Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1871-12-10
THE TAMMANY TRIALS.
Connolly sues for q Discharge.

ALBANY, Dec. 9.-In opening the aTgTl-
ment before Judge Learned, of the Su-
preme Court, an order to show cause why
order for the arrest of Richard 3. Connolly,
ex-Comptroller, should not be vacated or
his bail bond reduced, Hon. S. G. Court
ney, counsel for Connolly, read
an affidavit of his client in
response of affidavit of Peckham on
which arrest was made. Connolly in the
main denies the allegation in Peckham's
affidavit, and sets forth that he did not ap-
point Green Comptroller through any
consciousness of guilt or that be was party
to any conspiracy or collusion. be also
positively denies he ever thought OF
leaving the State or country.
Mr.. Strahon, on behalf Of The people,
read the affidavits Of the chief clerk in the
Comptroller's office and others showing
that Connolly and the late County Auditor,
Watson, were accustomed to hold private
consultations. Other afidayits were also
read showing the irregularity Of the ac-
counts in the Compsroller's office.
MMr. O'COnor produced a portion Of the
vouchers which were not stSlen, known as
Keyser and to be forgeries, for the inspec-
ton of the Judge.
Mr.. Courtney then proceeded with his
argument, saying that the prosecution had
given no evidence Of guilt against Connolly
they have not shown that he has got sin
gle cent of the three millions that is alleged
to have been stolen; there was not a single
allegation which would warrant the issuing
an order for Connoley's arrest, unless it is
that he was about to abscond. Peckham
of the Committee of Seventy, and the Sui
Committee, after examination could find
nothing duplicating Connolly. He conclu-
ded by appealing to the Judge to decide
this question without regard to the public
clamor.
O'Conor replying, said he had found
nothing to show that the Mayor is not g
vulgar thief, and further, he believed i
there was anything against Hall he would
not fly, he can be prosecuted at leisure
L believe, however, that Tweed and Con-
molly would fly. He continued, referring
at length to the circumstances Of the
frauds and Connolly's connection Herewith
He criticised ConnOlly's affidavit, declaring
that its denials were too general. He
thought his honor should postpone the case
a week, ard appoint referee in New York
| to test all evidence. Connolly should bt
held on two grounds, first insufficiency Of
answer, and second, because he is guilty O
| neglect.
VIM. A. Beach, in behalf Of Connolly
next addressed the court. He said Hall
who was equally guilty, was not proceeded
against, while Connolly was lodged in jail
! Connolly's affidavit was full and satisfac
/ tory answer. He denied the right of the
people of the State to bring action to recov
er from the county of New York.
Mr.. Beach cOntended that the Attorney
! General was unwarranted in bringing suit
/ The power of bringing suit rested in th'
people. They had not through their Legis
lature directed those prosecutions. H
I protestedFagai SO'COnOr's proposition t.
have the case passed upon by referee.
| { O'Conor then repeated his views ex
pressed in the Tweed suit as to the right o
the people to sue.
Upon the conclusion Of arguments III
! Judge took the papers.