New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1895-03-09
A NICE NEST OF THIEVES.
BARNEYr FORDS OPERATIONS
SHAMEFUL DISCLOSURES BEFORE THE
TRENTON INVESTIGATORS.

YEARS OF SYSTEMATIC srEALINo FROM THn
STATE OF NEw.JERsCY-TEousANDs STOLEN
DY THE Ex.sueERIST TEHDEHT OF
TIE STATE HoUsE-BooYs MUTT.
lated AND pocToRED.
teY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIDuHEI
Trenton. March s.-The Developments before
the Senate Investigating Committee to-day were
all that the committees counsel, William II.
Corbin, Of Elizabeth int!mated yesterday that
they would be. The most dlsgraceful frauds
upon the State brought 10 light, and be-
sides positive proof Of the State being sw!ndled
out of thousands OF dollars by the ex-lobbyist.
Barney" Ford, and several dishonest merchants
Of Trenton, Newark. Jersey C.ty, New-York and
Brooklyn being adduced. the names OF General
Leon Abbott. son of the late Governor ex-Sena-
tor Michael Barrett. OF Newark, and others were
brought out in connection with Fords stealings
and his betrayal Of his public trust.
The Senate Chamber well filled with poll
ticians when Chairman Voorhees, raped for
order and the other members OF the committee,
Messrs. Herbert Skirm Daily and Ketcham,
took their seats. The first witness called to the
stand Samuel Dickinson. the Democratic
treasurer Of the State Normal School, who Is also
proprietor of drugstore in Trenton. He knew
Barney" j. Ford. and had once received con-
tract from him to supply the State with some
soap brushes. combs and similar articles Mr..
Dickinson's bill made out on plain paper for
s735. The figures and prices were mixed up at
the State House by NJ. Ford and his clerks. II
was explained The bill from Dickinson was
made out by one Of Superintendent Fords clerks.
4 bill Of the New-York drug firm. McKesson
& Robbins. was for s43S TO- After it had been re-
70 no IA "
ment the claim was for s725 50, an imitation Of
1902 45 general bill submitted February 4.
1890 was for 1872. The bin stamped ap-
proved by Mr. Cord. and it was paid TO Mr..
Dickinson February 13. 1890. McKesson & Rob
bins sold other goods to Dickinson.
PRESENTS OF CHAMPAGNE, CIGARS. ETC.
Dickinson was subjected to some lively cross
examination to why he permitted Ford to
make out his bills He gave his answers slowly.
I'm effect that ne didn't know or he couldn't
remember.
Did you pay any commission or make any
presents?" asked Mr.. Corbin.
NO sir not any commissions" answered
Dickinson.
We'll. how about presents"
There were no presents"
Sure about that?" asked Mr.. Corbin, sharply.
well. gave no presents. unless you would
call champagne, cigars ana the ike, preseNlA
was the reply, cooily given.
How much champagne did you give themr
"Oh lots" Dickinson said
How much is lots?" persisted Mr.. Corbin
About 500 worth" responded the witness
After being pressed. the witness said that he
sent some champagne 10 the State House Super
intendents room when here. IL was drunk by
Mr. Ford and his former assistant, ex-Sherin
TAompson. of Eliza beth. ..-.2 80 ,--.-------
Here we have clothes-ba skets and waste
baskets on your bill; would you call them
Drugs asked Mr.. Corbin.
NO: we call them sundries" said Dickinson.
John Rker clerk in the State Treasurers
Office, testified that he made out Dickinsons
bill at Fords instruction
During Ford's regime at the State House his
confidential carpenter Asher E. Lambert
He was the next witness called. He said that
he had built two liquor refrlgerators for the
State House. one was placed in the basement
and was constructed OF oak. the other was OF
black walnut and was erected in Ford's room.
Both refrgerators cost the State s225. The
work was done in December, 1890, and by order
OF Ford.
What were the refrigerators used for?" asked
Mr.. Corbn.
Wet goods. ! suppose" responded Mr.. Lam
bert. with a faint smile.
Yes. always we'll supplied"
LIQUOR FOR FORDs THIRSTY VISITORS
Continuing the witness said that there was
constant run the liquor supply. In fact the
rush was so great that on Monday nights man
employed AZ the expense Of the State solely
in dealing drinks 10 the army cf thirsty visit
ors to Fords room. When bids were wanted for
furnishing the Assembly Chamber. Mr. Lambert
bids and needs to furniture dealers there. He
could not remember their names. He visited the
New-Jersey School and Church Furnishing COM
pany's place Of business at Trenton and met Mr.
Mckee, the manager. from whom ne obtained q
bid Lambert handed the bid to Ford with the
explanation given him at the furniture house
that 10 per cent would ne allowed Ford for COM
missions. The witness said that Ford instructed
him to give Mr.. Mckee to understand that it must
be 20 per cent or nothing.
Major Michael Hurley. the Democratic leader
in Mercer County. Mr. Lambert swore. told him
t. 70 back to Mr. Heath and have 500 added TO a
bill for extras for political purposes. Fearing loss
Of his position Lambert followed instructions and
the amount was added 20 the bill and paid by the
State, but he refused II approve 1t. as was his
custom This formay. however, was performed
by Ford
Major Hurley. II developed who was also re-
ceivlng contracts from the state was also acting
upon ForIs orders. Lambert met Major Hurley
once and told him that 1900 fee, Of lumber had
been charged for bui never supplied. Hurley. SO
the witness swore. exclaimed: For Gods sake,
say nothing about that
BILLS FOR LUMBER NEVER DELIVERED
4 remarkable witness was Samuel Heath. lum-
Der merchant. who supplied the State House
T,rl' aA-
ministration. Heath is advanced In years. and
although material and in fact. startling dis
crepancles shown in the figures in his
order book journal and ledger. and ii was made