Bridgeton pioneer. (Bridgeton, N.J.) 1884-1919, 1892-05-19
been published.

The book keeper of Geo. Kelly
Co., installment dealers, was the intro
ductory witness. His evidence was tc
the effect that he was the subscribiue
witness to the agreement, appointing
Ham as agent for the firm. The
agreement was read, end set forth the
stipulations under which business is to
be carried on, and the firm allowed
Ham as compensation IS per week
and 10 per centum on all goods sold.
Lewis M. Dean, shipping clerk OF
Geo. Kelly & Co., followed as wit
ness. His testimony was to the effect
that he shipped all goods from the
Philadelphia house to the Bridgeton
branch, in care Of Ham. This was as
far as Mr.. Dean got with his evidence
at this time, and he stepped down to
make room for Frank Heron.
Mr. Heron testified that the firm of
Ham u Co, vas composed Of Edward
8. Ham, and he was acquainted with
the signature OF Mr.. Ham. He went
over the accounts and testified as to
what goods Ham y Co., had received,
and had not been accounted for as
sold, or returned. This evidence was
very wearisome from the fact that the
witness was obliged to wade through
volumes of receipts and book accounts
in order to make up the list.
On cross-examination the witness
said that Ham was short $10105 in
stock and cash.
William Horrish, manager of the
firms Collecting Department, eaiA
that in October HAM came to the
store and sought employment, and
finally the branch store was opened.
The manager then went on to explain
the manner of doing business with the
firm. Mr.. Horrish said he never knew
anybody in this transaction but Ed. 8.
Ham, never knowing him to have a
backer.
Mr.. Hann's last visit was In Febru.
ary, when he reported his last balance
sheets. 1t was found that this state
ment did not correspond with the
firms ledger. Then his method of
business was looked into. On March
4th. '92, Mr.. Ham was relieved from
duty. Mr.. Horrish then said that
after this shortage was discovered, he
received telegramfr3m Ham stating
he had more goods. They have never
since been shipped.
At this point Mr.. Horrish produced
some letters from Ham, which Mr..
Trenchard wanted read. and they
proved decidedly Interesting, the con-
tents of which are shown later from
evidence.
Mr.. Horrish then said he came to
Bridgeton with Mr.. Maui, clerk, to
get the firms goods from The store of
Ham & Go. Mr.. Ham refused to see
the shipment of the goods, or the &C
counting of the stock.
On cross-examination, Mr.. Horrish
admitted that on the day he cana to
Bridgeton he brought some whiskey
along, which he took for cold. Ham
drank some of it, and afterwards Hor-
rish and Ham went to some saloons
and drank some liquor. Horrish also
admitted paying for case of beer for
Ham. While Horrish and Ham were
out drinking, the clerk, Maui, was at
the Branch store. Horrish denied,
however, that he stole from Hams
desk any of the latter's private books
or papers, bank book, or check book.
During the session three juries came
in with verdicts. Mary Walker was
acquitted of the charge of stealing
shoes. Burdell Bailey was convicted
of keeping a disorderly house, but
recommended to mercy. The four
boys charged with assaulting the
school teacher, were acquitted.
FRIDAY MORNING.
The case of the State against Ed. 8.
Ham was resumed in Court this morn
ing with Mr.. Horrish on the stand
who testified to list of goods which
were taken back from Ham s. Co., for
Geo. Kelly & Co.
What was your object in coming to
this town, did you suspect Ham was
short in his accounts p asked Mr..
Trenchard on cross-examinotion.
II knew he was short in cash."
''Then how came you to advance
Mr.. Ham money with which to buy a
case OF beer"
II supposed he would pay it back,
as loaned 1t to him."
Mr.. Maui, Kelly & Cos special COL
lector was next called. His object in
coming to Bridgeton he testified, was
to take an inventory of Ham s. Co.'S
goods and ship them back to Phila
delphia. He identified q list as the
one he, with Mr.. Horrish, had made
OF the goods found.
VIM. Meginnis was called but ex
cused