The San Francisco call., 1896-09-24
How the Southern Pacific Made
a Cats Paw of the
Government.
UNFoUNDED FORGERY CHARGE
G. b. Lawrence, Arrested in Ogden,
Gives Conclusive Proof of
Innocence.

From the evidence introduced at the
preliminary hearing of G. n. Lawrence,
charged with forgery, before Commits
sioner Heacock yesterday, it appeared
that the Southern Pacific was outraging
the feelings and ieopar6izing the life of
one man in order to get back at another
The court evidently entertained the same
opinion, for the case was dismissed and a
severe rebuke administered to those who
had hand in the business.
Probably the worst feature of the case
however, is found in the reports current
about the Federal building that the rail-
road used the Federal Government through
District Attorney Foote to pull its dis
agreeable chestnuts from the fire. Mr.
Foote fought valiantly for the cause he
represented, but Commissioners Heacock
would have none of it, and so informed
the Governments chief prosecuting Off
Ger.
The facts in the case, from the evidence
introduced, may be briefly stated as fol-
lows: Ten days ago Lawrence bought of
Conklin d Co., scalpers, an order in four
parts, calling for a ticket from Oakland
Mole to Chicago, via the Southern Pacific
lines. The order was in the name of one
Parker Bray, pensioner, and had been
issued by local Quartermaster Lee.
Lawrence was informed by the brokers
that he had perfect right to sign Bray's
name as the latter had given them (Conk-
lin & Coz such authority in the shape of
power of attorney. Acting on this as
Surance he purchased the order, effecting
a saving of $12 90. Lawrence then visited
the Southern Pacific ticket office, pre-
sented the order and after some short de-
lay was furnished a ticket. The next
morning he started on the long journey,
all going well until near Ca-lin, New.
The conductor demanded the ticket and
also full fare to Ogden. Lawrence gave up
the one and paid the other. On arriving
IN Ogden he was taken in custody by q
United States Marshal, who informed him
that he was wanted in San Francisco for
forging the name of Parker Bray to Gov
ernment order calling for ticket to Chi
cago.. This telegram had been sent by
District Attorney Foote.
Lawrence protested his innocence. but
declared his perfect willingness to return
to San francisco and face his accusers.
and that, too. without a requisition.
These facts and others were brought out
at the hearing, the principal contention,
however, being that Lawrence had a per-
feet right to sign Bray's name to the
order. 1t was also shown that the Gov
ernment had not lost dollar, nor had
there ever been any chance of such a
thing.
The complaint on which Lawrence was
tried for forgery was made out by one
Adams, an employe of the Southern Pacific.
and hence did not come in the Jurisdiction
of Federal authorities. The interest Dis
tricU Attorney Foote took in the case.
therefore, was not generally understood.
the result being that many unkind things
about the Judge were whispered around
the corridors of the big Appraisers build
ing.
While Lawrence was on the stand he
became great affected in reciting the in
dignities to which he had been subjected.
AT the conclusion of the hearing the court
officers, with one single exception, crowded
about him, offering congratulations and
sympathy. The railroad had a special
officer in citizens clothes on hand to ar
rest Lawrence should he be turned loose.
but after hearing the evidence they
determined to give him no more trouble.
Mr.. Lawrence has been dangerously sick
for long time and his physician stated
yesterday that it was providential death
had not resulted from the excitement to
which he had been subjected 1t is un-
derstood that Lawrence will immediately
institute suit for damages against the rail
road and probably Government official
o..