The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1895-12-04
IONS were ready to furnish their testi.

sons were ready 10 1urnlSn tnelr teSti-
mony.
Il am happy to state that since that
interview / have learned that they
have come nobly to the stand. and are
perfectly willing to do so. i have in
formed the mayor that the testimony
concerning the statement in my sermon
on Thanksgiving Day can be furnished
as soon as desired
The circumstances which led to yes
terday's activity date back a year ago
when, in the presence of DR.. Robinson
and ]. W. Guernsey and Jcmes ii.
Torrey and other officers of the Second
Presbyterian church, several young
men of the church were being ques-
toned concerning a career of immoral
ity in which they had been halted
One of the young men was asked by
Mr.. Guernsey how they dared run the
risk of being caught in the occasional
police raids on disorderly houses. The
young man is saidto have replied, IN
substance. that "the police" always in
formed them what houses were to be
raided; he said further. that "the po-
lice" knew beforehand what place or
places the mayor intended having
pulled"
Would Not Give the Name
OF DIR. Robinsons assertion that "a
certain police officer" had led the young
men to houses of ill-fame. the gentle
man said such a statement was indeed
made by one of the young men. All
attempts to elicit their names or the
identity of the policeman were unaVaii-
| ing. Sufficient assurance is given to
warrant the statement that the oiiicer
| is now member of the police force.
| DR.. Robinson sought Mayor Conneil
by telephone at 4:30 O'Clock yesterday
afterrYcn. Mayor Connell was absent
| from his Office. DR.. Robinson stateu
| that all the facts in the matter were
known to J.W. Guernsey, that the young
| men had consented to testify, that the
name of the policeman would be re-
yealed and that Mayor Connell could
| communicate with Mr.. Guernsey In the
matter. This was before DR.. Robinson
knew of the assembling Of the police
men and their resolution.
| Mayor Connell said to Tribune re-
porter last night:
1T regret the manner in which DR..
Robinson delivered his charge against
the police department, for each man on
the force will be compelled to have the
finger Of suspicion pointed to him until
the charge is withdrawn, or Is proved
or is disproved against the one accused
PERSONALLY l am not unfriendly to
Dr. Robinson, but / have no hesitancy
in saying I am unfriendly to his start
ling method of bringing this matter to
public notice. regret that In church
and in the presence of several hundred
persons he should have made known a
detestable thing, whether true or not
which he could have laid before me at
any time during the last year, as he
says he has been possessed of his in
formation for so long a period. In any
event shall see to it that justice Is
done, although the matter has been
brought forward improperly.
Whatever follows. there will be nc
star chamber proceedings. The police
men of the city have been publicly
charged with grave offense. They are
as human as their accusers and are en-
titled to the same consideration. The
conviction or the acquittal will be as
public as the charge.
There Is no possibility of smoothing
the situation. The investigation must
take place or the charge must be re.
tracted.'