The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1874-02-12
PALMER'S CLAIM.

The Tenth National Bank Case-How
Ex-senator Mike Norton Was Induced
to Turn States ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Green's Hnnd--COvernor Dix the Trump
Card-Another Thunderbolt Coming
Some Revelations. -
1t was stated in certain political circles yester-
day that the recent afhdavit OF ex-senator Norton
in the case OF the Tenth National Bank was only
the first gun OF certain other startling revelations
which the 'TThunderbolt" was prepared to make,
provided that the document, which has already
been published, as sworn to before friend OF
Norton, who Is notary public fails OF accomplish
ing the desired end OF the fugitive and his friends
namely, immunity from all legal consequences at
the hands of the District Attorney. great deal
OF curiosity exists as to how the AFFIDAVIT was
brought abOut--whether voluntarily offered BY
Norton or made
UNDER CERTAIN INDUCEMENTS
held out to him. Politicians without single ex.
ception scout the idea that no promise OF some
kind or other was made to Norton to induce him
to turn states evidence. On this head HERALD
reporter is enabled 10 present the following facts,
which were yesterday collected from the most
liable sources.
When it was learned In the Department OF
Finance that the argument on the claims Of tha
Tenth National Bank against the city would come
up for hearing in Supreme Court Chambers on
Saturday morning last, it was resolved at flrst
that Mr.. Dexter Hawkins, the COmptroller's cOun-
sci in ordinary, should defend the suit on behalf Of
the city. Mr.. Hawkins had succeeded Mr.. John H.
Strahan as the counsel to
COMPTROLLER GREEN
for the defence Of private claims against the city.
Mr. Strahan, after some apprenticeship to the
Comptroller in that capacity, becoming al lasS
dissatisfied with the Comptroller's course, de-"
cided to take up the claims OF individuals against
the city, in which cases he was eagerly sought, ~
reason OF his experience. These were moro
numerous than those in which the city succeeded
and afforded better percentage. For this reason
it has been a long time since Mr.. Strahan APP
peared as counsel FOR the city. The Comptroller,
however was well aware that MI. Strahan had
been
An INTIMATE FRIEND
ofNortOns, ana when the argument on the claim OF
the Tenth National Bank loomed up he determined
that in this particular case Mr.. Dexter Hawkins,
ibis private counsel, should stand aside ana that
Mr. John II. s,trahan should come to the front MIR.
strahan was asked II it would not be possible to
circumstances. These circumstances, after some
questions from Mr.. Strahan- the Comptroller ex-
planned, meant that he MIR. Green would use every
EFFORT in Norron's favor not with District Attorney
Phelps but with Governor Dix himself with whom
he said he was all powerful. provided that ne
tNortOn) would consent to give such Information
as would tend to invaidate the claim or the TENN
National Bank and make affidavit to the facts MI.
Strahau, after some consideration, agreed
TO OPEN NEGOTIATIONS
with the counsel OF his Old friend to induce the
latter to open his mouth. Another consultation
was held, and IL was agreed that Mr.. Taintor, one
OF the examiners" OF the Department of Finance.
whose salary is s25 per day, should be taken into
the case. Mr. Strahan was commissioned to wait
Judge Dittenhoefer, counsel tor Norton, and to
make q formal proposal OF Comptroller Green'S
terms aud 30 give the required guarantees Tor the
COmptrOers sincerity.
Norton had himself wanted to turn States evil
dence and make formal af1idavIt last spring. but
by the advice Of his friends he held until cleo
ton time, when he was told 10y his friends he could
make "a deai'' with the republican party, by
which, In return for his support OF that party III
his own district he would be guaranteed immunity
from all legal consequences. He supported SEN
ator Booth the republican candidate Tor the Fifth
district, strongly; but, as the event showed, NO
reckOned without District Attorney Phelps. For
this reason Comptroller Green's proposal was
gladly jumped at when offered to the fugitive
There was
AN ADDITIONAL MOTIVE
for his turning States evidence in the fact mat
during his forced absence mis- wife, VINO hnd gwen
birth TO u Guild was alarmingly III. norton nag
strong friends in the republican party, among
others Sheridan Shook, who Is the partner or
was Induced to take the case by Mr.. Shook, as
Norton, 1t is said Is unable to fee lawyer to de-
fend him. These republican Tlenus VIII work
might and main to save him but II they should tai
IL IS confidently asserted that Norton IS so worried
by his forced absence from the city that ne viii
offer to make a clean breast OF all he knows not
only about the county Court House fran1s but
about certain other
DARK TRANSACTIONS
of the old TammaDy days upon which no light has
speedy departure for parts unknown by prominent
individuals who nave escaped up TO the present
In a word. that there is another thunderbOlt IN
formation.