The New York Herald Newspaper, September 20, 1871, Page 3

TANMAAT'S ARTY, | Latest PPces of the Muni- “cipal War. THE MAYOR ACSEPTS THE INEVITABLE, Important Statement of In- junction Foley. Connolly's Cool and Candid ’ Confession. » “Slippery Dick” Penitent, but Revengeful. The Tammany Samson Who Will Ke Die in the Ruins. “LITTLE MAG” DECLINES TO HELP HAL, OGormen’s Opinion as Is an Opinion. Reported Prosecution of Swin- dling Contractors. Fernando Wood’s Balsam for the Bruised Democracy. The Council of Seventy Con- gratulates Green. THE JOINT COMMITTEE INTERVIEWED, Boones at The Boss Lair—Sights‘at the Comp- troller’s Citadel—Sounds at the Mhyor’s Castle—Whisperings Around “Phe Equire's” Eyrie, VOx POPULI. The mystery of the Ring is solved at last. The house divided against itself has fallen with @ crash Whioh must bury every vestige of its mushroom architecture in the ruins, Notwithstanding the avxicty with which every development in the war upon Tammany has been watched by the people, and the fever beat of the public pulse, events have Marched with a rapidity which beggars all previous break-ups of the kind. It recalls forcibly the Arab ‘kegend wherein at the rubbing of the ring a power- ful genius appears of migity power, The “Ring” been rubbed rather hard, and THE GENIUS OF THE PEOPLE has appeared. Here the simile sails, for the genius of the people breaks the ‘Ring’? which chained it, ¥rom the hour that the injunction was made per. Manent by Jndge Barnard the demon of confusion has revelled among the Tammany leaders. Four ames wero on every tongue, and their every utterance was hung upon in the expectation that erther Tweed, Vonnolly, Sweeny or Hall would give some sign whereby the fature might be divined. Matters thus sieéod when the Comptroller ‘pppointea Andrew H. Green bis deputy, end handed over to him the depart. tment under his control, ihat its interests might be rolled out before the eves of the Joint Committee. It will be recalled that the Mayor, believing this to be an tpso sacto resignation of the ofice, thereupon &ppointed Genera) George B, McClellan to the Comp- troller’s office. The public WAITED BREATHLESSLY FOR BVENTS, ‘The answer came from Connolly, quick, sharp and ‘ecisive, that he did not mean to resign, apd quoted Hall’s first lett¢r as to the Mayor's inability to re- Move him, Next followed the legal opinion of Charles O'Conor, sustaining the Comptroller upon Yhe point of law involved, and declaring that tho Mayor’s only resource was impeachment, With Judge Loew absent the Court of Common Picas would not meet, ana the citizens chafed at the 1uea that they would have to wait for the settlement of their disordered munictpa! affairs through WHB SLOW PROCESS OF THE LAW. The Mayor, on fis side, was not slow to invoke a legal opinion through the medium of the Corpora. Aton Counsel, wilich Ye publish to-day. Through the mellifuous sentences of Mr. Richard O'Gorman ts negatively admittcd that the Mayor has no tight. to remove the Comptroller, and through a @exterous but useless dodging of the main question fhe advises Mayor Hall to “treat with Mr. Connolly as Comptroller.” Needless is Mr. O’Gorman’s polish ‘0 the end that such a course will avoid “the con- tlauance of that public excitement and sense of 4nsecurity.” How absurd itis to speak of allaying public excitement ! The giant will not be ALLAYED BY FINE SENTENCES or compromises, and as soon as the news was spread that O’Gorman’s answer to Hall, for all its periods, meant no the excitement culminated, The oud defiance which was ringing In the Mayor's ears must have borne a more significant @one when he received a letter from Gen- eral McClellan declining the omce which he wished to hand over to him. Friends were raig- ing up for Connolly, not that they believed him bet- €er than the others, but that there seemed, in the phrase which came to everybody's mouth, even his Own, a desire to make bim the scapegoat of Tam- ‘@iapy’s sins, Mayor Hall must have feit Y TERRIBLY ISOLATED vesterday, as in all the curses upon Tammany, ‘there was one In each for his head. The mecting of ‘the Council of Beventy took place, and that body ‘with one votce approved the appointment of Mr. Green, and drew up resolutions to that effect, which they presented to that gentleman, Now comes the Point «where aii tne Iteress centres in the savnouncement by the Comptroller that there are Yeghes than he, and that, 80 far as he is eerned, He will make restitution for ali he can be proved to have taken, and that all others who fave shared in the spoils and now wish to bury their shamein his ruin MUBT FALL ALONG Witt HIM, This anuouncement once Made and this deter- mlnation once taken the end 1s clear. Deputations Of citizens May Wait upon Mr, Tweed ana expresso ridieulous confidence, Mr, Tweed may amrm uptit DO 13 hosree that Peter P, Sweeny ja wise for - Lee ee ee i understood, and as stupid as it is mterested. A Keeping-In he, packground, Mayor Hall may fortify bimee.f behind his position; but if Connolly Jets out tye facts of combined fraud (and none can speak raore by the card on this matter than he), then ‘the fortress of Tammany will have fallen like a hoase of cards. Confidence, background states ‘aanship and high position will be laid bare as the ‘man who, in bis desperation at the backsliaing of his friends of the “Ring,” TURNS STATES EVIDENCE agaist himself and the others, Further evidence of the earnestness Of this man, too “slippery” to be crushed castly, finds shape in the following, from the Zvening Post of yesterday evening:— It is whispered again among well-informed men that Mr, Coanolly has already guaranteed the gen- tlemen who recommended Mr. Green against any betrayal on his part, by writing his resignation, ad- dressed to the Mayor, and putting it In the hands of a@small committee, consisting of ex-Mayor Have- meyer, Mr, Tilden and another, to ve used at their discretion. This committee can then, at any time, Make @ vacancy in the Comptroller's office, if Mr. Nall will agree to appoint a man acceptable to them, The rumor tnat Mr, Sweeny has been ont of town for several days past is not true. That he has ad- vised the Mayor to accept the situation is probable enough, but 1% comes rather late to save either. The feeling alluded to bofore as gaining strength in Con- nolly’s favor takes stil! another form, but one easily bouy of TRICK AND THIN SUPPORTERS intend to have a torchlight procession over his con- fession, Why are they in such @ hurry to bury him? Wherever information was to be found on the all-absorbing topio the reporters of the HERALD Went in quest of it. The views of the Hon. Fernando Wood, which will be found in these columns, will be of interest, for Mr. Wood has passed through municipal storms of his own. He does not think that this aiMiculty will lose much to the party if the obuoxious men are promptly re- moved. He does not think that it will injure THB CHANCES OF CARRYING THE STATE, wish which many would like to share with the white-baired Feraando. His cynicism of reiorm movements founded on bis experence wil) be worth perusing. What took place at the various public departments, the headquarters of Hall, Tweed, Sweeny and Connolly will be found interesting read- ing of how coolly men can comport themselves FIVE MINUTES BEFORE AN EARTHQUAKE. Interviews with the various prominent men in the controversy will be found, all of their own tea- ture of interest, with the volce of the rank and file of the citizens, Who Will have to foot the bills, no matter who wins. Of first rate moment in this regard is the account of Mr. John Foley, of the Council of Seventy, and the citizens in whose name the injunction was demanded upon the city. He says the committee ‘Will not aMllate or coaiese with Mr. Connolly or any one else who can be proven to have shared in the city spoils, They do not except the Mayor, and all will applaud their firm resolve, INTERVIEW WITH MR. JOHN FOLEY. Important Determination of the Council of Seventy—Connolly’s Confession and Vow of Revenge—His Offences Will Not Be Con- doned. So many conficting storles of the action of the citizens’ committees were afloat last evening, that to set matters right a HERALD reporter, out on the scout for latest hews, resolved to cali on the gen- tlemen whose untiring energy in behalf of reform mainly caused the present muddle tn our local Political aduirs. Mr. John Foley was found busily engaged In che ofice of his store on Broadway, but nevertheless he received the representative of the HEBALD With his usual courtesy, and asked him to be seated. Mr. Foley, besides being & man of action, pos- sesses @Xtraordinary conversational powers, aud he Was not slow in displaying them to the reporter. It is needless to say that tho CONVERSATION WA43 MUTUALLY AGREEABLE, “Glad tosee you,” said Mr. Foley. “Sit down ana be comfortable.” — + “Thank you. How does the political situation stand now? There are all sorts of rumors floating about, but it ts hard to get atthe truth.” “Well, of course there is a good deal of mystery; but Ican tell you, without violating any pledge, some news that will gratify the public.” “What! More aboat the Tammany row than I know already? Now, now, Mr. Foley!” “Yes, Icant Just listen @momentand I'll show you. The Committee of Seventy met to-day and held @ highly important meeting, Speeches were made endorsing Mr. Green, aud offering the support of the committee in whatever action he might take to expose the frauds of the Ring and bring tne guilty parties to justice, It was resolved, in the Words of Judge Pierrepont, to meet law with law and foree with force.’? “IN DEFIANCE OF MAYOR faLL?? “In deflance of anybody and everybody, acting outside the taw. Hall Is outside the law and has not alegtostand on, He daro not impeach his con- iederate, Connoily, for the reason that if he did he would expose lumself, and not himself only, but Tweed and Sweeny, tho other members of the Ring. Ibelteve, as Horace Greeley believes, that Hall 13 mad, Ifhe were not mad he would scarcely declare one day that he had nu power to remove the Comp- troller and the next affirm that he had. But tt ts characteristic of madmen to imagine other people insane, We fully expect to see him in the Slate Prison, with his confederates, soon.” “But, Mr. Foley,” mildly suggested the reporter, “4g not Richard B, Connolly now your confederate ?? “Notatall! We have NO AFFILIATION WITH CONNOLLY WHATEVER. He is equaily to blame, but not more than the others, except, perhaps, Tweed, Connolly has offered the Committee of Seventy to pay back to the city, to the last cent, all the money he owes——" “He will make restitution ?)? “Yes; he will pay every cent. Oh, he will make Tull restitution, But he will do more. He has offered to submit statements which will crimtnate and send to prison Sweeny, Tweed and Hall.” “Has he done it or merely promised to do it “T guess ne bas done it. The committee have the whole evidence in their hands,” “Then it is intended to save Connolly from the consequences of his crimes #0 that his rivais in the Ring may be punished as they deserve. fa t a Mr. Foley?’ “Not by any means! There will be NO COMPROMISE WITH CONNOLLY whatever, or with any of the infamous Ring. My Impressjon is that the whole four will have to go to State Prison.” “Then vonnoily has not turned state's evidence Js anxious to make restitution and abide tne verdict of the courts in his case?” “That's about it,” answerel Mr. Foley, aud after nodding meaningly continued :—“Connolly won't go to prison, if he does go, without taking with ,bim the rest of the gang.” “So, then, you think that the power of the Tam- many Ring is effectually broken?” “Lam quite confident that itis, Look at the crowd. They are blundering about in despair, while ‘we are preparing our case—the case of the citizens against them, They are utterly powerless. Hall is the worst off of the lot, For many years to my cer- tain knowledge he was LITTLE BETTER THAN A CLERK for the other three of the Ring. When they wauted him they sent for him, and ne had w come. He was @ too) ,but a willing tool 1 am sure his pickings were light compared to those of the others; but tha chad pickings we can prove. Good Lord! ust. ink of the Chief Magistrate of the city, sworn to guard the interests of the people, signing away six millions of money toa lot of villains in a few minutes, without examining the papera he signed. And for nothing? Oh, pshaw !? “But, Mr. Foley, you MAY BE PREJUDICED against the Mayor and the other city and county omficers,)? “No, sir; I’m not particularly. As a taxpayer and citizen I want to have @ good government, and I believeand know the members of the Ring I have named to be a set of corrupt scoundrels, I am hearuly glad that it was my action which initiated the movement against them.’? After some further conversation the reporter withdrew, leaving Mr. Foley to the enjoyment of his private business affairs, THE COMMITTEE OF SEVENTY. Meeting to the Chamber of Commerce—Ex- Judge Plerrepont’s Rematks—Resolutions in Support of Mr. A. H. Green: Come mittee Presente Them—Speeches by Chair- man Stebdins, Comptroller Connelly and Ex-Mayor Havemeyer. About forty members of the now famous Com- Malttee of Seventy assembled in the meeting room of the Chamber of Commerce yesterday, shoruy after twelve o'clock, and at once proceeded to busi- ness. Mr, Henry G. Stebbins, President of the Sev- enty, occupied the chair, After the usual warning that all present who were not members of the Com- mittee would be required to withdraw, reports of the several sub-committees were read and approved. A member then addressed the meeting in A SHORT SPEECH, and proposed the following resolutions: — Resolved, That we congratulate the citizens and taxpayers of the clty of New York upon the appolutment of Andrew H. Green’ to the office of Deputy Comptroller for the assu- Tance It gives ot an bunest and intelligent administration of the ‘finances of the city 10 the mmedfate future Resolved, That i'uhe Mayor, iu bis recent request for the resignat.on of Mr. Connolly, was actuated by a desire to fill his rage by a man of fitness and fidelity he could not have made happier choice than the selection of Mr. Green, #0 well known to the community for his spotless integrity and able and honest management of the public trusts heretofore con- 10 bim, Resolved, ‘That wo eall apon alt good citizens, by thelr moral support, to sustain Mr Andrew fl. Greco in hls pres: ent position ab guardian of the public funds of the city, Resolved, Thai the Committee will ald Mr, Green pecuni- arily and by counsel to the extent of our power in all lawful ways to retain the position in which, fortunately for the veople, he bus been placed in this trying epoch of our munl- oipal alfaire, The resolutions were duly seconded, Ex-Judge EDWARDS PIERREPONT then rose and sald that he supported the resolutions. It was ne- ceasary that the action of the Comptroller should be sustained by the Committee. He had nothing whatever to say for Mr. Connolly nor any of his confederates of the Ring, ana ne had no intention of asking for him any particular consideration; but is voluntary action in submitting bis accounts to the scrutiny of the committee of citizens and his Teadiness to answer questions deserve favorable mention. Especially was bis action, tn appointing Mr, Andrew H. Green, AN HONEST DEMOCRAT and a gentleman, to act for him pending investiga- Uou tuto nis conduct worthy of remark. The con- dition of the city and coupty finances nad long warranted decided action on the part of the cict- zens, for every department waa well known to be outrageously corrupt. The peculations of the Ring were evidently flagrant, and were such as to call for instant iny¢atl app and iad Andrew Hy Green, he continued, has always beéna mai whose integrity was unquestioned and in whom for years the people have had the most implicit reliance, so far as his honesty and probity were concernea. ‘With them we, too, are satisfied, and né is just the man who should have the investigation of the city accounts, No politician, be be lawyer or merchant, can take apy exception to his being DEPUTY COMPTROLLER because of his character—that is beyond cavil. Again, Mr, Green has always been identified with the dominant party, the democrats. Therefore, no objection can be raised to his appointment on the ground of his politics or because of his being a ree ublican, After all, and more than all, he is ao honorabie, upright gentleman, from whom a truth- fui report may be expected, We must sustain hin in his position atall hazards, If the Ring attempt to remove him by law we must meet and combat them with law. If they are determined to effect his removal by force we are prepared and will use force to protect hin. We will meet % LAW WITH LAW AND FORCE WITH FORCE. Lond cheers followed this last remark of the speaker. The resolutions were when passed amid applause. Then Mr, Barrett observed that, inasmuch as the advice of Mr. Havemeyer to Mr. Conuoliy and Mr. Green seemed to have been solely a persona) matter, dt were just as well to appoint @ committee of five from this Committee to walt upon Mr. Green and Mr. Connolly, to notify each of the purport apd pas- sage Of theresoluuons sustaining Mr, Grecn’s ape porniment, A COMMITTER OF FIVE gentlemen was then appointed to wait upon Mr. Green and present the resolutions, It was composed of the following named gentlemen:—Myer Stern, Edward Pierrepont, Jackson ¥. Schultz, Robert B. Koosevelt and Thomas A. Ledwith, and on motion the President, Vice-President and Secretary wero added—Heory G, Stebbins, William F. Havemeyer and Roswei! D, Hatch. ‘The meeting then adjourned, subject to the call of the Chair. ‘The committee immediately started for the Comp- trolier’s Onice to,present these resolutions to Mr, Green, and on their arrival there they were Gor+ dially received by that gentieman. SPEKCH OF MR. STEBBINS, Mr. STEBBINS, the chairman of the committee, in eee peg the resoluuons, spoke ip suvstauce as Tollows:— Mr. GreeN—I am entrnsted with the gratifying duty of presenting to you the resolutions passed this day at a meeting of citizens who represent the meet- ing held at the Cooper Institute September 4, aud Knowa as the Citizen Committee of Seventy. hese resolutions ana the action of the committee to-day have grown out of your Jate appointment as Deputy Comptroller, and tie very deep interest felt by your fellow ciuzens in your selecuon for THE RESPONSIBLE DUTIES of thatofice, [t 13 @ source of great satisfaction to me personally, knowing you a8 well as | do, to be made the medium of stating to you the cordialand earnest unanimity with which these resolutions were passed, testifying, as they do, to the high opinion entertained by your feilow-citizens of your great ability and auimpeachable integrity, demon- strated in many important and highly onerous pub- lie duties. Nothing, 1 am sure, would have been more grateful to you had you been present and wit- nessed these unqualified evidences of the esiima- Rees which you are held by wen of both politica parties. EX-MAYOR HAVEMRYER’S REMARKS, Mr. HAVEMBYER then took the floor and sald that he had known the Comptroiler, Richard B. Con- nolly, for many years, aud he for one did not belleve that he was the only or the biggest rogue in the Rivg. From Whe Lighest to the lowest they bad ALL RAD THEIR “RAKB” from the city treasury and the biggest share did not fall to the Jot of Mi. Connolly. When the expio- sion occurred the Comptroller went to him (Have- meyer) immediately for advice and he (the speaker) proffered advice, with the condition, however, that, whether palatable or otherwise, Conneiy shouid ac- ceptand act pod i, The latter, having unlimited confidence in his friend, agreed, and tne advice given was to appoint Mr, Andrew H. Green as deputy, with the powers of the chief, as aiready known, The Comptroiier expressed his utmost willngness atthe time to do this and seemed to have much lesg FEAR OF AN INVESTIGATION than geome other members of the Ring. And white Mr. Havemeyer did not endorse Richard B. Con- noily as a perfectiy honest man, he was willing to Jeave the financial intefests of the city jn bis and Mr. Green's bends pending this in jon, and he was not wiliing fo see him made a scapegoat of to shield greater rascals, Mr. Green Was also com- plimented by the speaker, SLIPPERY DICK'S CONFESSION, -owaatly, but Js eo Overwhelmed with shame pbat ho I While this little speech was pee delivered tho Comptroller (who had been absent when the com- o remarks and promptly . be ‘ai not ‘comalder” hinpelt immaculate, bat he knew and believed that there were BIGGER ROGUES THAN BE about the City Hall. They had tried to shield their own rascality by throwing him overboad; but he had no Idea of allowing himself to be made the scape- t for the sius of Tammany. He acknow- edged he had sins enough of his own to bear, and he Sometimes felt scarcely able to stand up unler the burden; but he would not go under without taking with him some of those who are now trying to get rid of him. He was ready and pilings he said, to hold his ground and to ablde the result of the investigation of the citizens and caxparere’ committees, and would not shirk such punishment as the law might impose upon him. te eee ey, offered the fullest and freest access of the committees to all the books and vouchers of his department. At the close of THE COMPTROLLER’S REMARKS Mr. Green briefly replied to the spirit of the resolu- tioas which the committee had presented. It Is understood that Mr. Green has mastered the com- binations of all the safes in the Finance vepart- ment, and taken ample precautions against another theft of vouchers during his administration. Committee of Seventy desire the representa- tives of the press to understand that the refusal to adinit them to ity sessions does not arise from any discourtesy to themselves or their papers, but rather because the premature publication of much of their proceedings would naturally and inevitably tend to defeat the very objects of the investigation upon which they have entered, The secretary or his assistant will always most cheerfully furnish the press with any news of interest to the public and not detrimental to the cummittee’s investigation. On this action of Mr, Connolly the £ventng Post bas the fo!lowing:—- ‘At the clone of these proceedings, Comptroller Connolly entered the room. In conversation with the committee be said he had been obli to ask for advice. He went to a friend—ex-Mayor Wavemeyer—and not to an enemy. Mr. Havemeyer asked if he would follow his advice if he gave it old him he would. He said, “Appoint Andrew H. Green your deputy, and then throw open your qifice for investigation.” He had followed that advice. ‘ThéFe were men in the city government who wished to destroy him t %. He did not pro- oae to be sacrificed to nd the citizens should know all the workings nd who were {nterested in THE INVESTIGATING COMMITTEE. 8. The Joint Investigators Have a Field Day— ‘Two of Them Speak of Deputy Compiroller Green—Warren and a Mysterious Ledger— John Hardy, of the High Joint, Inter viewed. The recent turnover of political parties seems to have thrown the INVESTIGATING COMMITTEE, composed of Aldermen and citizens, into the shade, Qnd not one of them yesteraay was disposed to be a “shadow.” At an early hour yesterday morning a representative of the HERALD “threw himself around loose” in the ‘Latin quarter” of the new Court House, which, it is claimed, has cost millions of money. At that time not @ veteran of the inves- tigating committee was present, although, allegori- cally speaking, i¢ was learned that William A. Booth, the chairman of the “high joint,” had been there at an earlier hour, and had issued bis orders for the day. In the rooms of the Supervisors, where the com- mittees are supposed to meet, the only persons found were Fullerton, McGowan, King and other attachés, who were later reinforced by Captain Young, the fat boy, who fills the position of Secretary of the Board of Supervisors. In response to queries the answer came — a “Don't Know anything about this committee, do you? “Yes; I know that Booth was here this morning. Where is he now ?”? Af attaché was in the act of answering, when an Alderman slipped into the breech, and, DRAWING UP HIS PUGILISTIO PISTS, sald, mildly, ‘The comuttee are at work.’? “What committee?” asked the reporter. speak of the high joint or the ‘subs,’’? “Lspeak of all. They are all at work—have been at work ail day, and will remain at work until after the election.” **Until after the election ?” queried the reporter, “what do you mean by that?” “That: tits excitement will not terminate until after the November election, when all will be quiet, ‘That is seven weeks hence. 1t will then be satisfac- tory to all parties who are good democrats,” Another Alderman was sitting with nis feet rest- 10g Upon the cushions of the new Court Honse, and up to this time had maintained a happy neutrality. ‘The reporter ventured to ask the Alderman of the Joint High Commuission— “It Is said thas ORBEN, OP SHE PARK COMMISSION, 18 4N HONBET “Do you He it 1s who succeeds Storrs as Deputy Comptroller. Itis strange that none of the papers say augnt against him,’? The qutet Alderman at once jumped from his seat and seizing a morning two cent paper of no repuia- Jion Jy the community exclaimed:— Ad NS. ppt Fo) The reporter, who had read it, asked the Alder- mau to read It, and he read it, ‘The other Alderman laughed and remarked:— “Green’s anhonest man. Itell you he has wade money ever sinc e he has been in puolic life. When Iwas a youngster—I am now nearly forty years old—Green was 9 school trustee in the Fourteenth ward, He was a good prustee; but when he became a Park Commissioner Ne used bis vote for a pur- pose, and his THREE VOLS COST THE CITY THIRTY THOUSAND DOLLARS, He js a pretty man to be Comptroller, J don’t ask you to take my word for Green’s record; take the Oiictal reports of the Park Commission, He is a sweet fellow to throw dirt at Sweeny.” Later in the day, after Ledwith, James O'Brien, avemeyer and many others had bored Green and Booth's high joint and ‘subs’ could not be foand, at 46 Warren, the expert of the high joint, and a light. haired youth repaired to one of the wings of the Comptroller’s Ofice and were ushered Into the pres- ence of A VENERABLE FATHER OF FINANCE named Bostwick, who bad the onstudy of certain ledgers. For fifteen minutes Warren, the hgnt- bared hero, who will be referred to herearter, aud Bostwick were engaged in examining the ledgers, Bostwick turned over the leaves, Warren made memoranda and the light-baired youth looked on and satd nothing. A HERALD reporter was near by and observed that as Bostwick turned over cer- tain 1eaves the light-haired youth suddenly put bis haua down and TWO PAGES WERE TURNED BACK. Between the folds of the ledger were found a halt sheet pasted in, which Warren, the expert, care- fully scanued, to the discomivure of Bostwick, Who possibly was not aware of the SUB-PAGES INTERPOLATED IN THE LEDGER they were admiring. Later ip the day the HERALD reporter had pleas- ant chats with various Aldermen of the commitiec and other political lights, and Qnally, finding that Booth and all the citizens of the committee could not be found about the Court House, as a dernier ressov't, repaired to the oifice of ex-Aldermaa John Hardy, clerk of We High Joint Committee, “Hardy, I bave beecu haunting the high jotnt to- day,’ said the reporter, “You are its clerk; ao you know anything??? “Nothing,” said Hardy, looking very wise, “In that event, may4 say that 1 bave hada hint that Booth and the lugh jomt have, in view of receut complications, aecided to QUIT AND MAKE NO REPORT until after the Committee of Seventy, who have just gone tn, with Tom Ledwith as the rear guard, show their hands 7”? Hardy, clerk of the “high joint,” ieft his chair suddenly and exclaimed, “sir, 1019 @ mistake.”? “Then,” said the reporter, “may I ask where the members of that comunittee are” “All about,” said Hardy, “at work—have veen here all day.”? “But,” ventured che reporter, “I have been here all day, and with the exception of yourseif, Pear- Los and certain Aldermen, I have seen noue of them." hey were here, nevertheless, said Hardy. rren has been at work ail aay.” “Yes, Warren hag been at work. He is always at work, But, Hardy, can you tell me who that hght- hatred gent, who searched the ledgers of Mr. Bost wick, ahd detected a pasted page, 18%"? Tardy, who up to this time was remarkably non- commital, at once left his chair and said:— “Remain here, and 1 will go anu see Bostwick and find out,”? Hardy left tho reporter took Hardy's seat, and tweniy{minutes later Mardy returned and announced ‘that the cat man who wasin the presence of Bust- wice, with Warren, as fay as he could jearn, was Mr, Kennedy, President of the Bank of Commerce. it is problematical that Mr. Robert Lennox Ken- nedy, of the Bank of Commerce, was the light- Lae hese who found iu Bostwick’s ledger tne Suv-page. But to return to the active work of the committee. All the sub-committees were in session yesterday, buteach memner of them positively refused to di- valge the secrets of What bad transpired inside. It 1s a littie singular that the high joint, whose mem- vers had prociaimed Jast week that an ‘open ses- sion” wouid be held on Monday, did not meet, and that after announcing an open session for Wednes day, attwo P. M., Clerk Hardy was yesterday \n- structed by citizen Booth to announce that the urea session”? wiil occur on Thursday, at two o'clock P. M. When Thursday comes it’ 13 very likely that & later day wili bt set she work of the Jovestigating Coummit for divulgin, Lee, “ NEW YURK HERALD, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1871.—TRIPLE SHEET,, AT THE COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE. General Absence of Excitement—Story of the Feline Visitors—Interview with the Comp- trolier=“Little Mac? with “a Heed op Him.” The difference between yesterday and the day before was something wonderful to note in the omices in the Department o1 Finance, Bebind the partitions there were not so many clerks as usual. many attending to the business, That they were not present was very evident. The portly Storrs was Not at the oMice till Jate in the afternoon, the County Bureau and Stock Department were comparatively deserted, The outsile delegations ‘Were also very slim and there was nothing like the excitement or crowds of Monday. frue there were afew members of the St. Patrick Mutes on hand. Counsellor Callaghan was around and had an eye to business, Capiain Dolan was also around; his mustache was as long or longer than usual, but the massive blackthorn which he sported on Monday ‘Was not to be seen. The unasual scarcity of attend. ants and hangers-o0 was accounted for by the fact that they were ATTENDING FUNERALS— some at the funeral of Stock Clerk Dyckman’s daughter and others at the funeral of Judge Stuart, whose efforts haa probably saved many of them- selves or thelr friends from the cells, if not the gal- lows. Early m the morning, however, Comptrolier Connolly and Mr, Green were on hand and attend ing to business, A HERALD reporter bad an interview with Mr. Connolly in the County Auditor's Bureau ehortly after noon, The Comptroller stood consulting with County Auditor Lynes, and although looking some- What anxious was nevertheless quiie pleasant, His profile resembled that of Washington perhaps more than ever, and he carried himself with a non- chalance most extraordinary in view of the exciting and troublous incidents connected with the situa- tion, When he had completed his interview with Mr. Lynes he granted the HeRaLp reporter an @ udl- ence and the following conversation took piace — “Well, Mr. Comptroller, how is 1t to-day 1” “Oh, elegant, sir, elegant. We are here you see attending to business ana afraid of nothing.” “Have you seen General McClelian’s views in re- gard to his appointment 7”? “Yes, Ihave. I think its solid.” “A great many people discredit it, don’t they ?” “Oh, I don’t know. I don’t see why they should, McClellan 1s no fool.” “Flas there been anything unusual going on in re- lation to the situation 7” “No; nothmg. There has been no attempt made to get us out, and J don’t think there will be any.” “Whom do you suppose the Mayor will appoint now, since General McUlelian has declined, if he will appoint anybody 7’ “I don’t think he will try it.’? “What do you think of the committee which met last night 9”? “Oh! that’s all right; that will go ahead.” “Are you in with 1t?”? The only answer to this was a knowing wink of the lefteye, which seemed quite impressive behind his gold-bowed spectacles, “Is there anything I can say for you more than has already been sald 7”? “No, only that we are attending to business.” “What about those documents that it is sald Mr, Green furnished the committee with ?”” “We have placed all the «documents, books, papers and everything else at the service of the committee.” “What about that consultation it is said you had With Juage Barrett and owners in relation to pre- paring charges against Hall aua Sweeny and others?” “Oh, nothing. The newspapers get up a good many things that I don’t know about, Ohariey (turning to Charles Underwoou O'Connell), did you tell him about the cats? Just tell him that; it’s a good story.” Bidding the reporter good day he withdrew. Then Mr. O'Connell, brasbimg out his neatly trimmed beard and striking @ position, related as follows THE STORY OF THE CATS: “once upon a time—a few nights ago—there was cat—a black cat—black as the ace of spades. The ofice was closed, and we were here at work, straightening things up, when, what should we seé but big black cat jump through that hole In the paue of glass (ponting tothe hole the “burgiars’? made), She came in with @ bounce and a kitten in her mouth, and she came around inside here and leit the kilty—we dida’t know where, We Jooked upon it as a **voucher” of her respectability, and did not interfere with her, She went out again as she had come, but without the kitten, and shortly returned with auolher; and, then again, another, and another, MORE VOUCHERS of her tidelity to her offspring. Where she came from we do not kuow; whither she went we know not; but she ts still around the office pursuing the even tenor of her way, Nobody lnterferes with her, and she interferes with nobody. I am not super- stitious, but tho Comptroller regards it as ao omen of good luck," .. “ANOTHER FUNNY EPISODE Occurred yesierday morning. Mr. Cleveland, one of the bookkeepers, Started to go for lunch, Ip size and stature he resemvles General McClellan. fle has a handsome aquiline nose, an elegant musiachie, a clear, Sgr eye. He hasa@ bad scar on his torehead, where he has been nursing an clegant boil, (Evidence of corruption in the Comptroller's Omce.) One of the miniature Gatlowgiasses who lined the hallway sald, “there goes LITTLE MAC, WITH ‘A HEAD ON HIM.’ He's just been up to see Green and Connolly, and they’ve laid him out.’ Doctor Fiemipg was seen rushing into the office, pulling his nobby side whiskers 12 nervous style, and he must have been sent to fx up Little Mac’s wonnds. ‘This, of course, was enough to start @ crowd after him. ‘the voot- vlacks caught up the cry and persisted in asking the gentleman wf he did not Want a shine. They ran ahead of him, stared into his face and alarmed. hin considerably, He struggied through, however, not Knowing how great a hero ae had been made in @ lew minutes, . CALLERS ON THE COMPTROLLER were many, and included o number of leading merchatits and others who are in sympathy with the Committee of Seventy. A delegation from this cummitiee calied during the afternoon anu pre- sented (0 the Comptrolier an address and resolutions, which may be found 10 another column. Chief Clerk Justus Storrs was engaged during the day in preparing a roll of the attaches of the ofice, the auties and salaries, and laid it belore Mr. Green, at whose request it was compiled, Beyond this None had been discharged, bys there were not 50 nothing more than ordinary occurred during the entire day, AT THE MAYOR'S OFFICE. The Mayor “On Exhibition” — General McClellan Declines the Proffered Post— Opinion of Corporation Counsel O’°Gormar— Mayor Mall Virtually Yielding to the situa. tom. Mayor Ilall appeared at his office at the usnal hour looking as hearty and happy as ever he aid. He wore @ bran new suit of check stui, @ check shirt and @ necktie of check silk. It was noticed that the ties in the City Hall corridors, over which he wended his way to the ofice, looked more checkered than usual. Might all these be considere| physical em- blems Cf the poiltical situation? Contrary to usual custom the doors of the Mayor's office were thrown wide open, and visitors passed in, were lisiened to and disposed of, in old-time business manver, When the HERALD reporter called the “member from Sligo” was awaiting bis time to interview the Mayor, and Inside the inner room was Michael Maaigan, member of Parliament, from the First dise trict, Michael bad in company with him a vene- rable young man. They interviewea the Mayor briefly; and the gentleman from down town being assured by tne Mayor that Jt was all right, with. drew. A conversation then took place as foliows:— “I gee, air. Mayor, you are keeping open house to-day? “Yes; I was said to be crazy, and all that, so 1 thought I nad better place myself on exhibi‘ion for @ day or so. People need not be afraid to come near te, because you see iam IN FULL CHECK” (alluding to his habiliments), At this two or three ‘who were in the room smiled aloud, @ “What do yov think of that interview with Mc- Ciellan published in the English newspaper this morning?” “i never read that paper—that ia, | have not read it] es Over seven Months, Idon’t do it on princl- pie” ell, it says that General McClellan told you he Would not take the position, and that he approves of the appointment of Mr, Green and ¢ulogizes hint 43 & Most excellent man for the position.” “L expect a jetter from General McClellan every Moment now in relation to the affair, and also an opinion from Mr. O'Gorman.” “Suppose McCiellap show! you appoint somebody cise i"? “1 don’t know.” refuse to accept, will “Witham R. Travers, William R. Travers, he is the man,” broke in ‘he member from Sige. “eray," said Moyor Hail quietly, “is he your es ‘Oh. eaid Stico, “he's a aptenaid man tor the place, and if 1 bad che giving of it 1 woud give i to bim.”* At this jancture (he folowing levers from Gen eral MeCiclan aod Richard O'Corman were handed to the Mayor, He scanned them over ona then handed them to Mr. Cardozo to be given to the reporters. GENERAL M'CLELLAN'S LETTER 1s as follews>— New York, Sept, 18, 971. Hen. £ Oaney Hatt, Mayer of thecty of New orl —I have the honer to me of our letior of the 1th met. com 3 very Battcrmg ofr of the wou)! willingly render a service to the , Were i in Thy pe man emergency the present, we ve paid me, yours, GHOKOR BR Moly Las CORPORATION COUNBEL'S Or=NroN 18 a8 foliows: — To Ho». A. Oxney Mart, Mayor: MY Dean hat my absence from the cuy on Moaia met tortny Sou aa you desired. why examaned cases, Opiniow el Anta saomE) OF FOU Ae adecti maton of the office ] of Yor’. i seems to me that inthe matter by oo expediency and scum’ poly | than by thew torely of strhet rights or Even of the astuoptea U Jol poe we the power to remove a persona that once, or that @ VACHOCY UM HERIONEDIF Greed end that w new appointment made be primary aphetd by the Court, there 1 as joe miorm we oe Pf by hy Tg Ht lo appeal from (he decison singlc Jude against tape who Would BO dgabt Prose ule BHD q appeal. ‘ve law's delay is provertial, and duriag oo of the tit ion, ata ven) ermal ‘ie hianeial condition ony, plicated — one avewt and there erent, fgg e spetacle of two perwous © ve Uted the + oftee Compiroher, tach . Vised to defend hit own cham and conten that of his rival, From this state of ereat sion Would tnevitanly ensue, and damage to the city treasury and to the pul rede who Would be seriously aud bet Garestouatly fied atthe delay whien would be sare lo the payment of jast and legitimate claims. If it had been your destre to bring about Sion of @ hew Incumbent Inte the aioe of « jer, is som J eo have ees SS expedient that could HaVe suggested purpose, even at the risk Of sOuNe apparent sistency, Under all the circumstances, therefore, and with the opinion of the eminent purist, Charles (Commer, hefore me, I cannot aivise you to take any step Would lead to Compitcated aud mischievous Muga on, ‘The refusal of Geveral MoCtellan to ine po- sition of Comptroiicr, of whiea I am in an additional reason for such @ couchusion On my part. Legal discussion might, a8 you intimate, questions of lnw- which’ you think cond not have been presented to Mr, U'Conor’s consiteration, Among them [ select trom your memorands these:— Wheuher the Comptrolier, havi and duties conferred on him by many eral laws other than the laws of 1870 and 1, cummonty called the.charter, and as @ member of various commitvees can transfer these powers and duties to a subordinate by virtue of a section In an act Ww: may be regarded as a “local act,” or whether section may not possibly be uuconsttational 10 8 as it permits the Compiroller to relinquish not charter powers but all other powers, or Whether aa abdication of all functions beyond and embraced ia the charter may not, /pso facto, amount to a resig- nation and create # vacancy, ‘rnese and various other questions sugrested to me are no doubt open to discussion, and It im, 1 think, probable that a I contest in thie matter woud present vovei aud important con siderations as to the law of tmpliéd resigaation, vacancy and remeval; in addition to those whieh the eminent jurist to whom I have referred im have thought it necessary to advert in li But, returning to ihe question of expediency aud sound policy, which | think of most lmportance ip this case, and laying aside these legal questions for the present, as head of the law departinent 1 now advise you not to make another appoiatment, te withdraw your notice to the various depart and Lo treat with Mr. Connolly as Comptroller, If youdo not tiok lim as entitled to Mil the oMice de ful by treating him as Comptrolier at least de facto, you will udopt a course which ia, im Ty opinion, necessary to prevent financial aimienl- ties, complications, and the continuance of that public excitement ahd sense of insecurity which @ prolonged legal controversy in ‘this case would inevitably intensify. Ip should be borne iu mind, also, that long before that controversy could be determined a new Jature will have assermbied, who will then be more calmly and deltberately to cous! matters connected With this case whlen y be properly submitted for thelr cousideraiion, f re main, my dear sir, yours falthtaty, RICHARD O'GORMAN, Searcely had this been read ana copied when an- other came from the Corporation counsel in retation to PERRETING OUT THE FRAUDS by process of law. The letter was immediately an swered by the Mayor, and from the correspondence it will be seen that the Corporation couase! and the Mayor playa sort of batticdore and shuttlecock business with the quesuon. The correspondence is a3 follows:— Law DEVARTMENT, OFFICE OF COUNCIL TO THB CORPORATION, City ov New YorR, Sept, 19, 1871, Hon. A. OaAKBY HALL, Mayor, &¢.:— . My DEAR Mayor—Since the decision of Judgs Barnard, in Foley vs. 1he Mayor and Others, im which he gaye & aussi udicial sanction to the ra- mors which have heen rife in this city, of gtoss ex- travagance iu some of the ills presented by various contractors, and paid to them out of the funds of the city, tt has seemed to me proper and necessary that sume eflective legal ateps should be taken by the Corporation to recover hese moneys If suficient evidence of fraud can be obtained to sug. tain action, 1 have been so incessantly occupied for the last few days in attending to oficial business— writing opinions, &&—which bas accumulated during my absence in court, on the Foie case that I have not been able to devote ny mins specially to thé quesuion; but [ think it & question of pressing importance, and 1 beg to call to it the at tention of you as chief executive officer of the city, and to ask yon for your instructions in (he premises, Yours tgithfuby, RICHARD O'GOK MAN, Counsel w the Corporation, The following {8 the Mayor’s response ;— New Yor«, Sept. 19, 1871. My Dear Sin—You are the ead of the Law partment. Yours is the full aiscretion to bring EXECUTIVE DerakrMeNr, City ef je. apy action at law which you deem it beat to - commence for promoting the good name or better prosperity of the city, or Of its treasury. And 1 have such entire con- Qdence in your judgment and experience that & leave the matter within that discretion. I know that you will do your duty, when you have ascer- tained it, regardless of such consequences 2s fall outside of Guty’s sphere, Very By your obedient servant, ‘A. OAKBY HALL, Mayor. Mr. RICHARD O'GoRMAN, Counsel to the Corpora ion. The letters having been disposed of the interview ‘was renewed, “Do you intend, Nr. “Mayor, to accept Mr. O'Gor~ man’s opinion as binding?" “Well, General Grant accepted Attorney General Axerman’s advice when he didn’t believe he wag right.” ‘Then we are to understand that you will recog- nize Mr. Green——" ‘Nothing ts to be understood’? ave you becn notified of Mr. Green’s appoint+ ment! . “Well, [nave had no omctal noviMeation, Here- jofore, Whenever Mr. Connolly wished to celegace his powers to anybody, Ne would send notice to the departments, and espectally to this ofice, that he had delegatea Mr. So-and-So, and he would be em- powered to sign checks, and his signature would, therefore, be respected. 1 don’t know why he has deviated from his usual custom in this particular.” “Mr, O'Gorman’s opmion is binding, ts it not, as he is the legal adviser?" “He is the adviser of the city government, If General McClellan had. accepted the post I would, 5 T think, fight it throngh, because I think he is #, Man‘ worth fighting for. But with auy other, in view of the tum affairs pave taken, ib wonld scarcely be worth while to Into- a litigation that may, and undoubtediy would, ran. through months and do perhaps @ great deal of damage in one way or another. After some furtuer desultory conversati ape re porter withdrew and left the Chief Executi¥ tbe mercy of a number of eager Interqlewera, INTERVIEW Witll EX-WAYOR HAVE- MYER, All Over With the Ring—Hall to be Dee feated—Interview wiih Judge Havemeyer. Last night a reporter called at the residence of ex-Mayor Haventeyer, 335 West Fourteenth street, w get bis views on the present aspect of the uifi- culty between the Comptroller and the Tammany Ring. Mr. Havemeyer politely invited the reporter into a boudoir, and hghting a jawp whieh didused a delicious odor, invited him to ask any questions he pleased relative to the actlon of the Committee of Seventy to which he belonged, re marking that houest citizens had nothing to con. ceal from newspaper men, in a general way, as to | what they were duinw and intending to do and hew