The New York herald., 1921-08-12

Except that it ought TO be flexible
\ II ought TO be very flexible"
You don't remember receiving any
written suggestion in reply to your
communication to the different heads oi
| departments
There may be written communica-
tions. but just now 1 don't remember"
| And II you have. will you give them
TO me?"
Yes. sir send them to you. sir
Have you given any attention to
economies that have been worked in the
| state and national Governments"
II saw the papers stated that there
were"
did you have any means of knowing
what they were. except from what the
papers stated?
"No; sometimes the papers would
state there was reduction in State
governmental expenses, and next day
II would state that there was nothing
| in it,
What was your own conclusion?"
That there was not much of re-
duction."
You did not understand that the cost
of State Government was reduced by
SIS. 100000 this last year?"
WELL 1t was reduced some, but It
did not reflect very much on New York
City"
1T did not reflect very much on the
direct tax. you mean?"
Il would not say one way or another,
there was not such a great reduction"
Have you observed any tendency at
Washington to economize in depart
ments?'
Yes"
You understand they are making
great efforts to economize there?"
''Yes. sir"
And with some success?'
And you understand that in both
the State and nation the result Of these
efforts will be decrease In the cost of
government
Yes. sir, I think so'
Don't you think that in view of the
reduction In wages generally by large
employees. and the reduction In State
Government and in national Govern
ment. there Is some way that we can
arrive at some reduction In the cost of
government in the City of New York;"
Not by reducing salaries to en-
ployees and per diem men,"
Tries to Eliminate Employees.
Nor by reducing the number of en-
ployees?"
We'll. that is different question.
We are trying to eliminate from time
to time the number Of employees"
Il have read these letters which you
sent out from time to time with the view
to calling your attention to the very
strenuous declarations that you have
made in favor Of reducing the cost Of
Government. the great necessity of doing
60 fnr. - k1,0n ovSd
I have read them in connection with your
repeated recommendations which looked
tofthe increase OF the cost OF Government
and | understand you to say that so far
as you are concerned you don't see how
any decrease from year to year can be
made. 1t must increase?"
P'In regard to the personnel"
"I am talking about the totai'
The total. that is different"
Independent of mandatory leGisla-
tion?"
"The cost OF supplies and materials
of that kind is going down and conse-
quently the cost of government Will be
reduced to that extent"
"I know that will be an element. but
you don't yourself look for any decrease
in the budget from year to year. 1t Is
mere question of how much 1t will
increase"
II don't look for any decrease In the
personnel OF the budget except in so far
as we can do without filling vacancies
that arise from time to time and consol-
idating activity. If we get that power"
The Mayor spoke up loud and clearly
in favor OF three weeks vacation for all
city employees He said hc had not had
a vacation himself for three YEARS and
wanted other city employees to have one.
"The Mayor Is having vacation now"
Senator Downing remarked.
What do you call those trips you had
to Palm Beach," Senator Meyer asked
"I promised my wife would take her
on a vacation in the winter and had to
make good the promise. ] was away ten
days once or twice and fifteen days
once, but / have not had regular va
cation"
1--WE won't hold that UP against you
we will not ask you to apologize Tor
that" Senator Brown said.
Mr.. Brown explained that the exami-
nation had proceeded along lines he had
not anticipated and therefore he wished
a few days to study new records before
continuing the questioning Of the Mayor
and adjournment was taken 20 next