The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1893-04-12
A WHISKY BAIT.
How Sailors Were Brought
to a Home"
MRS. M. o. SYKES LIBEL SUIT.
She Denies Rev. j. CampbeIl's Charges
That She Made the Home Pri-
vate Speculation.
MRS. M. o. SYKES LIBEL SUIT.

The trial OF the libel suit brought by
Mary .. Sykes against Rev. James Camp
bell was begun yesterday morning before
Judge CARRIER.
The alleged libel consisted In certain
statements made by Mr.. Campbell. for
merry chaplain of the Sailors Home. to the
home, had been guilty of gross mismanage-
ment and dishonorable conduct in connec-
lion with the affairs of the home.
For some time past special agents of the
Government have been engaged in investi-
eating the management of the Institution
and have fled report, the contents of
which have not been made public. 1t is
understood, however. that the Government
may insist on the terms Of agreement by
which the property was originally turned
over TO the city, viz: That it should be
used for the benefit Of sailors and not as
mere boarding home or money-making in
stituti0n.
The complaint was first read by E. d.
Sawyer. attorney Tor plaintiff. One of the
charges is that Mr.. Campbell claimed that
Mrs. Sykes, who had the financial manage
ment OF the home, had charged $3.50 for the
building of road, which had in reality.
only cost $50. Also that she had received
commissions on the purchase of provisions
and other goods for the home.
Rev. Mr. Campbell. in his ans wer, denies the
libel. but still adheres TO his claim that the
home Is not conducted in the interest OF
wrecked or destitute seamen. rs is supposed,
but solely as sailors boardng-house; that
an entrance fee of 81 is charged. and So a
week for board and lodging; and, further,
that men are Influenced to desert their ships
and entleed into entering the home.
Mrs. Sykes was duly called 10 the stand,
and went over the story. She emphatically
denied all of Rev. MIR. Campbell's charges and
asserted that she had never made a cent out
OF the Institution. but, on the con trary, had
devoted her own private funds toward the
advancement of the charity WORK of the
home.
Mrs. Sykes" the witness was asked on
cr0ss-examinatioE,' do you pretend that the
Sailors Home is conducted on different
principles than any other sailors boarding
house OH the city front?"
"Yes, sir, We do" was the answer, 1--WE
carry out the intentions of the society as
published, by feeding and clothing the
sallors-a practice not pursued elsewhere
and we do what we can TO keep them away
from pernicious Influences, which, Of course,
Is principally that OF the saloons. We pro-
vide comfortable and sanitary accommoda-
tions anG pay their doctors bills when they
are sick.
MANY come to US in destitute circum-
stances. and for these we provide freely
and Without price,"
Mrs. Sykes further testified that nothing
stronger than tea and coffee was allowed
to be used in the home.
She also denied that large percentage of
the English sailors who go to the home are
deserters. and said that her runners are not
Instructed TO obtain such men, nor to use
unlawful means of getting them to the
home.
When the plaintiff rested. James McElroy
was called TO the stand and testified that lie
was runner, or solicitor for the home. lie
induced seamen of all nationalties, he said,
TO come TO the home.
How did you induce them 10 Gomez"
was asked.
Persuade them rs best can" was the
reply. when they need special persua-
sion 10 leave the vessel l used to give them
whisky"
EX-B00kEeeper Stevenson then testified
that moneys had been paid ont by the super
inlendent other than those Of which he had
knowledge as bookkeeper, but for what
purposes he could not say.
The case goes on to-day.