New-York tribune., 1921-01-13
Some Indications

on mere fishing expedition. If
there is not substantial basis for
an inquiry, if there is not strong
presumption that matters of mo-
ment would be uncovered, then, it
will be conceded, there is no justifi-
cation for an investigation. Those
who ask for an investigation are
willing to meet this issue squarely.
What are the grounds for the be-
lief that light should be thrown into
the innermost recesses of the Hylan
administration? They are numer-
GUS, so numerous that full list can
hardly be given within the limits of
single newspaper article.
Commissioner Bugher, the first
head Of the Hylanized Police Depart
ment, resigned, because, as he de-
clared, he was not allowed to do
his duty. Then Richard Enright
came in. What he has done and
failed to do the Legislature knows.
A grand jury is sitting and large
number of indictments are fore
shadowed. Deputy Police Commits
sioner O'Grady Indignantly retired
only few weeks ago because no
longer able to endure the rotten
ness. The case against the Police
Department is established.
Commissioner Amster of the
Health Department quit in disgust,
indicating that he had sufficiently
learned what his sponsors expected
and required.
Commissioner Day Of the Market
Department vainly struggled to do
something to lower the cost of liv-
ing. But the food prohteers, backed
by the city administration, were
too strong for him. Nor has the
public forgotten the testimony di-
rectly involving the highest func-
tionaries Of Tammany Hall in the
glucose case. In private litigation
it was disclosed how improper allot-
ments were secured.
In the Department of Docks
political favorites were caught red
handed in transactions involving
pier leases.
The School Department has been
the arena of strange conflicts be-
tween the board members who took
orders from the City Hall and those
who resisted pressure. 1t is sugges-
tive that those who stood against
the Mayor were the members who
most command public confidence.
The Lockwood testimony showed
that Hettrick, supported by the
Mayor, was concerned about the be-
stowai Of school contracts.
In the Board of Aldermen, as was
brought out during the debate over
the resolution asking for legisla-
tive investigation, Alderman Ken
neatly, vice-chairman of the board
and vigorous supporter of the
Mayor, is secretary of the Building
Trades Council, Of which Robert
Brindell, now on trial, is president.
Commissioner Whalen was part
ner in the concern which was al
lowed to use the courthouse excava-
tion, dug at great public expense
az dump for ashes. David Hirsch-
field, the Mayors right-hand man as
Commissioner of Accounts, is under
Indictment. So is Solovei, Assistant
Corporation Counsel and another
special friend of the Mayor Thus
It Is down the line-in the License
Bureau, in the Department of Plant
and Structures and elsewhere.
a common disease suggests a
common source of infection, and with
respect to New York's misgovern,
nent all odors lead direct to the City
Hall. On what theory is it possible
to explain the affiuence of City Hal
fs~oritss?
Then there is negative evidence
Why has the City Hall so frenzied
a desire to escape investigation
Why, when the Lockwood committee
struck "pay dirt" did the Mayor
suddenly salt an investigation mine
Of his own and try to sell its stock:
Why is he so irritated because Mr.
Swami called in Mr.. Whitman tc
conduct the grand jury investigation
OF the Police Department? Why is
he determined to keep Rule 184
Of the Police Department in forcei
Preceding neither the Lexow, the
Mazet, the Stevens nor the Arm
strong Investigations was there
fnarshaIled 10 strong a presumptivc
case an now exists against the Hy-
Ian administration. Any member Of
the Legislature VITO has honest
4ouhts 0k ~ pesd n An invsstie6-
n Az & 4 i I y u I, 9Isssgssg I. 4.