The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1878-01-05
EX-MAYOR O'NEILL'S TRIAL.

CLOSING THE oAsE--TEsrIMoNy IN BEHALF OF
THE DEPENDANT.
Tho trial OF ex-Mayor Charles H. O'Ne was re-
sumed in tho Court OF Oyer and Terniner at Jersey
CITY yesterday. Ex-Attorney General GiIchrst
sumed his argument for the defence and contended
that where intent to delraud was not proved there
could be no conviction. When ne concluded Mayor
siedler took tho stand. Attorney General Stockton
objected the introduction OF testimony in support
oil the Of the defendant the State would adj
all that the defence desired to Judge Knapp
ruled that the testimony admissible. Mayor
Sedler In to Mr.. Gilchrist, then stated that
duties OF mayor wero very onerous% and involved
great aber and diligence. He would state from
perencc that the average number OF bills presented
for the Mayors consideration were 200 week be-
sides largo number oil resolutions, extending from
lures on tho part OF the Mayor Il is physically I'M
possible for the Mayor to scrutinize anayze
voucher or claim which might be presented for his
signature.
''That we deny" said the Attorney General soto
uoce.
In many Instances no is Obliged to rely on tho
boards OF tho city government he faithuness OF
the City Clerk, who acts as assistant 10 the Mayor.
would render myself liable to indictment at any
timo II had an unlaithful clerk compelled TO
rely dishonest Board that desired to issue falso
claims. n have no hesitation" SAID the witness,
declaring that character of ex-Mayor O'Neill
Is fully equal 10 that Of any man swho ever held the
but havO always found him honest and the people
Jersey City will always be we'll served If they lind
officials to follow his example,"
Then followed long lis. OF witnesses who expressed
tho highest confidence In Mr.. O'Neill, among them
being Dr. varck. George Clifford, Mayor Harrison,
Of Bergen; William BTinkerhon, CoDgr essman Har.
denbergh, David Smith, Judge Ogden, ex-Congress-
man Scudder, Andrew Clerk, George w. Helms ana
CITY Treasurer Earlo. Mr.. Hardcnborgh created
sensation court whom hc declared with emphasis
that lie regarded Mr. O'Neill n stubbornly honest
man. Many Of the Witnesses avowed themselves
being opposed Mr.. O'Neill IN politics. but that in
public or private lilo they regarded his integrity be-
yond question.
Mr. Gilcnrist called II. H. Newkirk, exclerk of the
Board OF Public Works, TO tho stand and handed him
the contract book with the question sis that the
originalY'
at Is not" was the prompt response.
"Thsn we rest our case,' said Mr. Gichrst, 'as TAR
as the witnesses are concerned. Mayor O'Nel please
take the stand.n
The defendant entered the witness box, and, In
answer 10 his counsel explained hts for
ing the warrants Tor the construction oil the reservoir
ali OF which he believed to be legal Mr. Gil
christ examining him infinitely all the points
raised during the trial. and Mr.. ONeill offered his
plantations apparently without hesitation. Then At
torney General Stockton opened severe cross-exam-
inalion which lasted halt AN hour. District Attorney
Garretson followed tor the State alter which the
adjourned until Monday
Tho court ded the entire day and the inter-
est in the trial seems to be unhngging