The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1882-02-27
THE END.
The Investigating Commit
tee concluding its labors.
Evidence Submitted last Sat
urday Evening.

urday Evening.
The committee of the council, appointed
to investigate the charges preferred against
Street Commissioner Warren, has about
completed its labors, rs it is understood
that the last session will be held this even
ing when few witnesses will be examin-
ed.
The investigation has developed several
facts which will prove Of general impor-
lance and benefit to the city. Prominent
among these is the fact that the laborers
in the city employ have been assisted by
their bosses, and the testimony shows that
a considerable amount was SO collected.
The men, as rule, understood that the
money was to be used in buying present
for the street commissioner, and they also
labored under the impression that their
contribution would have a tendency to
keep them employed SO long rs there was
any work to be done.
THE EVIDENCE
of the men who So contributed shows that
no false reports of their working hours
were made, but that their object in dsnat-
ing money was to secure favorable en-
ployment as long rs the season continued.
Two of the three foremen on the stand adj
mftted that they had collected money from
the laborers O'Conncr testified that q
considerable amount was raised and that
the money was given in installments to
Warren in person.
Coyne stated he collected money, but
never gave it to Warren in person. In
fact Warren, SO he stated, ordered him to
stop the collection rs soon as he ascertain
ed that such was going on. Coyne kept
the money for over year, aud then turn
ed it in to assist in buying a watch for
Warren.
Kane, the third foreman, never made
any assessments; in fact never heard of
any. although it is evident such collections
lsct some money from the men, which
Warren had advanced to them for the pur-
pose of enjoying the 4th Of July.
THE SESSION
night was devoid of interest, as
nothing Of an important character was re
vealed.
The principal witnesses were Littig and
Mathews. The former was impressed with
the fact that the city employees were dig
cling Reaches well, and intimated as much
to Roache. The latter replied in a know
ing manner that beer and whisky cost az
much as actual labor.
J. w. Mathews, the great gift origina-
tor, detailed his connection with the affair,
and acknowledged that he had secured sew
sral contracts from the city for cement and
pipe. In fact one had been made with
Warren, who represented the municipality.
Mathews denied the rlmor that has been
current, to the effect that he charged the
work of Warren's watch after the time
piece had been purchased.
The testimony in detail was as follows:
Chas. Hansgen was called, but he refused
o take the oath as he did not consider that
he investigation committee had the power
% administer the oath. He agreed to tell
he truth about the facts as he knew them
The witness was excused.
Timothy Sexton was next called. He
tated that he had worked for the city as
teamster under Warren. His last work
vas during the summer. The city paid
linn in full. He hauled one load after
lours to O'Connor's residence. He paid
IS to O'Connor at one time. O'Connor
aid it was for Warren. He paid Coyne
. for an instrument. He hauled dirt to
Farrens lot Never got any pay for it.
Witness had boy who carried water for
he sewer men. The boy also attended to
Varfen's COW il the morning and evening.
Warren did not pay the boy for such ser
rices. Witness paid IS to Coyne for his
,oys contribution to the instrument fund. |
JOHN CARING
vas engaged by the city as teamster for
he city. He got more pay than he was
Untitled to. He was sent up by OConnor
o get some chairs at the picnic ground. |
I occupied about two hours. The city paid |
or that time. O'Connor told witness not |
o tell Warren about it. Witness saw
Warren, but the latter did not see witness
Turing the trips. Witness hauled dirt for
)'Connor. Coyne and O'Connor both |
sked witness for money to buy an instru- |
nent for Warren. Witness did not pay
ut Coyne went to witness mother and |
'ot 80. Witness hauled full day to War |
ems lot. Warren knew of it. Witness
id not expect any pay for it.. Witness
auled rock in Kane's alley, and was paid !
or it by the city.
Thomas Shea, after some bubble about
aking an oath was sworn and testified |
hat he had paid an assessment. He paid
'oyne four or five dollars. This witness
ras soon excused as it was found that his
of affairs was not pertinent to
ne investigation.
John Littig was at Roach's house when
ne latter had his well dug. Kane was
1ere and had taken the contract. Witness
sked Roach if the city was digging the
ell. Roach nudged witness in the ribs,
nd told him that it made no difference as
he money went in whiskey. Witness was
lere when some brick was received: This
fas between the LIST and 18th of August
oach wanted the brick unloaded. but
-ane said when the well was deep enough,
e would unload the first load that came.
rick was being hauled for the sewer in
'wer part of the city.
CHARLES YOUNG
as teamster for the city. Hauled dirt
} O'Connor's lot. Hauled dirt to War