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


had conversations with man by sthe
name of Hettrick."
what is the difference between 'Het-
trick and "a man by the name Of Het-
trick?'
Il cannot remember the names Of all
the people who come to the office"
That is your best recollection?"
Eyes, and l stand on it,"
You don't want another chance?"
mo. sir, I do not"
Many questions about a letter to the
Mayor from the Journeymen Stone Cut
ters Association. which Mr.. Untermyer
said Hettrlck had drafted 10 be signed
and sent to the Mayor IL the Mayor APP
proved brought but little information
from the witness. The Mayor could not
remember whether the letter was sent or
not. II set forth that the Mayor was
much interested in the cause of union
labor and that certain special interests
10 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
House contracts were up and when AL
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 D. Tompkns
secretary of the Building Trades Coun-
ell.
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
reflecting on the city administration. and
there is no reason why any official
should be called here to make explana-
tions 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 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 a 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 1913 l 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
unwillingness 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 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 1t. And prior TO the
! calling OF the session several courthouse
! contracts were advertised. There were
rumors of the existence OF a granite
/ combination. ! requested the Commits
sioner of Accounts to make an investiga-
| ton, and sent him this letter on Iuly 26.
| 1920:
"T understand that IL the limestone
ren have to bid for granite and lime
| stone as one bid on the new court house
| Il will cost the city a great deal mora
| tlan II 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
! luilding. 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
~ to bide and bidders In regard TO the
court house matter. which is coming up
I at the meeting on Friday. or possibly on
/ thursday, as there Is a meeting at 10.
/ Give this your personal attention an i
have your men on hand when the mat
to- comes up and in a position to advis =
me. Have your men ready to be called
upon at any time.
p. Swatch these meetings and
1 be-. present.
Some questions" continued the
Mayor, were raised at this time as to
/ the financial standing and reliability OF
TIE lowest bidder of granite for the
court house. and the suggestion was
uade that the court house could be con-
! sttucted somewhat cheaper with lime