The herald., 1897-11-27
|" Bro" Pitman Collected
for Adams
AxTELL WAS THE G0-BETWEEN
DIRECTOR POOR MAKES A STATE
MENT FOR HIMSELF
Professors Phillips and Keppel on the
Stand in the School Scandal
Investigation

For the first time since the investiga-
ton into the school board scandal be-
gan. the money which Janitor Cooper
paid to Brother" Pittman in order that
he might retain his position, was traced
through Pitmans hands to Axtell, and
from him to Director Adams, at last
nights session of the board of educa-
ton. At previous sessions there had
been nothing sworn to which directly
tended to show that Adams had actually
received the money. Evidence had
pointed to his having been party to
the matter, but he had thus far escaped
all mention Of having been financially
interested. In the testimony given last
evening by Prof. Mark Keppel, princl-
pal Of the Union avenue school, it was
shown that Pitman admitted to him that
he had paid Cooper's $50 to Axtell and
that Axtell had admitted that he had
paid it to Adams. All Of this came out,
not as the result of close questioning by
any of the attorneys, but was part OF
the straight statement of what he knew
Of the matter. He knows much. for he
was one of those upon whom the cor
ruptionists tried to work their threats
and compel the payment of money.
MORE AFFIDAVITS COMING
Bad as have been the developments in
the matter, there is still more to come.
Within the next forty-eight hours it is
expected that additional affldavits Will
be filed from other employees of the
board Of education whose names have
not been mentioned in connection with
the case. 1t Is asserted by those who are
in position to know about these affidavits
that they will implicate certain persons
whose names do not appear in the afti-
davits already filed. The remark made
by Axtell when asked by Keppel if he
was the only one who had to pay, viz.
''there are Others" may apply with
greater force before the conclusion of
the present investigation and 1t is said
there will be other directors who will
occupy the position now held by Adams,
of passing upon his own guilt or inno-
cence
Last nights session was productive of
the most damaging evidence that has
been adduced since the investigation be-
gan. Prof Phillips Of the Sentous street
school and Prof. Keppel were the wit
nesses, and from 1880 to 10:30 the story
Of corruption was told over and over
again. The session was not without it's
unusual incidents, for at one stage in
the proceedings the attorneys for the
defense were accused of endeavoring to
conduct cross-eXaminations in such a
manner as to intimidate witnesses and
to prevent the appearance of others who
possibly knew of more of the scandal
than had been brought out. Director
Poor made long speech in which he
explained his feelings and position in
the matter. He is Of the opinion that
he has been misunderstood throughout
the entire investigation and his state
ment Is one which does not mince words
If 1t is shown that Axtell and Adams are
guilty of the charges against them, Mr.
Poor said that he would be among the
first to assist in Furnishing them.
Axtell was not present last night, or
If he was he was secreted in the crowd
that packed the council chamber. He
did not appear on the floor. and his at
torney did the best he could without the
benefit of his promptings. Adams
was there, and as usual voted
on several motions. He even made