New-York tribune., 1890-06-13
A LEGISLATIVE SCANDAL.
INVESTIGATING CHARGES OF BRIBERY AT
BOSTON.
SENATOR FAssErr, OF THE BERKSHIRE DIS
rRIcT, AccUsED-ALLEGED CORRUPT
EFFORTS TO SECURE ELEVATED
RAILWAY CHARTERS.
,BY TELEGRAPH 10 THE TkIBrNE.I


Boston, June 12-The present Legislature In Its
closing days will be envencd by scandal OF
disagreeable proportions growing out OF the attempts
to procure charters for treo different elevated railroad
schemes-the West End, the Meigs and the Peopie 5.
The Railway Committee reported favorably on inc
Megs and the West End petitions and gave all oteis
leave to withdraw The Meigs people have obtained
their charter which simply authorizes any steam or
street railway company to use the Megs system, subject
of course to the approval Of the local authorities.
The West End bill has passed the Senate but hangs S
the House. In the debate In the House on Tuesday'
George Frederick Williams, the wellknown Mugwump'
made charges Of corruption against certain Senator'S
and an Investigation ordered. II was begun To-
day in the Senate and will be open tomorrow IN
the House. The Senate inquiry relates to allege6
bribery on the part of the Peoples Company and the
House inquiry will relate to alleged bribery or at
tempted bribery the part of the West End company
Frank E. sanderson, a wool dealer, was the hrst
witness today He testified that Louis P. Hagar, a
lobbyist was employed to push the Peoples halfway
interests in the Legislature. Hagar was TO receive
money for current expenses, such as providing
free dinners, uncheons and other luxunes for
legislators and If he succeeded in getting the charter
he was to receive $4,000 cash. On May % MIR.
sandeyson was introduced to senator Fasset OF the
Southern Berkshire District in the presence OF Hagar
and Edward Pranker, Of the Peoples Elevated Road
Sanderson testified that Fassett said that under certain
conditions he would become interested in pushing the
charter for the Peoples Company. He gave sanderson
names ten Senator'S whose votes could be pur-
chased for $4,000 each, making the round sum
100000. Sanderson made appointment for
Fassett to meet the financial Of the company the
next day. That appointment was kept, but sander
son what transpired, because Fassett was
coseted with the managers Of the enterprise, Edward
Pranker Of Saugus, and Dr. Joseph c. Moore, OF Man.
chester, y. II. Subsequently Senator Fassett wrote
cInfp To ms wi PpOplps
scheme, and saying that he going to act with the
West End people. On examination IL was said
by Sanderson that Senator Fasse insisted In the first
interview that he should receive the entire 100000
and do as he saw fit by his fellow-Senators.
DR.. Joseph C. Moore proved to be witness with a
defective memory. lie admitted that he had two in
tervlews with Senator Fassett the dates mentioned
by Sanderson but his memory was foggy as to what
occurred on these conditions. He thought the con-
versation related to the payment of $4,000 to each
Of ten Senators, contingent upon the passage Of the
Peoples Railway bill. DR.. Moore said he had not
authorized Hagar any else to offer 100000 to
procure the charter.
Edward Pranker, of Saugus a woollen manufacturer,
testified that he had known DR.. Moore for about a
year. and Louis p. Hagar for little while, but long
enough He had contributed less than 81 900 toward
the expenses Of the Peoples road. He arranged the
interview with Fassett, but did not participate In it,
lie did not question Fassett nor have any CORE
spondence with. him.
Louis p. Hagar, the lobbyist, said he was engaged
by Sanderson to lobby the bill through the Legislature
and the arrangement that he should call on
sanderson when he wanted money Hagar then denied
that he was present at interview between Sander
son and Fassett or Moore and Fassett. The witness
arose and gesticulating said : Mr, chairman and
gentlemen wish 10 say right here that the testimony
OF this man sanderson and this man Dr.. Moore, and
will swear 1t before Almighty God, is falsehood J
introduced DR.. Moore and Colonel Sanderson to
Senator Fassett but such interview as described
ever took place. Hagar that he never heard
of any proposition coming from senator Fassett TO
deliver TO the Peoples Elevated Railway ten senatorial
votes for 100000 anything TO tnat effect lie
never showed to Fassett list Of the names Of ten
Senators ard such list He had received
$500 for his services as lobbyist.