The Aldermen Tried to Keep Public Documents Secret. The City Clerk Objected.

City Clerk Stewart entertains doubts whether the board of aldermen did not exceed its powers in adopting the order not to permit the public to examine any documents that may come into its hands until acted upon by that body. In fact, he is inclined to the belief that the board is encroaching upon his authority and the rights of the public. He will ask an opinion from Corporation Counsel Scott covering the matter and will govern his future actions accordingly.

Mr. Scott was seen in this regard yesterday and, while he had given the subject but a cursory thought, he said that the public were entitled to see all communications and documents, other than sealed ones, at any time during office hours; that the aldermen had no authority to make an order so sweeping in its effect. The aldermen may perhaps modify their instructions at the first opportunity, for it appears to be the unanimous opinion that they are on dangerous ground.

Previous to the order the clerk kept a minute book in which an entry was made at the time documents were filed, giving the title, date, number and by whom filed, thus greatly facilitating the work of the office; but by the operation of the order the book has been discontinued, and thus the work is rendered more cumbersome and inaccurate, and opens the way for numerous mistakes. Alderman Jordan, who introduced the resolution instructing the clerk to keep secret public business, did so as a result of E. F. Wittler's letter in reply to his bribery charges being given to papers before it was read to the council. Mr. Stewart defends his action in this regard by saying that the letter was addressed to him as city clerk and not to the board of aldermen at all, but it was filed as a public document and was treated as such when inquiries were made concerning it.