The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1885-10-12
SMITH is NOT READY
re BEGIN THE INVESTIGATION.
The Aoous.rs of Mayor orubS Given Four
Days to Flad or Make the Evidence to
support Their Chargos-thS Clerk
Assumes to Run the Committee.

Assumes to Run the Committee.
There was another notable lobby in the
First Branch Council chamber Saturday
evening, attracted by the meeting of the
sp scial committee charged with the inves-
tigation OF the charges against the Mayor.
The Committee was little slow in
gathering, though when Chairman Hill
ireth called II to order all the members
we're present but Mr.. List, who also came
in little later. The Clerk was late. The
lobby included number Of prominent
business and professional men, the better
elements in the community showing in
creased interest in tho inquiry at every
successive step.
Colonel Arnett and Colonel Robert White
appeared as Chief Smiths advisers. His
earlier coadjustors did not appear, but it
is not believed that they have really aban-
doned his cause. They cannot afford it,
as they are in with him, and need "viudi-
cation" as badly as he Mr.. W. P. Hub
bard was presentas Mayor Grubbs counsel
The minutes Of the meeting the night
before were read and approved, and Mr..
T. NJ. Garvin, the stenographer, was sworn
TO faithfully record the testimony taken.
Mr.. Hubbard asked for the original
copy Of the charges, and perused them
carefully, consulting meanwhile with his
client. The lobby waited patiently, and
during the whole evening maintained an
unexpected decorum, considering the size
OF the crowd and the fact that almost all
were standing. !
NOT READY.
Chairman Hildreth suggested that the
attorneys consult together and agree upon
some method OF procedure Mr.. Hubbard
did not see what the attorneys could agree
upon. He could not see any course open
but one, to proceed to investigate the
charges. The prosecution had preferred
them, and they woull now have the oppor-
tunity TO substantive them, II they could.
The fact was that the charges touched
upon things which did not affect the
Mayors conduct Of his Office; things
which did not form legitimate subjects Of
inquiry by Council. But Mayor Grub
did not desire to take refuge behind this
fact. He desired full, fair, prompt exam.
ination, and Mr.. Hubbard thought he was
entitled to have that investigation COM
menCe without delay.
Col. Arnett said he had been informed
when he took hold OF the case that
no testimony was to be taken that even
ing, and his understanding was that no
Witnesses had been summoned. His side
would not be ready to commence the tax
ing OF testimony for day or two-pos-
sibly not before Wednesday night.
Mr.. Hubbard asked, "Col. Arnett, who
informed you that no testimony was to be
taken tonight"
Col. Arnett-"The Clerk Of the Com.
mittee 80 informed me-"
This remark caused a smile, the signif-
canoe (which was plainly,"Ah, thought
SOP
Mr.. Hubbard-"I had supposed, Mr..
Chairman, that the proceedings would be
governed by the understanding and de-
sire OF the Committee and not OF the Clerk
to The Committee. should like 10 be in.
formed what the members OF the Com
mittee propose to do at this meeting"
THE INVESTIGATION DEFERRED.
The Chairman said his understanding
certainly was that the investigation was
to commence tonight, and member or
two concurred in this view. Mr.. Btngell,
however, said that he had made the
motion under which the committee met
tom ht, and be expressly stipulated that
the meeting was for the purpose OF ar
ranging the preliminaries only. He added
in auswev to an inquiry by Mr.. Hubbard
that the committee had adopted his
motion 10 that effect The minutes did
not show this, but this view seemed TO
prevail.
Mr.. Hubbard expressed his regret that
this was so. He said the defense was
ready, and only desired that the investi-
CATION might begin as promptly and pro-
ness to both sides.
Col. Arnett said the witnesses for the
prosecution could not attend tonight, or
several OF them could not. One at least
was prevented by sickness.
A motion was made by Mr.. Dobbins to
adjourn till Monday night. An amend.
ment was offered deterring the meeting
till Wednesday evening. The amendment
was lost, by lie vote, and the original
motion was then put and lost. The four
members who voted to defer the investi.
cation till Wednesday night were Messrs.
Bingell, Crawford, Comerford and Miller.
WEDNESDAY 1T IS.
After some discussion Mr.. Bingell moved
as an original proposition that the COM
mites meet on Wednesday evening.
Mr.. Hubbard said with some emphasis:
ave expect these charges to fail. But
we do not desire that it shall be placed in
the power OF any human being to say
that the charges failed because time
was not given 10 produce evidence.
We want prompt investigation,
but above all we desire that the
changes shall be Investigated. there
fore, on behalf Of Mayor Grub, with
draw all objections to the proposed delay,
and agree that the committee shall ad.
iourn till Wednesday evening, with the
understanding that the examination OF
witnesses shall begin and proceed with
all the speed compatible with justice and
fairness to both sides"
With this understanding it was agreed
to adjourn till Wednesday evening at half
past seven o'clock. Both sides were in
structed to have all their witnesses present
at that time.
The postponement caused general dis |
appointment. 1t was argued that the |
prosecution certainly had had all the time
that they could justly dsmad, in view OF
the fact that Mayor Grub Is all this time
resting under the charges. Mr.. Hubbard's
position, however, in asserting to the
delay that the accusers might make their
case as strong az possible, gave the public
still greater confidence in Mayor Grubb's
innocence, aud increased the general dis
gust ct Smiths course.
Not Correctly Reported.
The Register OF yesterday contained a
sensational account Of an alleged scene on
Saturday night In the chamber OF the First
Branch Of Council after the adjournment
Of the special committee appointed to In
vestigate Mayor Grub. There was some