193 



entirely forgotten it, because it was a long time ago, and it wasn't a 

 matter of record in our office. 



By Chairman Ryan: 



Q. Was it a part of the duty of the commission to inquire into the 

 title of this property ? 



A. It was not; but the way we came to know this, Mr. Chairman, 

 we had just settled a suit with Mr. IJurd for which we accepted a 

 judgment of a much smaller, or a payment much smaller than what 

 we thought we could recover, in the courts, but upon an examination 

 at that time with regard to that suit and representations made by the 

 defendant's attorney, that if we pressed the suit at that time to a 

 successful termination, that would throw him into bankruptcy, and 

 the whole thing would be tied up and the State would lose its 

 judgment, and it was at that time a question whether we had better 

 accept $5,000 and get the money or get a judgment, against him for 

 $15,000 or* $20,000. 



Q. I don't see what that has to do with what you are trying to 

 explain? 



A. You asked me whether it was the duty of the commission to 

 examine into the title; I gave that in explanation. 



Q. That is all right ? 



A. Of how we came to know something about the title. 



Chairman Ryan. — We would like to get the facts in the case. 



Mr. Anibal. — I will as rapidly as we can; calling the committee's, 

 attention to the loss; they would be very unwise and unfaithful 

 public servants if they recommended it and knew this condition of 

 affairs. 



Mr. Adams. — I would simply suggest to the committee the resolu- 

 tion in this case is before the committee and upon what ground it is 

 put. 



Q. I call your attention to one of the applications that was on file 

 in the Comptroller's office that was spoken of by Mr. Sanger in his 

 testimony; will you please read it ? 



A. I hereby make application, under chapter 475, Laws of 1887, for 

 the purchase of an island in Lake George, now belonging to the State 

 of New' York, located in "the narrows," nearly opposite Pearl Point, 

 which island is sometimes known as Centipede island, but latterly as 

 Juanita island, by which latter name it has been designated on the 

 late editions of Stoddard's map of Lake George. And in payment 

 therefor I offer the sum of $250 (two hundred and fifty dollars). 



Respectfully yours. 



FRED H. BULLARD. 

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