Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-11-15
WHAT MIR. PRICE SAYS.
He Knocks Several Charges Against
Wyman and Murphy.
EVERYTHING SHOWN IN THE BOOKS
Some Inside Facts About the Pooling
Privileges of Allegheny.
THE TWO CHIEFS GIVE THEIR VIEWS

Pending the meeting of the Auditing
Committee of Allegheny's finances, which
occurs tomorrow night. much interest is
taken by citizens on both sides of the river.
Many charges of corruption have been
made against Mayor Wyman and Chief
Murphy, all of which these dign1taries deny
and say ample proof can be shown which
will fully e1onorate them from any NAL
feasance in Office as charged.
One point in question which has given
rise to talk is the discrimination shown to
managers of different attractions as regards
licenses. In this connection H. o. Price,
the former well-known pool seller, makes q
very opportune and positive statement.
He, with E. ,R. Casper and several others,
owned what was called the ''Summer
Theater" at Exposition Park several years
ago.
He states that Louis Koerner, who has
said that he was superintendent of the
park, was not in that capacity, he being
only In charge of laborers and general
utility man.
John A. Ellsler was the sole manager of
the Summer Theater. Koerner had charge
only in the winter time when the park was
closed. In his affidavit Mr.. Koerner says
that he paid S25 day rent, with grand
total of S1O,8O0.
Price Takes in Amusement Privileges.
To this MI. Price takes exception, and
says Koerner had nothing whatever to do
with paying the license. "Wheu starting
the theater," said Mr.. Price, eve had some
dispute with Mayor Wyman, he claiming
that as we were going to sell liquors the Ii
cense would be $50. We thought this was
wrong, and only theatrical license was to
be imposed upon us. We had q regular
liquor license, and after an explanation to
Mayor Wyman everything was arranged
satisfactorily with him, we agreeing to pay $5
day rent. Barnum's and Forepaugh's shows
paid $500 per day to US for rental privi-
leges, but paid to the city the regular
licenses for such shows. The Buffalo Bill
concern was not classed as circus and Mr.
Cody himself explained the difference salts
factorily to the authorities and he was only
charged the license as a common everyday
exhibition, which was S. The ordinances
governing such matters will show the rea-
son. Mr.. Koerner has figured quite promi-
nentIy in this matter, and needlessly, be-
cause he was only fgurehead.
In regard to the wheel of fortune privi-
lege which Mr.. Koerner claims to have paid
money for, Mr.. Price said:
eff Mr.. Koerner paid any money to
Mayor Wyman or Chief Murphy for the
privilege, as stated in his affidavit, he did
not get it from H. o. Price & Co. This was
rented to Charles Hurlick, ,'and no one ever
had the same privilege while H. O. Price &
n LII xLA Af hn
grounds"
Did Not Put Up to Run a Wheel.
Mr.. Price denies ever paying Mayor Wy.
man or Chief Murphy for the privilege of
running a wheel ibid you ever visit Mayor
Wyman, Mr.. Price, in behalf of MI.
Koerner, for Chief of Police?" asked the
reporter.
men called at my place of business in
Cleveland. I was in Chicago at the time.
They left their names as James Bradley and
John Hendricks, and I think left word
for me to come to Allegheny City
as they wanted to see me on business
I did not see them then, but received q
telegram from Bradley, asking me to come
to Allegheny, and that he would pay my
expenses came on and met Mr.. Bradley,
who introduced me to j. r. Stayton. I'm
L
not know of some crookedness about Mayor
Wyman receiving money for q wheel of for
tune privilege. 1 told them there was not
a word of truth in it. Mr. Koerner met me
afterward and asked me if would not go
over and see Mr.. Wyman, saying that L
might influence the coming Mayor in giving
him good position. This positively re-
fused to do then. He, however, insisted
upon me to such an extent that consented
to go and see Mr.. Wyman and do what I
could for him.
Once Tried to Got a Privilege.
'sHe and went to Mr.. Wyman's resi-
dence together, but Koerner did Dot wish to
be seen by MI. Wyman, who, by the way,
was sick in bed. Mr.. Koerner, upon my
request to 60 up and see him, personally re-
fused to do so. I then went up with my
story and request and Mr.. Wyman told me
ises before the election. Notwithstanding
this 1 thought Mr. Wyman felt kindly
toward Mr.. Koerner and his position was
assured. positively state that I never
asked Mr.. Wyman to appoint Koerner
Chief of Police
Mayor Wyman was seen at his home, and |
the above statement by Mr.. Price was told |
him. He corroborated it in every particu- |
lar, and further added that certain persons,
for political reasons, were raising this |
hurrah upon no just basis. "When the |
time comes," said he, 81 will be able to |
prove myself guiltless of any and all |
charges made against me, The books will |
show all money received in the end, not |
withstanding the loss of stubs which were
carelessly destroyed There are a few peo-
pie in this city, instigated by political |
prejudices, who are aiming to throw Inc |
down, but I am perfectly at ease as regards
the result"
Chief Murphy also heard the story of Mr..
Price, and comedies with Mayor Wyman's
views, and laughingly remarked that "when |
a man gets in power his enemies endeavor
to do him up, no matter what the means and |
methods may be"
Late last night Mr.. Price was seen, and
said Koerner was a man who was given to |
Jumping at conclusions without facts, and
was great man to eXapgerate all that ha |