New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1874-06-06
THE BROOKLYN RING TRIALS.
An OBJECTION THAT MAY END THE TRIAL OF TIL
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An OBJECTION THAT MAY END THE TRIAL OF THE
COMMISSIONERS OF CHARITIES.
The trial of the indicted Commissioners of
Charities OF Brooklyn continued yesterday before
Judge Daniels and Associate Justices VOORHEES, and
johnson. IN the Supreme Court of the Brooklyn
Courthouse. During the proceedings Gen. b. f. Tracy
counsel for the cused, called attention legal point
which lie stated would put end to the trials. The
point that the Jaw Of ISL, under which the Commits
sioners are indicted, repealed by the Legis-
lature N AUril last. There is no
advertisement contract for supplies by
the Commissioners. Dstrict-Attorney WInslow replied,
claiming the statute recently passed only took
away from the Commissioners the power into
contracts &c and that IL did not ake'away the penal
ties incurred by the Commissioners on account Of
Offenses committed while they had such power. The
Court said that il was well established that the repeal
OF law making a criminal ofense abolished the pun
lshment. He would allow the 20 go but would
examine the law. Opportunity Will be given the Di 3
Attorney this morning 10 advance his arguments
and the point viii be decided by the Court.
Many witnesses examined yesterday. John A.
Murha testified in regard 20 the purchase OF various
supplies such caustic soda, smoking tobacco, snuff,
ana soda crackers and their reception at the county
stOrehouse between Aug e and Dec. 30. 1873 stephen
NJ stllwe Secretary 20 the Board. testified that the
items OF plug tobacco, nails, Bourbon whisky, and
sherry wine the minutes OF the Board John
Early dealer in wOodenware, doing business in this
city. testified regard 70 the purchase from him by
the Commissioners Of smoking and plug tobacco, and
other articles in which be did not deal, but which
he had 70 bCy himself Thus he had sold
snuff costing HIN from co 10 70 cents. for u 20 smoking
tobacco Tor 81 20; plug tobacco costing
SO cents for 90 cents; nails at - and S. 50 per keg for
sll lime. cOst.ngs2 per barrel for 81 oak pals costing
s. 90 for sI2 caustlc soda, al about per drum FOR
s. u.s. The also testified having paid $50 20
Nj Powell one Of the accused. James Campbell VI the
firm OF j & II. Campbell OF Vesey-st.. NewYork test
ned TO having furnished the Commissioners with sup
Plies among Otner things, II caustc soda ana smoking
tobacco, J, 5 Davis, tobacco expert was called 70
prove that rales Tor tobacco We're ex0rbtant and
much above is market value. EX--uperysOrs Prentice
aud Hartman testified 10 having taken samples OF tile
articles usea the county buildings and sub
United them 10 EXAMINATION by experts. Edward
A. Bore testified IN regard 70 the sherry
wine tested. John Morton gave the market value OF
lime dnrug portions q 1873. John Bunce testified N
regard value OF the nails, James W. Emery
the crackers William Wilson 10 the quality or the
WHISKY used. In gard 70 the latter tile Distrct-A
tOrney attempted snow that he lad been charged with
selling liquor 10 the commissioner when III realty
Thomas Mullen. who bought Of him. had SOLD X 10
them. Edward H. Carl testified as to the value OF me
caustic soda JOnu F. Heiseubuttel was the last Wit
Less called began To give an account Oh the way III
which bids thrown out by tie charity Commission
ers in order give contracts 10 favofes. HIS test
mony was not however, admitted Tue case Will come
asa4L ~ IL a. Il. To-Day