.
Some questions" continued the
Mayor were raised at this time as to
the financial standing and reliability OF
tire lowest bidder of granite for the
court house. and the suggestion was
nade that the court house could be con-
sttucted somewhat cheaper with lime
stone, which was Just as durable, and