Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1879-02-06
THE BL0DGETT INQUIRY.
Accused Gives His Evidence as to Charge
Two-Genoral and Specific Denial, and
Explanations of the Various Transactions
Complained of-Double Dealing of Boss

Two-General and Specific Denial, and
Explanations of the Various Transactions
Complained of-Double Dealing Of Boss
Hesing.
CHICAGO, Feb. 5.-In the Knott sub-commit-
tee this morning several witnesses testified that
| A. q. Hesing has used violent language regard
ing Judge Blodgett, and had threatened to
| pursue him.
Judge Blodgett said that about April 5th,
1876, Hesing and Woke came to his room and
said Woke had Hesing's note secured by stock
for $4,000; that Hesing was bankrupt, and
judgment would be disastrous. Woke said he
was not satisfied of Hesing'a insolvency. Wit
ness told him it was most important to know
this. He ashed how much stock was worth.
Woke thought par. Hesing said they might be
worth par to an insider but not to an outsider,
and outsiders were unable to buy it. Both
| expressed anxiety to make the sale of notes.
| Witness was accustomed in such cases to offer
| securities at a special sale, according to law
which he quoted. Hesing agreed that Woke
| had better try to negotiate this note with
parties in the habit of dealing in
such. After full conference it was agreed
that Woke satisfy himself regarding Hesing's
insolvency and make report. Woke was afraid
censure him. Witness said nobody could CEN
sure him for doing his best. day or two later
Woke reported Hesing was insolvent and asked
instructions. Hesing and Leake came into the
chamber. Witness then suggested Woke ask
bids and Leake or Woke produced an order
Woke reported several bids received, the
smallness of which disappointed both Woke
and witness.
Witness then called on Mr.. Coolbaugh, bank
er, who told him Hesing's paper was peculiar.
Hesing was undoubtedly insolvent. The
Stats Zeituag was a close corporation and tho
stock was valuable only to the controlling in
terest, and that Woke would assume as much
responsibility in refusing as in accepting these
bids. On next Monday afternoon, no objec
tons being raised, witness confirmed the sale
Never had any other conversation with Hesing
or intimated that he would be favored. There
was no secrecy or reason for any in these pro-
ceedings. Never knew Hesing had any inter-
est in the purchase as finally confirmed by the
grand jury. Did nothing to prevent it's full
Investigation of Register Hibbard's office.
When the jury adjourned learned from Bangs
doubts if it would stick. said Hibbard's re.
ports were made under my construction of the
law which had given Hubbard, and whether
right or wrong he ought not to be indicted.
and Bangs should SO inform the jury, and if
the jury wanted further instructions I would
s. w
with Judge Drummond, who agreed there was
much force in Witnesses Interpretation, and
said it would be great wrong to indict Hib
bard under these circumstances. Witness sent
for Bangs and asked if he had given the jury
the message he sent. Bangs said no; the jury
asked what if they persist? Witness then said
Bangs ought to withhold the indictment.
Later two jurors to witness and
said the jury seemed satisfied it would have
gotten through in two days if they had known
witness construction Of law. Had no knowl-
jury before the venires were issued Except GUS
tom house matter. Jury expenses had been
large, and had feeling there was not the neces-
sary despatch. Didn't recollect that Hesing
recommended Woke for assignee. He may have
done SO. Had said to grand juror it was inn
construe the law for them. Although intimate
with Hubbard, never conyersed with him on
these matters. He had been careful not to
prejudice his mind regarding Hubbard by read
ing the reports regarding his taking illegal fees
as it might come before him in judicial man
ner. Was never intimate with Hesing in anv
relation whatever. Knew him as an energetic
politician. Knew him to be insoivent In 1874
from judicial proceedings in his court, but be-
ieved Hesing was honestly trying to make
the most of his assets.
Witness stated to Mr. Knott his reasons for
his construction of the bankruptcy law.
Guy Magee testified Hesing told him Leon
ard SWEET wanted him (Hesing) to squeal on
Logan, Farwel and others, but Hesing said he
had nothing to squeal about.
A. G. Hesing testified in April, 1874; his
personal property was worth $4,000 and unin-
numbered, and an execution for $780, 1000 would
have been satisfied, as he owned other valuable
property.
On the third charge, borrowing money of as
signees, this afternoon Mark Kimball, assignee
of the Mutual Security company, testified he
loaned Judge Blodgett $4,000 trust funds in
1872 at per cent, which was shortly repaid.
o. H. Horton said he knew of Judge Blod-
gett borrowing $4,000 of Jas. Lang, assignee OF
the Equitable Insurance company, and givin g
notes, but knew nothing as to interest, though
the form of note given necessarily called for
interest.
The third and fourth charges and the rejoin-
ders of Judge Blodgett were read and the COM
mittee adjourned.