Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1894-06-01
LATE NEWS BY WIRE
Sensational Testimony in q Police
Investigation.
CAPTAINS PAID TO PROTECT CRIMINALS
Alleged Practices in tho City OF
New York.
Committeeman ASToUNDED

NEW YORK, June 1.-The Lexow police
Investigating committee resumed work to-
day. One of the matters scheduled for to-
Gays session was the report that each po-
liceman of the city had been assessed SIS
to secure the passage of the bill increasing
their salaries.
Policeman John e. Leonard Of the twenty
eighth precinct was the first witness. He
said that when. on last election day. he or
dered a loafer named Kelly away from the
polling booth. which was situated at 66th
street and Third avenue Kelly, who had a
political pull, had him transferred from the
sixteenth precinct to his present precinct.
Charles Prim, who came next, proved to
be an important witness, although he was
lcath to testify. He said he formerly Kept
disreputable house on Bayard street for
six years.
How often were you raided?'
only once; about year ago"
counsel Nicoll objected, but was over
ruled, and then came out some startling
testimony.
when 1 first kept the house 1 paid SIS
month for protection to the wardman.
George Corners, now at headquarters. Cap
tain cassidy was in charge of the precinct
was the price raised?'
Yes. to $50 under Captain Cross when
he took charge
Did you not pay a lump sum?'
Yes. after 1 was raided 1 paid $500.
The witness said he paid $50 a month
to Captain Mclaughlin, who succeeded
Captain Cross.
Il also paid the new captain an Initiation
fee OF $780," said the witness coolly.
when Captain Devery came in, what
thenY'
81 paid $500 initiation fee."
What was this wardsman's manner"
His name was Glennan. He is now with
Captain Devery in his present precinct"
Witness told how Captain Devery, when
ne came to the precinct, sent for him. He
went to the station house In Eldridge
street. saw Glennan. who said Captain Dew
cry meant business and he had better pay
up.
IT haven't got it, told Glennan," said
the witness.
What them" asked Chairman Lexow.
You can get it he said. and 1 raised
the 500 and paid it."
What did he say about giving the money
to the captain?"
for the captain"
When did you close -FOUR house?'
Last October 1 got word to close my
doors as Parkhurst's agents were active.
Since then have kept closed"
What did the police say?"
Keep quiet until after the senate police
then everything will be open full blast. J"
How much in all did you pay?" the wit
ness was asked, and pencil was Furnished
him to figure up the total
Wen, sad the witness, putting down
the pencil, Il find paid $780,
w nat! A3OO? gasped the chairman.
res, A,3OO,"- answered the witness
This was the climax, and the gavel in
the handS OF Senator Lexow pounding for
order was drowned in the EXPLANATIONS
mat broke from the lips of the several
hundred spectators
When quiet had been. in a measure re-
stored, Counsel Goff asked him to furnish
the committee with the names of other
Keepers CT disorderly houses who had paid
blackmail- The witness gave the names OF
several.
Were you not afraid that you might
place your life in danger by appearing he
fore the committee?" he was asked.
yes. 1 feared that the police might make
1t SO hot 1 should have to leave the CITY"
Counsel Gon informed him that If any
one sought to intimidate him hereafter
tfat he would pros the person or per-
sens free of charge.
Then the witness told how members of
Tammany clubs tried to levy assessments
on him, but he would not pay, as he was
not a member.
Delaney Nicoll cross-examined the wit
ness and elected the fact that he had serv-
ed all through the civil war and was a G.
A. r. man.
Did you pay Capt. Cassidy q centr'
asked Nicoll.
Not directly. I paid his ward man."
Speaking Of Inspector Mclaughlin, who
was then a captain, he said he paid his
ward men in the John ]. O'Brien Associa-
ton Club house.