The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1896-09-01

were others, but the evidence offered by
the two named was the principal feature
of the day.
The spectacle of the chief Government
officer on the Pacific Coast attempting to
bolster up the cause of man discharged
from the service for sundry good reasons
and now on trial for extortion, was per-
heps never before witnessed in California.
The recital OF Williams efficiency as an
inspector would probably have been we'll
received by the court and jury but for one
unforeseen circumstance.
Three inspectors were called to the
stand, and to man they swore the Col
iector OF the Port was in error. Wise de-
clsred that prior to six months ago there
was no rule In his office requiring a writ
ten report from inspectors of every case
investigated. They could make oral re-
ports if they so desired. In the afternoon
three men-Lynch, Boise and Weller
stated on oath that it was the custom of
the Chinese bureau to make written re-
ports on every Chinese case. They went
further than this in declaring that Will
llams' reputation for truth, honesty and
veracity was bad.
The difference of opinion as to facts be-
tween Collector Wise and the INSPECTORS
was not the only sensation of the day.
The defendant, Williams, was placed on
the stand, and with charming candor he
denied all the allegations contained in
the Jour counts. Several days ago he ex-
pressed great desire, and that, too, in
the presence of Collector Wise, to explain
his big bank account. Yesterday, when
Prosecuting Attorney Henley asked him
to account for $500 deposited on a certain
day In October, 1895 Attorney Mowry en-
tered such clamorous objection that
hn int
ment.
1t was brought out in the trial, how
ever, that Williams was very closely re-
lated 10 the class OF persons from whom he
is alleged 10 have extorted money. Hen
lev asked the defendant if he were not a
half Chinese-that is, if his father was
not Celestial and his mother a white
woman. Reluctantly Williams replied in
the affirmative. Some months ago the
same question was put TO him in Commits
sioner Heacock's court and he denied with
a great show of resentment that such was
the fact. Yesterday the prosecution had
the necessary evidence well in hand, and
there was no attempt to evade the truth.
When court opened yesterday morning
there was the usual crowd in attendance.
The defense made another direct attack
on the character OF Wong Sam. John Il.
Fairchlld, Chinatown guide, John T.
Cosgrove, VINO follows q similar occupa-
uon, and Gee Gam, missionary, testified
that Sans reputation for truth and hon
esty was very bad. Collector Wise was
then called to the stand. AS he passed by
the attorneys he smiled benign!y on
Coogan and Mowry, gave curt. good
morning to Mr.. Henley and ignored en-
tirely the Special Treasury Agent. Major
Moore.
In addition to the facts already recited
the witness said Williams had nothing to
In 70 &c a with IA Ia ~
either Wong Ling Chow or Chm Shee
Hupg. Attorney Mowry then endeavored
to bring out the statement that during the
time Williams conducted the examination
OF the Chinese women cases more were
denied a landing than ever before in the
history of the Chinese bureau.
Il have no doubt" interjected Mr.. Hen
ley, that he returned every woman who
did not pay him."
This sally started merry war of words,
and in order to quell the disturba
Judge Morrow suggested that the position
assumed by the defense was somewhat in
consistent. "You undertake to prove
said his Honor, 'that Williams had no