The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1891-10-03
CHUTE AGAIN ABSENT.
Once More He Ignores the Grand
Jury's Summons.

The Grand Jury showed that 1t placed no
weight whatever on Judge Murphy's de-
csion attacking its legality, by holding a
long meeting yesterday and examining a
number of witnesses.
The jury met at O'Clock in the afternoon,
the first jurors on hand being jeremiah
Lynch and Barclay Henley, who were fol-
lowed by Policeman John Martin with a
pile Of law books in his arms. Detective
Hogan next appeared on the scene and took
his station at the doorway. lie was followed
by Jurors Lipman Sachs, William Cluf
and others, until almost the whole jury was
present, when the doors were locked and
the Grand jury proceeded with its deliber-
tons in the face Of Judge Murphy's decl-
sion which declared the jurors had no right
to sit as "n inquisitOral body.
CHUTE AGAIN CONTENTIOUS.
There was no crowd present. The pOliti-
Richard Chute, whose case excited
such interest, and who had been
given his liberty by Judge Murphy, had
been subpenaed second time. But little
interest was manifested in his case by those
who were present. at no one imagined that
he would respect a summons, having ig-
nUTedLhe first, especially from the fact that
he was upheld in his refusal TO respond to
the Grand jury subpoena by one of the de-
partmentS OF the Superior Court
as tlNbltl VI luCtt HC ulu NV dppGuls ouU
was not to be seen during the entire session
of the jtfy. Besides, no legal representa-
tive was present to respond for him in case
he should be called. He absolutely ignored
the summons, and. relying on Judge Muir
phys decision, snapped his fingers. meta
phorIcaIly speaking, at the entire body.
MORE RESPECTFUL.
If Dick Chute felt strong enough to ignore
the Grand Jury, there were others, how
ever, VINO showed their respect Tor its sub
penas and who. acting the part of discre-
ton, were promptly on hand when wanted.
Among these were CIlttenden Thornton.
Assemblyman j. G. Mccall of Alameda,
Richard Belau, Assemblyman Elwood
Bruner of Sacramento, Daniel Jones and
{. }. Stillwell.
When these witnesses were seen waiting
in the lobby it soon became evident what
matter the Grand Jury would consider, as
most Of them were connected with what is
k own as the BruDer bribery case, one Of
the sensational features OF the last session
of the Legislature.
The first witness called was c. j. Still
well, a reporter, who claimed to have given
ElWood Bruner S4C0 to secure position on
the police force. The facts of the case are
familiar to the public, having been pub
llshed many times before.
BRUNER EXAMINED.
ElwOod Bruner was next summoned and
examined as TO the transaction in which he
was accused of having taken money bribe
to secure a police appointments Richard
Belau, one OF the lobbyists, and Daniel
JONES, who was also connected with the
case, were also examined
Assembiyman j. q. Mccall waited until it
came his turn, and when his name was
called disappeared in the Grand jury room
with face showing extreme nervousness.
He was called 10 explain certain facts IN re-
gard to the story that lie offered a ticket
agent named Oitnger for consideration OF
$1,000 to defeat certain bill aimed at the
extinction OF scalpers.
After the examination of these witnesses
the Grand Jury remained some fifteen min
utes in executive session, and adjourned
about half-past o'clock. 1t was learned
that the jury had taken c0gnizance of the
failure OF Dick Chute to appear, and would
report his nun-appearance to Judge Wal
lace, who VIII be requested TO cite him for
contempt.
THORNTON NOT WANTED.
1t WAS announced that Crittenden Thorn
ton had been subpenaed by mistake, and
that he would not be required to appear.
Mr.. Thornton, however, testified his respect
witnesses on hand to answer what questions
might be asked him.
Although the Grand Jury will continue
its meetings and insist on its summons be-
ing respected, Notwithstanding Judge MUIR
phys decsi ion, yet it is probable that they
will not bring any indictments into court
until the question of its legality has been
absolutely determined by the Supreme
Court.
Tie Jurors, however, will insist on citing
all recacitrant witnesses Tor contempt as
long as they hold authority sustained by the
Presiding Judge OF the Superior Court.