The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-03-14
THE KITz INVESTIGATION.
The Defendant Still on the Stand Defend
ing His Official Acts-0ther Testimony

The investigation of Township Trustee Kitz
was resumed yesterday morning. Trustee Kitz
produced the checks on the Indianapolis Nation
al and Merchants National Banks given in pay
ment for the school-house built by Mr. Kitz at
Mapleton. Mr.. Ketcham. Dr. Ferree's attorney,
insisted that Mr. Kih submit his pass-book for
examination Mr.. Span attorney for Mr. Kitz,
took the ground that the checks were sufficient
proof that the money had been paid, and object
ed that his client should not be compelled to ex-
pose his private matters before the commission
ers. Mr.. Ketcham intimated that it was easy
enough to produce cancelled checks.
Mr.. Spaan-In other words, you mean to init
mate that the transaction was fraudulent that
there was collision between MIR. Frenzel and
Mr. Kitz. 1 object to such innuendoes If Mr..
Ketcham who is the paid attorney of Dan Rams
dell, chairman of the Republican township com
mittee, has any charges to make, let him speak
plainly. That is what intend to do.
Mr.. Ketcham-Do you mean to say that Mr.
Kitz may criminlte himself by bringing in his
bank book!
Mr.. Spaan-I do not mean to say anything of
the kind. But do say that the commissioners
affairs to the view of ingenious attorneys.
don'tknow what his pass-book contains. l never
saw it. The checks are sufficient evidence on
this transaction.
The commissioners ruled the examination of
the pass book unnecessary.
Mr.. Ketcham then asked that a subpoena be
issued for John p. Frenzel to appear and pro-
duce the books of the bank.
Mr.. Span expressed willingness to produce
the pass-book conditioned that it be examined
only touching payment for the Mapleton school
house.
Mr.. Ketcham refused to accept the offer on any
such condition,
Henry r. Huebner architect of the Mapleton
school-house, said he was advised to make the
building as cheap as possible; knew of no gouge,
and denied having told George Lancaster, trus-
tee of Washington township, that there was
something rotten in the contract, but that Kitz,
was friend of his (Huebners) and had given
him work. and that he would not say anything
about it unless compelled to do so in a court of
Justice"
M. K. Fatout. the contractor, was examined
with intent to show that part of the check for
1912 was afterwards paid back to Mr.. Kitz, but
the proof that the trustee had protited by the
transaction did not appear.
Mr.. Span to witness Ibid you pay any of the
money you received from the contract to Mr.
Kitz4' mo sir" Did you use all the money
legitimately~ Eyes" do you consider the
contract price for the school-house a reasonable
oner Yes" Was not your bid lower than that
Trustee Lancaster, of Washington township,
testified that he erected school house at Broad
Ripple similar to the one built at Mapleton Mr..
Huebner was the architect of both houses) for
Sc, q, including fences, clubhouse, etc. He
had had lightning rods placed on it for $65.65.
Mr.. Kitz took the stand
Mr.. Ketcham-I notice three vouchers to
Smith & Loeper, in regard to Schofeld and
Mississippi streets. What was that work.
Kitz-For putting down stakes, leveling and
making plan for leveling and grading It was
paid in installments. On Mississippi street the
work was between Crown Hill and the town
ship line. The Schofeld street work is north
east of the Atlas works, from Rural street into
the Brighwood corporation. That work was
done last fall.
Ketcham-Did they furnish you with bill of
the work.
Kitz-They gave me the items as they did the
work. When they did the work Mr.. Loeper
brought the items to me himself.
Ketcham-When he came, on the Goth of Au-
gust, he brought you a statement that showed
there was $38 so due, and you gave him check
for it9
Kitz-Yes, sir.
Ketcham-On the 2Sth of August he came
again. and showed you bill for $27, and you
gave him a check for thatl
KtZ-Yes, sir.
Ketcham-And on the 9Th of December he
brought in another bill, and you gave him
check for 1863 75l
Kitz-Yes, sir.
helcndIn-1O gu maven JneSe Oils; you ala not
keep them2
Kitz-They were merely statements on brown
paper.
Ketcham-Help and buggy hire included They
did not hire buggy of youa
Kitz-No sir.
Ketcham-Did this other bill represent all the
expenses of Smith & Loeper on Schofeld street
and North Mississippi street,
Kitz-I suppose they did. I do not know Of
anything else
Mr. Spaan interposed that Smith & Loeper
had an office near by on Pennsylvania street,
and if Mr.. Ketchanf wished to subpoena them,
to see if the work was reasonable or not, they
could be brought to the courtroom in five min
utes.
Ketcham-Among other estimates of expenses
is included an item of 5000 for enumeration of
school children2
Ktz-Yes, sir; they are making that enumera-
ton now, 1 want to correct one thing. l find
that this is paid out of the special fund, and it
does not belong in the estimate
Notwithstanding the limited accommodations
for an audience, the Commissioners Court was
filled with listeners, who showed an eager inter
est in the proceedings. The case will continue
to-day. 1t is promising to grow more interest
ing as it proceeds