The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1875-08-11
MIKE CORBETT's CASE.
The Laberers' Test of the WOrfkingf0n

Street Commissioner Corbett,s case came up
for consideration again this morning before
Squire RELY. Owing to the heat and the
great pressure of the crowd. who wedged
themselves like SO many blocks of wood or
stone at the entrance to the Magistrates room,
completely shutting out every breath Of air from
the jury, the Court adjourned to more commodi-
GUS quarters in the larger hall in the lower
story Of Robinson's Opera-house, which was
kindly offered the Court by Uncle john Pre-
cisely at 1890 the Court was called to order and
the trial begun by calling the first witness for
the defense, Mr.. McHugh,. Assistant Commfs-
sioner under Mr.. Corbett.
Witness said he hal been acquainted with
Lyon since last April. at which time Mr.. Lyon
was employed as laborer in repairing the
streets by his (McHugh's) order. He had re-
ceived no instructions from Mr.. Corbett about
this man, except general order to employ
men. There was money In the treasury at the
time he employed this man, and he believed
he had drawn some five weeks pay from Mr..
Corbett himself. as MIR. Corbett made out the
pay rolls himself. or by his assistant, VIII o
hands them TO the Clerk, and are then subjected
to the Board Of Improvements for their ap-
proval, and the money is paid by the CITY
Treasurer or his assistant. The selection or
particular men was left to the Assistant COM
missioner.
Mr.. Bernard was called to the stand and
stated that he was clerk Of Board of Improve
ments. Witness stated that when the question
OF employing or discharging the men then at
work on the streets came up, that MIR. Corbety
moved to discharge all men then employed
uyon the streets but was decided as out OF or
der and was instructed by a vote Of the Board
to go on with the work. A reference was here
made to the minutes Of the Board which cor
rvborated the statement OF the witness.
Mir. Corbett, the defendant, was next sworn.
stated he was not acquainted with the plain
tiff; never saw him. to his knowledge, until he
was threatened with suit by this man for his
arrears Of wages. when he simply told him to
sue, &c. He expressed dissatisfaction as to
going on with the work without instruction.
He addressed communication to the Audi
tor and to the Chairman OF the Board express
ing his disapproval Of continuing the WORK
when there was no money in the Treasury.
Two of Witnesses letters were here read, ,onc to
Mayor Johnston, another to the City Auditor,
requesting to be instructed with regard as to
discharging the men at work, on the streets.
These letters, the witness stated, had been
read to the Board OF Improvements at their
regular meeting, whom he also asked for in-
structiOns.
MIR. Corbett considered that he was acting
under the order from the Board of Improvc-
menis Never had held himself personally
responsible 70 any Of the men employed upon
city work. The men on the streets all knew
He had discharged Mr.. McHugh May 3U, ISIS.
He hai repeatedly asked for a special fund for
the improvements Of the streets, so that he
could be governed by that.
He continued the work when he knew there
was no money In the Treasury to pay them.
He had employed in the spring between I've
hundred and six hundred men a.day; the pay
rolls had been about $1,000 or $1,000 week
making for the month about $50, 900, all told.
The defense stated that they had no further
charges in the hands of the Court, that the jury
be dismissed until O'clock which w a. dome