In re Hertle

This is an application for warrants for the imprisonment of the defendants for their refusal to submit to examination before the commissioners of accounts. The defendants dispute the power of the commissioners to conduct the examination which they are making in relation to the accounts and methods of the office of the president of the borough of Manhattan. This presents the sole question for determination. The powers of the commissioners of accounts are defined in section 119 of the revised charter, *355which provides as follows: “ The mayor shall appoint and remove at pleasure two persons who…