The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-12-25
THEIR NAMES MADE PUBLIC.
Councilmen NeWcomb and Smither An
swer Summons TO Appear in Court,
And Say that August NJ. Kuhn and John
Whist offered Them Money to Vote
for Democratic City Attorney.

Councilman Newcomb was reluctant witness
yesterday afternoon before Judge Norton in an
ever to Prosecuting Attorney Hardngs sum-
mons The purpose of investigation lay in the
charges that Mr. Newcomb, with other council
men, had been approached by offers of money to
vote for A. T. Beck. candidate for the city at
torneyship. Mr.. Newcomb, on taking the stand,
under oath, said: II was approached bya gen.
tleruan who asked me to vote for Mr.. Beck. I
did not look upon the matter in the light of a
bride, but rather as an electioneering scheme. "
What is the gentleman's namea' asked the
judge.
We'll. l would prefer not to give the name, I"
said the witness somewhat hestatingly, unless
the court orders it."
That is what said," crustily remarked the
Judge.
ut was A. N. Kuhn"
August NJ. Kuhnl" asked the prosecuting at
torney.
'The collector of customsl' asked the judge.
Yes replied the witness. HE came to me
and spoke of Mr. Beck's candidacy, and said he
would like to see him have the Office. 1t was
only matter of politics, as he represented it.
and what matters it, asked he, who is elected,
whether Democrat or Republican, if the Office
is worthily flleda The city would
be just as well Off He said
he would. give s1oo il could
see my way through to vote for Mr. Beck.
gave him to understand that l could not do it.
l did not understand it was bribe, but rather
an inducement for me to vote for his man. That
afternoon saw MI Kuhn again. and again told
him would not vote for Beck. This was before
the Republican caucus The next morning he
came to me and raised the to $500. l told
him that had always been Republican and
had the good will of friends and the community.
If did anything of that kind l would lose the
respect of everyone, and it was no use to pursue
the subject any further"
did he show you money!" asked the judge.
mo: do not think he wanted to put it in the
character of bride. but rather remuneration
for services to friend of his. He appeared to
me to be ali overZealous pleader in behalf of Mr..
Beck, saying. i would like to see him have the
Office not only on account OF friendship, but
because am under obligations to him.
you think, then, he was offered the money in
fun" interrupted the judge.
mo, not that, said the witness in an embar-
raised manner "but can't, think it was bride "
Councilman Smithers was next called to the
stand. He said John Whist called at his house
about o'clock the night Council met, half
hour before he went to the meeting. Whist rep
resented that he had private matter to talk
about, and that it was Of special Importance.
Giving him the opportunity to speak of it out of
the hearing of others. he told witness thathe had
been requested to offer him $500 to vote for
Beck. IF that is not enough will give you
$780," said be- Witness refused emphaticaly to
entertain the proposition saying So 000 can't buy
me-" He thought Whist to besunder the infu-
ence of liquor. nor did the latter show any
money. Il do not know whether he had it or
not" said the witness. 81 understood another
man was not far away. caring.for their horse and
buggy on West street."
Mr.. Kuhn was asked last evening by Journal
reporter to give an account of what transpired
between him and Mr.. Newcomb.
II did see Mr. Newcomb and asked him to
vote for Mr.. Beck, but did not make it the
special purpose Of a call on him. It was an &C
cidental meeting The only reason | mentioned
the matter to him was that believed him to be
dissatisfied with his party because of his defeat
for Cornell"
He says you called OH him the morning fol-
lowing the first conversation"
THAT is not so. / saw him but once and that
accidentally. l do not want to give anything
for publication until find out just what he said
in his testimony"
II can give it to you. He says you offered him
500, and the next morning 5000"
'If Esquire Newcomb gave that in his test-
mony he said what is absolutely false. 1 offered
him no money, and / make my denial most en-
phate. l repeat, l saw him but once He called
on me afterwards. l will not say, however
what it was about do not wish to make any
charges, or insinuations even. at this time"
1t is probable the grand jury will consider this
matter.
Mr.. Whist, in conversation with friend,
last evening, relative to the testimony of Coun-
Gilman Smithers. denied having offered bride
to him. He was interested in Beck's candidacy,
but did not offer to buy votes for him.