The morning call., 1891-11-11
FELONY THE CHARGE.
How the Two Bosses Accepted
Stock and Money.

Although the District Attorney and Judge
Wallace ordered that the utmost secrecy
should be observed in regard to the indict-
ment presented by the Grand Jury yet it
was subsequently learned that the persons
indicted were no other than Christopher A.
Buckley and Samuel Rainey, ex-Superin-
tendent Of Fire Engines, and for a long
time the leading partner aud henchman of
the Democratic boss.
After the filing Of the Indictment with the
court it was whispered around that Buck
ley and Rainey were the persons indicted.
At first it was denied, but when the rumor
gained currency 10y the statement Of parties
IN position to know a sensation was Gre
atad among the army of politicians who
anXiousiy await every movement Of the
Grand Jury.
Great curiosity was manifested in regard
to what specific charges were brought
against the eX-DemOcratic boss and his
partner Ia crime, Rainey, but owing to the
great secrecy which was observed by tile
mem bers Of the jury and the officers of the
court those who desired to learn this i'm
pOrtant piece of information were disap-
pointed.
The ARCH VILLAIN.
During the evening it was discovered from
reliable sources that Buckley and Rainey
were indicted for felony, and that the
charges against them were based upon proof
obtained by the Grand Jury that they both
had obtained money and stock for using
their political influence with the 'Solid
Nine TO obtain the granting OF street rail-
way franchise to corporation known as
the San Francisco Syndicate and Trust Com
pany, of which the Directors were the fol-
lowing: c. T. Mayne, G. A. Stephens,
Nathan Croker and Mr. Kennedy. The
franchise was nnally passed on December
3. 1890, during the last days of the infamous
solid Nine" and was passed over the
Mayors veto. The Supervisors who voted
for it were the following:
Ayes-Bing ham. Pescia, Bush, Wheelan.
Becker, Pllster, Kingwell. Barry, Noble-9.
Noes-Wright, Boyd, Ellert-3.
The attorney who appeared before the
board in support of the franchise and on
behalf of the corporation was ex-senator
George II. Perry.
on ANOTHER TACK.
For some time the Grand Jury has been
examining a large number of witnesses in
connection with the affairs OF the corpora
ton. 1t was supposed, however that the
lnqulSltlOns Of that body related exclusively
to the use OF money in the Legislature to
defeat what was known as the Anti-Electric
Bin. 1t appears, however, that the grand
Jurors were on another tack, leading to a
more important goal, and that was the i'm
pllcation OF one of the most powerful and
corrupt political bosses who ever directed a
party In this State in the crime of influenc-
ing the governing body OF this city fol-
financial considerations.
In Investigating the ''Solid Nine" the
Grand Jury has discovered numerous in
stances where Buckley was known to
have accepted money and stock from va.
Tious corporations for the use. of his infiu.
ence to secure votes in their favor for priyi.
leges and franchises 1t was also diseoy.
cred how the Solid Nine" had acted as hi:
slaves and voted as he dictated.
PROOF ABSOLUTE.
The difficulty was, however, in obtaining
proof, direct and positive, upon which Il
base an ind ctment. This it is known the
Grand Jury has done in regard to Buckley
and Rainey's connection with the passage
of the Wayne franchise.
The proof upon which the indictment is
based Is said to be SO absolute as to leave no
loophole for escape, and, if ever tried
they Will surely be convicted Of the felony
with which they are charged.
But one Indictment was found against the
two, because both were connected with tine
same crime. Rainey was the active bench
man Of the boss, and did the dirty work OF
buying and ordering the political rascals