The Portland daily press., 1897-11-10


formation.
Judge Symsnds asked witness just one
question. He asked If Mr.. Staples had bor-
rowed carts and teams from the Sanitary
company. The witness replied that carts
had been loaned the city by the Sanitary
company.
In reply to questions by Mr.. Morrill,
witness said he had not stated at the pre-
vious hearing that the horses were bought
of MIR. Staples on the condition that Mr..
Staples should loan the company a dump
cart.
Alderman Rounds and Kehoe and Mr..
Morrill, continued the cross examination
for some 90 minutes. Witness denied
that he had testified at previous meet
ing that there was trade between the
company and Mr.. Staples concerning the
loan of city cart and said that his tes-
timony as sread from the minutes of the
former hearing by Mr.. Morrill, were in
correct.
John Gilliver was called but was not
present Two other witnesses of the pros
ecution were unavoidably absent.
Alderman Kehoe asked to have Charles
S. Fairfield called Mr.. Fairfield said
that Mr. Sargent had told him July 6
Mr. Staples concerning the purchase of
u pair of horses and had paid Mr.. Staples
1885 for them with the understanding
that the Portland Sanitary company was
to have preference for city work, even
above John Murray.
On cross examination Mr.. Fairfield said
Francis Sargent did not tell him he
knew of this trade from his own knowl-
edge.
MIR. Morrill, reserving the right to call
further witnesses If necessary closed the
case for the prosecution.
Mr.. W. &. Chapman then opened the
case for the defense. He said the inquiry
covers a period during his service as as
sstant superintendent of streets.
We shall show by testimony which we
shall introduce that in cases where Mr..
Staples has used very violent language
he. has done SO to expedite city work
or to reprimand men who were disobedi-
ent to orders. He has been led into the
use of this language only by his zeal.
Mr.. Staples had no intention Of vio-
lating the city ordinances in relation to
the employment of men. more than s
Mr.. Staples on these grounds was based
upon the employment of watchmen 9
hours day and these men were SO en-
ployed to protect the city property.
For the care of horses Mr.. Staples has
been more than jealous. In relation to
it relates to few trihing matters which
resulted in no loss to the city or in Pc
cuniary gain to Mr.. Staples.
In this manner Mr.. Chapman went
over all of the charges using the same
language as this already printed in the
press on Monday last in Mr.. Staples's
answer to the charges.
In closing Mr.. Chapman said that Mr.
Staples had conducted himself in COM
mandatory manner and has been scru-
pulously honest and faithful in the dis
charge of his duties.
of witnesses who were duly sworn by
Clerk Dyer. a.
| George S. Staples was called and sworn,
and examined by Judge Symonds. he
| testified that he had always lived in Port
land and had been in the service of the
city IA years. Began in 1877. Was out
of the city's service for five years but re-
turned to the city SERVICE in 1894 and re-
ceived his present appointment in the
spring of 1895.
deny the first charge Oppressive and
indecent treatment of employees When
the men have been 'sojering' I have
reprimanded them. / am not accustomed
to use profane language to employees. 1t
is only when excited and to help on the
work. Have not done this lately more
than formerly. Have never concealed
that l used such language. Don't use it
SO much now as in the past. The man
whose pipe l knocked out of his mouth
was smoking in my face and l told him
to stop and to go to work. All the al
legged profane language has been under
| provocation.
To the second charge of compelling EN-
ployes to work moro than nine hours
day Mr.. Staples said that the day watch
men go to work at six in the NOR ming
and work till six at night and then the
night watchmen take their place. 1
made this chan GO year ago last Janu-
airy. Since August, 1896 there have been
two day men and two night men. Watch
men at night wet down teams, clean
harnesses, and clean out stables.
This is not nights work for two men.
Actual work would take but three or
four hours. The rest of the time they
have only to look after the stables. They
are expected to keep awake. l have had
no intention of violating the city ordi-
nance. Never was advised that it was
violation, No superior has questioned
this practice in regard to the watchmen.
AS to the improper dosing of the horses
with medicine (Which constitutes the
third charge) deny it. Gave the horses
Saltpetre for their benefit Ordered an