The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1893-02-02
FIXERS IN A FIX.
They Are Crushed by Judge
COnIan.
A COLD DAY FOR CAPPERS.
Edward O'Nieps BrotfIer-in-Law Paid
Albert Fish Fifty Dollars Not
to Prosecute Him.

Judge Conan Of Police Court 2 again dis
tinguished himself yesterday and won the
gratitude of every honest man and woman
in San Francisco by unear:hing in open
court bold attempt to compound felony
and promptly Furnishing the parties TO the
crime.
Ever since the first day Judge Conlan
took his seat the campers, "shyster" at
torneys and ease workers" have been in
mortal terror of him. COnlan was for four
years prosecuting attorney in the police
courts, aud afterward had many cases in
the courts in which lie appeared for the de-
Pendants In this way he came to know
every crook and turn used by the men who
for years bave been making trials in the
police courts mOckery OF justice, and who
have been robbing ignorant people Of bail
money, fees, etc Evidently Conlan pro-
poses TO put his knowledge of crooked work
to some use, for so tar in his court every
attempt made to square" a case has re-
suited in disaster to the men trying to de
feat Justice. Yesterday he completely
crushed the cappers.
When court opened in Department 2 In
the morning, the case OF Edward y Mel,
charged VIII an assault with a deadly
weapon upon Albert Fish. was called. The
was not TO prosecute, and O'Niel, who
boosted of his influence with leading poll
tcians, was to 20 flee upon dismissal OF
the charge.
Judge Conlan refused TO dismiss the case
when 1t was announced that Fish, the man
injured. did not want TO prosecute, and or
deTed the trial TO proceed. 1t was proved
that on December % last Edward O'Niel,
who is a well-knOwn hoodum. smashed In
door at 963 Mission street, and when the
occupant of the place, Albert Fish. ordered
him away, O'Niel attacked him. and In the
melee stabbed Fish, the wound being
serious one. 1t was also proved that there
was no provocation for the assault.
Then it was that Judge COnlan called
Fish. the man who had been stabbed, up TO
the stand.
Now, sir" said Judge Conlan. 81 am con-
WINGED that this case las been fixed. as they
call il. | want you to tel! me. he continued,
looking Fish in the eye, why it is you
swore to the warrant for O'Niel's arrest and
now refuse to prosecute him, and l warn
you that you had better tell me the truth. "
We'll" commenced Fish, "i-that Isl
DON'T don't"
Now, look here" said Judge Conau,
II propose to have you tell me The truth.
Tell it quick"
And then Fish confessed that he had
agreed not to prosecute ONiel in considera-
ton of $50 $50 Of which was paid him IN
caSl anu the Daiauce lie ubld nObe loI'
who gave you the money and the nOte?'
demanded his Honor.
Fish again hesltated and then said IL was
a brother-iB-law of O'NiePs.
That's all [ want 10 know" said Judge
Conlan.
II propose to show your kind OF people
that they cannot use this court Let war
rant issue for this witness Fish, who doesn't
want to prosecute. and one for O'NiePs
brother-in-law, charging them both with
having compounded felony. and let Fish
be taken into custody at once AS for the
defendant O'Niel. I'll hold him TO answer
TO the Superior Court in the sum of $1,000.
Call the next case"
For a minute one could have heard
whisper clear across the eourt5oom. ONiel
ana Fish looked at the attorneys and the
latter simply looked at his Honor and fairly
gasped in their astOnishment. Not a word
Of defense nor explanation was attempted.
aud then the silence was broken by Judge
Conlan, who said:
~ want to remind you again, Mr.. Bailiff,
of what l told you the other day. If you see
any Of the men vino are known as 'cappers'
in this courtroom, and y0q know the men
| mean. eject them-throw them Outl Go
on with the next case"