Opinion
Submitted April 18, 1899
Decided June 6, 1899
W.R. Spooner for appellant.
John Whalen, Corporation Counsel ( Theodore Connoly of counsel), for respondent.
On this appeal the relator insists that his attempted removal by the defendant on the 11th day of June, 1898, was illegal upon two grounds, first, because it appears by the relator's petition that he was holding the position of a regular clerk, and, therefore, could not be removed without an opportunity to make the explanation provided for by § 1543 of the Greater New York charter; second, because he was removed from a competitive position without having the reasons therefor set forth in writing and duly filed, and an opportunity afforded him to make an explanation under chapter 186 of the Laws of 1898.
As to the first ground the Appellate Division unanimously held that the facts recited in the petition did not show that the position held by the relator was that of a regular clerk, and, hence, it affirmed the order of the Special Term dismissing the writ. The opinion of that court so exhaustively considers the question as to leave nothing to be added, and we adopt it as furnishing the reasons for holding that the relator's first position on this review is not well taken.
The second ground of error alleged is apparently presented in this court for the first time in the history of this proceeding. The record contains no indication that it was brought to the attention of the Special Term or of the Appellate Division. It is suggested that the reason for it is obvious, in that the order of the Special Term was made in October, 1898, while the Fleming case ( People ex rel. Fleming v. Dalton, 158 N.Y. 175) was not decided by this court until February, 1899. The fact that no such question was raised at the Special Term or at the Appellate Division should, under a perfectly well-settled and long-established rule, deprive the relator of the right to have it considered in this court. ( Drucker v. Man. R'y Co., 106 N.Y. 157; Baird v. Mayor, etc., 96 N.Y. 567, 603; Stapenhorst v. Wolff, 65 N.Y. 596; Home Ins. Co. v. Western Trans. Co., 51 N.Y. 93.)
If, however, in violation of the rule that a party on appeal must stand by the theory of his action or proceeding as presented at the trial court or Special Term, we proceed to inquire into the matter, we must reach the conclusion that the relator did not show in his petition that he was within the protection of chapter 186 of the Laws of 1898, in that his petition fails to state that his position under the Civil Service Law and rules was classified as competitive. In the Leet case this court held not only that the act of 1898 had no application to an official who was classified in the non-competitive class by the New York city civil service regulations, but also that it mattered not that at the time of his appointment the position belonged to the competitive class if it was subsequently and before the act of 1898 took effect classed as non-competitive. ( People ex rel. Leet v. Keller, 157 N.Y. 90.) It was necessary, therefore, for the relator to allege in his petition that the position from which he had been removed belonged to the competitive class in order that it should appear to the court that his position was within the protection of the act of 1898. There is not a suggestion of that kind in the petition from beginning to end. Not a word that would advise the court or opposing counsel that the relator even claimed the fact to be that his position was within the competitive class. Whatever there is touching the character of his position negatives the idea that he was claiming the benefit of the act of 1898 as a member of a competitive class under the civil service rules and regulations, for his assertion was that "his position was and is that of a regular clerk and was and is in the classified civil service under the civil service laws, rules and regulations," "and the which said office or position petitioner was and is entitled to continue to hold, subject only to removal for cause or to abolish unnecessary positions." His view of the situation was thus presented to the court, and was that, inasmuch as he claimed to be a regular clerk, he was entitled to continue to hold the office, subject only to removal for cause or to abolish unnecessary positions, a far stronger position from the relator's point of view than that which is afforded by the Laws of 1898, which simply makes it necessary to have the reasons for removal stated in writing and filed and an opportunity to make explanation before a removal shall take place. It is suggested that the civil service rules and regulations may be read in aid of the general allegations of the petition, and, as thus read, that we may discover the fact to be that the relator was actually in the competitive class. The rule is well settled that record evidence not in the return may be read by the court on review in support of a decision, but not to secure a reversal. ( Wines v. Mayor etc., 70 N.Y. 613; Matter of Cooper, 93 N.Y. 507; Day v. Town of New Lots, 107 N.Y. 148; Dunham v. Townshend, 118 N.Y. 281; A.A.R.R. Co. v. Johnson, 134 N.Y. 375. )
The order should be affirmed, with costs.
All concur, except BARTLETT, J., not voting.
Order affirmed.