The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1894-08-31
GOV. WAITE ON TRIAL
OPENING OF THE EX-POLICE MA
TRON LETTER CASE.
Testimony Of Mrs. LilSens, Whose Mail
Is Alleged to Have Been Read big
the Governors AppOintees.

DENVER, Aug. 3O.-The hearing of the
case against Governor Waite, President
Mullins. of the Fire and Police Board,
Hamilton Armstrong, chief of po-
lice, and Kate Dwyer, police
matron, charging them with conspir-
acy in OBTAINING a letter intended for ex-
police matron Sadie NJ. Likens. was begun
before United States Commissioner Hins-
dale to-day. The defendants, except Gov.
Waite, were arraigned, and all pleaded not
guilty, as the Governor had previously
done.
Mrs. Likens was placed on the stand and
swore that the advertisement in the News
of July 2 seeking a position as cook or
housekeeper, was inserted by Mrs Har-
net, who had asked permission to have the
answers sent in care of Mrs. Likens at the
City Hall. This statement was verified by
Mrs Harnet. Mrs. Likens testified that
the reason given her by the Police Board
for her dismissal was economy" No op-
portunity was given to explain the letter
from Jesse Parr. She considered PARIS
letter an answer to the advertisement of
Mrs. Arnott for situation as cook or
housekeeper private and not official busi-
ness.
District Attorney Johnson asked Mrs. Lii
kens to what party she belonged. Assistant
Attorney-general Sales, who appeared for
the defendants, objected.
Mr.. Johnson thereupon declared: 81 ex-
pect to show that all the defendants are
members of the Populist party; that the
witness is a member of the Republican
party and that every effort was made to
get her out of office. 1 expect to show
that although this letter was addressed on
Il
from her, was carried to the president of
the board and was announced by him that it
was the evidence upon which he could re-
move this Witness"
The commissioner sustained Mr.. Sales
objection.
Jesse Parr, who wrote the letter, testi-
Defendants but for Mrs. Likens. ems " '"e
Mrs. Flora Frincke, formerly house
keeper for matron Dwyer, testified that
ence told Governor Waite's private secre-
tary she would have Mrs. Likens's place
# Hr;c,t it took her year year TO- get it. Mrs
charged her because she refused to take
letter from Mrs. Likens's desk
Friends OF Mrs. Likens testified that
matron Dwyer gave them to understand
that Mrs. Likens was removed because
she was engaged in an immoral business.
Police Commissioner Barnes said Presi-
dent Mullen produced the Parr letter be-
fore the board and declared 1t proved her
an improper person for the office of ma
contained nothing derogatory to Mrs.
Lkens. She was never notified to appear
in regard to the matter.
Mr.. johnson put in evidence President
Mulen's letter TO the Rocky Moutain
News, in which he announced: SHOULD the
very ardent defenders of Mrs. Lkens de-
sire further Information as to the reason
why Mrs. Likens was chosen as the one TO
be sacrificed TO redrce expenses in the de-
partment they can obtain such informa-
tion by calling upon the fire and police
board, who are reluctant to submit these
matters to the public press
Mr.. Mullen denied having written that
portion of the letter quoted. but acknowl-
edged having attached his sigma ture to it,
a few more witnesses were examined, but
gave unimDortant testimony, after which
the hearing was continued until tomorrow
morning, when Governor Waite will take
the stand. Governor Waite'S appearance
and conduct throughout the day was that
of man at peace with the world.