Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1895-01-03

SCI 1Ou dShSu Tue tONllutNlSt ~ SUM-
mon Captains Martens, Meakim
WaShburn aud Westervelt
Then, in response to questions, VIII
Gams said he would not swear Per-
kins got no check through him while
he (WilliamS) was superintendent Of
the street cleaning department. He
had never been charged With stealing
socks. Con then read document
showing that in March Williams was
charged by Louise Smith, keeper of a
diSordcrly house, with taking from her
six pocket handkerchiets. gold.
headed cane, pistol, pair of slip.
perS, velvet vest, and Il dozen and Il
half pairs Of socks, Williams said he
did not remember it.
The afternoon session was called to
order with Inspector Williams in the
witness chair. The testimony was
opened by Mr.. Cot asking Mr.. VIII.
number of women in diSorderly houses
IN the eighth district, Mr.. Williams
objected to the document from which
Mr.. Con read.
Il don't know where you got ii" said
he, land it was long time ago"
"Dou't mind where got il" replied
Mr. Golf, 1T contains matters that
have been suppressed by the police de-
partment. They suppressed a good
many things about YOU, You know"
They seemed 10 suppress everything
good" MIR. Williams replied.
DR.. Walsh testified that Captain Ne.
kin was not able to be out and prob.
ably would not be for several days.
Now, doctor" said Mr. Golf, in his
sweetest tones, will YOU bear this
message to Captain Meakin? Tell
him that he has been accused before
the committee of being guilty of brib-
cry and corruption. Tell him, also,
that if he is an honest man he will
come here in obedience to the sub
poena served on him."
Inspector Williams was recalled and
said that he knew of three panel
houses in the eighth precinct.
You Swore before recess that there
We're no panel houses in the precinct"
Yes, to the best of my recollection"
Senator O'COnnOr then entered into Il
long legal argument with Mr.. Golf as
to whether the inspector was guilty Of
perjury.
Louis Streep, green goods operator
was called. This witness created a
sensation by telling Il story involving
Anthony Comstock. May %, 1889"
found against me for operating in
green goods. Anthony Comstock was
the prosecutor. Comstock told me
that if | would give up the name Of
my accomplice | should get off with Il
light punishment. | refused to do so.
Edward Bechtat called and gave my
wife $1,000 in bills. The bail at that
time was $4,000 but was reduced short
ly after to $4,000. In August, 1880, l
called on ComstOck with my brother.
+ He told me that the state indictment
would lie dismissed on the payment Of
81 900. Mr. ComStock said: Mind the
$1,000 is not in the shape of Il bride.
1t is 4 subscription to the society. |
asked whether If | paid the money |
might not be brought up at all. On
Comstocks promise, | paid him $1,000
the following Friday the indictment
was dismissed Comstock subsequent
ly called Oh me to get me to swear
that Bechtel was an accomplice OF
mine, | refused and he threatened to
bring me before the United States
court. | asked him for time to con-
slider the matter. Bechtel was arrested
on the charge of stealing 500 from
the American Express company. He
was brought before Commissioner
Shields Negotiations were carried on
with him by Comstock and he paid
Comstock $1,000. The following day
he was discharged. United States Dis
trict Attorney John A. Mott also got
81 900. | was then arrested and EN-
ployed Lawyer Hess. | told all about
Comstock to Commissioner Shields.
Comstock was asked to tell what hap
pened in his office but declined to do
so. | was held for trial and was con
yicted last June. My case has been APP
pealed."
Robert Sreep, a brother OF Louis,
corroporated the formers testimony.
Mr.. Goft said that the committee while
iuquirng into the abuses of the police
department had a perfect right to en-
quire into the administration of the
law 81 far as the state is concerned
and that was the reason that he sub.
mltted this evidence. 1t has been
shown that goods operators
could escape punishment by bribing
Mr.. Comstock, agent Of the society for
the suppression of vice, The commit
tee then adjourned until today.
COFFIN'S PAPER.