The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1895-03-02
Col. WiIdman Dodges Qestfons-Fi-
Ricketts, Property for 100000.
INTEREST ON BOARDS MONEY
Ex-TREASURER WILLIAMS SAYS HE
RECEIVED INTEREST.
Meeting Winds Up with Customary
spat between Chairman Moore
and Attorney Dryer.

The investigation committee from the
House of Representatives appointed to ex-
anime into the affairs of the Indianapolis
School Board, completed it's examination of
witnesses last night. What the result of
the investigation will be has not been dis
closed. The committee will spend q half day
with the books of the board, and will then
make its report to the House. If there is
need of legislation to purify the board, the
committee will suggest such need in its re-
port Last nights session was characterized
by the usual tilt between Chairman Moore
and attorney Dryer. who has closely
watched the progress of the investigation.
The attorney said Thursday night that Com
missioner Loeper desired to be heard and
the committee set last night for Mr.. Loeper
to speak. The commissioner was present,
but was taken suddenly Ill before he was
given an opportunity of going on the stand.
While walking in the corridor adjoining the
Speakers chamber he was stricken to the
floor with an attack of heart trouble and
for time was in a serious condition. He
was taken to his home in a carriage. Chair
man Moore told the attorney for the board
that Commissioner Loeper would have to
submit his explanation in writing. The
same right was accorded other members Of
the board.
the examination of David x. Goss, super
intendent of the Indianapolis public
schools. Professor Goss said he was tlnir-
ty-three years of age and had been SUI
perintendent of the schools for nearly a
year. He became connected with the
schools through cablegram received from
President Martindale. Professor Goss was
in Germany at the time. He did not know
John p. FrenZel personally until he came
here. He was formerly associated with
Prof. f. z, Griffith, late superintendent of
the Blind Asylum, who was q personal
friend Of John p. Frenzel Professor Goss
admitted that he possessed no knowledge
of the Indianapolis schools until he came
here. He first met Mr.. Frenzel last May. He
did not know that Mr. Frenzel had recon-
mended him to Mr.. Martindale as suita-
BILE superintendent.
Were you not in the Legislature yester-
day." asked Mr.. Petit. of the committee.
Yes. was in the Senate part of the
day. was there in the morning until IL
o'clock. and in the afternoon again.
Were you in the Senate when the vote
was taken removing the library from the
present management
81 don't know that I was
did you not work against that bilI?'
Il spoke to some members about it and
did what L could by argument with those
gentlemen"
.You were paid by the city.for your serv-
ices yesterday as superintendent
Yes, SIR
did you consider it a part of your duty
to come down here and lobby against that
bill?''
Eyes, SIR
THAT was your purpose in coming here,
wasn't it,"
Not ENTIRELY
Wasn't your principal objection to that
bill the fact that it takes the appointing
power away from those who haven't now?"
NO. can't say that it was
DO you believe it proper for you to work
against a legisla tive bill that is a benefit
to good government?'
Il did. Yes sir, as far as this was con-
cerned'
bfll?''
He said if it was bill the people
wanted to let them pass it,
What else was said between your
Il don't recall anything else. L also
talked with Mr.. Scott He thought ought
70 oreT o and a argne a b
pressed his views against the bill TO Sena-
tors Kern and Wishard.
Did not you think the members of the
its of that bill?,
Il thought school man ought to have
an opinion about it,
Have you the intention of returning here
No, sir. have not, although have not
changed my mind about it."
Clemens Vonnegut was the next witness
OF. the board Attorney Brown asked:
terest on school money!
Il have. / brought the matter to the
attention OF the board frequently. I could
have got interest from the Indiana National
Bank. investigated the matter after sug-
costing that If were made treasurer r
would guarantee to get interest. My bond
Miss Emma Ridanour ass;ctont saoro
|. tary OF the board. was recalled to show the
revenue of the School Board for the last
President Martindale, recalled said he
was attorney to secure the removal of
pany. At his suggestion the Indiana Trust
Company was appointed to administer the
trgst. 90,
that you had never been employed by or
associated with Mr. Frenzel except in that
one case. Isn't it fact that Mr. Frenzel
wrote to parties in Chicago who had large
claims. here and requested that firm to
take the claims out of the hands of other
said that II they would do so the Mer-
chants chants, National Al Bank would assist in their
IF that ever happened / never heard
of it,
DO you know that there has been bill
the City Library?'
II read of it In the newspapers
to the. text of the bill from the papers?'
II did. came to the conclusion that the
passage of the bill would leave the school
fund in bad shape"
did you talk with any person about the
bill?"
II think talked to Superintendent Goss,
telling him that doubted the constitutions
atty of the BILL
What steps were taken by you to pre-
vent its passage?"
well. 1 talked to Senator wishard about
it also spoke to Senator Kern
Did you take any other steps to pre-
vent it?"
II did not
did you consider it your duty as presi-
dent of the board to allow any dangerous
bill of that character TO pass unchal-
| lenged?'
1T knew that my efforts would be I'M
available. because gentlemen with more in
huence than j had were trying to get it
| through
who were these gentlemen?''
Merrill Moores was one"
ANY others?"
II don't recall others, but / think Mr.
| Moores had number OF allies"
| Mr.. Martindale admitted talking with
| Prof. Goss about the bill. Mr.. Goss had
| suggested that he go 10 the Legislature
| Martindale told him that it would be well
| to do SO.
did you use any influence. either directly
or indirectly, against that biIl?'
None other than have named IL had