New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1921-04-13
Funds Refused.
Whitman Nav
Drop Inquiry
Estimate Board Committee
Declines TO Advance $2O,-
600 Needed TO Cover Ex-
pense of Further Probing
Indefinite Jury Recess
Conferences OH Continual
ton Of Police Graft En-
pose Apparently Futile

The refusal of the committee on
finance and budget of the Board of
Estimate to advance second $4,000
to defray the expenses of the Whit
man investigation Of the Hylan admin
istration will probably cause ex-Gov-
ernor Charles NJ. Whitman to dscon-
tinue his investigation to-day.
The Tribune learned unofficially
yesterday that the former Govern or
cannot proceed with his inquiry with
out financial aid. The Board of Esti-
mate committee at its meeting Monday
denied the request of District Attorney
Swami for an additional $4,000
Several conferences were held yes
terday in the office OF the District
Attorney, the mats being thoroughly
threshed out. Mr.. Whitman has con-
Quoted his inquiry with the assistance
of former Magistrate Frederick J..
Groehl, Arthur NJ. King and William
Chilvers, each of whom has received
$500 weekly. Mr.. Whitman has re-
ceivcd 81 900 weekly.
Cannot Use Swann's Men
The former Governor has been un-
able to call upon members of District
Attorney Swann's staff, because. it is
said, they have been antagonistic to
him and would not have entered whole
heartedly into the work had they been
assigned to it,
The belief that the inquiry is to be
abandoned Immediately was strength
ened when, it was learned that the
extraordinary grand jury, which has
returned the indictments on evidence
submitted by Mr.. Whitman and his
assistants has gone into an indefinite
recess. 1t will not reconvene except
at the call of Judge Grain.
William Sloan Coffin is foreman of
the jury, and its membership comprises
other prominent New Workers. Twenty
four indictments have been returned.
and it has been successful in exposing
numerous instances of graft and cor
ruptlon in the Police Department.
Inquiry Begun January
MIR. Whitman assumed charge of the
municipal investigation January +, hay
ing been appointed by the District At
torney He was indicted into Office
as special assistant and counsel and
as Deputy Assistant District Attorne.
HIS authority has been absolute.
He was harassed at the outset. how
ever, by lack Of cooperation from va
rious city officials. His work was
hampered considerably before the re-
scinding Of Rule 1874 Of the Police De
partment. This rule, in effect, ordered
all policemen on duty with any nvesti-
eating body to report the findings of
that body each day to the Police Com
missioner.
On March Z, after revelations of graft
within city departments had been made
Mr.. Whitman stressed the need for a
legislative investigation into affairs of
New York City.
Conditions in this city" he said at
that time, "now are such that a legis-
latIve Investigation properly conducted
would so en'ighten the people as to
the acts of their chosen officials that
sreat, good would unquestonably re-
suit"
Most of the indictments returned hv
the extraordinary grand jury on evil
dence submitted by the former Gov
ernor have been against members of
the Police Department.