davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The herald., 1897-12-07

riving there when the testimony of
Adams had been nearly concluded. He
was excused until tonight, when he will
be placed upon the witness stand.
Mr.. Conrey secured the floor and said:
"In view of the question that has been
raised as to the authoriey of the Sec
retary to administer the oath to the
witnesses, I move that hereafter the
president of the board swear the wit
nesses."
This motion was seconded by Mr..
Davis and was carried without a dis
senting vote. Adams was then sworn
by Dr. Mathis.
The self-confessed corruptionist then
in response to questions proceeded to
tell his story again. He had hardly
started when Attorney oliver objected
to a reference that was made to the
principals who had been approached"
he stating that the charges were that
Webb had received money which had
been paid by Cooper and demanding
that the prosecution keep within those
charges. Mr.. Gibbon stated that the
only charge by which the board could
reach the accused and punish him was
fit, and that any fact showing that there
had been an effort made to secure money
from others than Cooper tended to sub
stantiate the charge and was therefore
to be admitted.
HE may be guilty of dozen charges" !"
said Mr. Gibbon. II do not say that he
is"
"You so stated to the newspapers"
shouted Mr.. Webb.
This effort on Webb's part was lost,
for no attention was paid to it, and Mr..
Gibbon continued: "If it is shown that
Webb had conversation with Adams
with reference to others than Cooper, for
the purpose of attempting to extort
money from them. it will be partially
a substantiation of the charge against
him and may develop a substantiation
of the charge ITSELF
WEBB LOSES HIS TEMPER
Then Webb got angry. Rising to his
The herald., 1897-12-07
Adams Tells His Story
Once More
THE BRAINS OF THE BRIBERs
THE INVESTIGATION CONFINED
TO THE COOPER CHARGES
Adams Proves Poor Witness-Webb
Loses His Temper-Gbbon's
Warning

Having convicted one Of its members
and one Of its employees, the board Of
education is now engaged in an attempt
to ascertain If another of it's members,
Walter L. Webb. was the originator
and principal manipulation of the cor
ruption. When the present investiga-
tion began 1t was not even suspected by
the members of the board that it would
reach the stage that it has, but, having
implicated Webb, the searchlight of in
vestigation will remain directed upon
him until his guilt or ipnocence has been
established. Although 1t is the inten-
tion Of the board to uncover all the ras-
cality that it possibly can, the real work
of Furnishing those found guilty is to be
left with the proper legal authorities.
There is but one violation of the city
The herald., 1897-12-07

clution were all the charges that tho
prosecution intended to prefer at this
time. Mr.. Gibbon stated that it was i'm
possible at that time to tell Just what
the developments would be, and If other
chares were developed they would be
regularly preferred; but for the present
the resolution contained all that it was
desired to charge against Webb.
WEBB'S ATTORNEY
In introducing himself as counsel for
Webb, Attorney Oliver took occasion
to commend the boards action in lnsti-
tuting the investigation. He stated that
Webb had been foremost from the start
in the effort to get out the whole truth,
and pointed out that it was Webb's reso-
luton that had resulted in the taking of
the matter out of the hands of q commit
tee and placing it before the entire
board.
There is no person in this room," said
the attorney, who is more steadfast in
the belief that the public schools should
be above contamination, political or
otherwise, than this defendant. 1t is not
my purpose here to find fault, but do
not think the press and the public have
been altogether fair in this matter, at
least not as fair as they should have
been. 1t should be remembered that
these charges have not been established
by evidence, that there has been no proof
of them and this man should not be de-
clared to be guilty until proved so. IF
he Is convicted there is no condemnation
that is too severe for him. All we ask
Is that the public hold it's opinion in
allegiance until this investigation is con-
cluded. Do not reverse that old pre-
sumption of all courts as to the inno-
cence of an accused man until he is
proved guilty. I am reminded of an old
rule on charity, that is applicable here:
Trust not in each accusing tongue,
AS most Of persons do
But still believe that story false
That ought not to be true "
Mr.. oliver then referred to the rule
of former sessions by which hearsay evi-
dence and opinions were admitted and
The herald., 1897-12-07

feet, his face white with rage, he began
an attack upon Mr.. Gibbon, which even
his attorney showed by his actions that
he did not approve of.
Il would like to KNOW" said Webb.
in a tone that showed his anger, show it
is that five affidavits were filed against
the others who have been tried here,
each of them containing charges, and
now they come with only one charge
against me. Why are not similar charges
preferred against me? They are trying
only to ruin my reputation. That Is all
they want to do. They are afraid to
make any other charges. That man
(pointing to Mr. Gibbon) knows that he
cannot prove other charges, and he Is
afraid to file the charges against me-"
There were quite a number of friends
The herald., 1897-12-07
CITY NEWS IN BRIEF

Robert Sharp & Co., funeral directors.
Isl and 1853 South Spring street.
Call Tel. Main 24s for ambulance.
Kregelo & Bresee. Sixth and Broadway
Watches cleaned, 75 cents; main
springs, so cents; crystals, 10 cents.
Patton. 214 South Broadway.
When you want bargains in shoes
where you will receive value equal to a
new dollar for an old one, go to the
"Busy Bee," 1875 North Main street.
George Brown, alias "Pewee'' Brown,
arrested Saturday night for petty lar
ceny, was yesterday sentenced by JUS
tice Owens to serve 100 days in the city
Jail.
Adams Bros. dentists, 2Ssh South
Spring street. Plates from 81. Pain
speciality. Hours, s to 8; Sundays. 10
to IL.
DR.. Rebecca Lee Dorsey, Stimson
block, first floor, rooms 1873, 1874, 1856.
Special attention given to obstetrical
cases and all diseases of women and
children. Electricity scientifically used.
Consultation hours. to s. Tel. 1927.
Direct importation from Dresden
Some of the finest china ever brought to
this country can be seen at H. c. LIGHT
enberger's art emporium, 2O2 South
Spring street. These goods make most
desirable wedding or Christmas gift.
Vitaliano Salo, the pickpocket who
snatched Mrs. Emma Miller's purse on
Spring street Saturday afternoon, and
was captured before he had made away
with it, was arraigned yesterday before
Justice Morrison. His examination was
set for the 18th inst.
John Buster, the big ruffian who as
eaulted Policeman McGraw on First
street Saturday night, was convicted on
q battery charge yesterday before. JUS
tice Owens and sentenced to pay fine
of $3.50 or serve as many days in Jail.
The fine had not been paid last night.
C. s. Delano's guitar, banjo and man
dolin club gave popular concert last
evening at the Young Mems Christian
Asocisation in the members course.
The club was assited by Miss Eisen-
mayer Mand isses Iidiea Eisenmayer
and Williams, accompanies. A large
audience enjoyed the concert.
The herald., 1897-12-07
At the Van Nuys

T. A. Parrish, Grand Haven, Mich; Mrs
M. B. Hart, F. H. Gould. wife and child,
San Francisco; Il. P. Foster and wife, VEN
tura; A. H. Rosengarten, Pottersville, Pa,
w A.. Franklin, New York; Horace Seeley
and wife. Des Moines; Mrs. F. N. Van
eiclslen. children and nurse, Alameda:
Miss Taylor, Miss Pillsbury. H. d. Pills
bury. Redlands; Frederic w. Hunter, A.
9. Sturtevant. New York; Royal L. Writ.
San Francisco; Mrs Charles Rhodes Mrs.
q. Q. Kingsley and maid. Redlands; w. b.
6eamer. San Bernardlno; J. Fl. johnson,
Los Angeles; D. ]. Medbury New York:
y. = Hale, San Diego. Leonard Cox, New
York; ]. Williams Keenan,, San Diego:
Lewis Emery and wife. Bradford, Pa: ..
Hache, Chino.
The herald., 1897-12-07

Goth day Of June. 1897. received a benefit,
to wit: the sum Of $50. for . contract en-
tered into by the said board OF education
with one p. q. Cooper, janftor Of the Sem
tous street school. IN said city.
Therefore. be It resolved. that this board
do now proceed to investigate the said
matter of the said Webb receiving the said
money. as stated in the evidence taken in
said examination Of said Axtell and Adams.
Attorney Oliver then asked IL the
charges contained in the foregoing res-
The herald., 1897-12-07
WHILE ADAMS WAS TESTIFYING

objected to its application to the present
case. He said it was not fair to either
side. This matter was not discussed
at length until later. The attorney also
desired a separation of the witnesses,
but this was objected to, and it was then
suggested by the defense that Adams
and Axtell be separated so that one
could not hear the evidence of the other,
but this also was objected to.
AXTELL ILL
It had been the intention to place Ak
The herald., 1897-12-07

tell on the stand as the first witness,
but when the time came for the hearing
Of testimony 1t was discovered that he
had left the building. He was repeat
edly called. but there was no response.
The matter Of finding him was left to
Secretary Johnson, and he sent a mes-
senger to Axtelps house. Axtell had
been III all day and was found in bed.
He at once arose and returned to the
council chamber as soon as possible, ar
The herald., 1897-12-07
CITY NEWS
INDEX OF LOCAL EVENTS
chroniolod ON pages o. =. 8. II and IA

UhroniclCd ON pages o, 7. 3, IL and IL
Cocaine dend terrorizes his mother.
A sheep decision by the supreme
court.
Forecast: Cloudy, southwesterly
winds.
Seven indictments found by the
federal grand jury.
Twenty-fifth anniversary Of the es-
tablishment of the public library.
Elevator boy drops thirty feet down
a shaft and escapes with slight in
juries.
Biographical sketches Of pioneers
read at the meeting of the Historical
society.
Hitching ordinance comes up again
but meets with a setback in the
council.
Water company seeks to force the
tax collector to accept its offer as
the proper amount.
Growth Of the city In the past year
as shown by the report of the build
ing superintendent.
Director Adams on the stand all the
evening in the school board investiga-
ton; large crowd present.
Water supply committee does not
think 1t advisable at this time to con-
struct a new water system.
Many changes in street names
recommended by the city engineer.
Open charges Of jury bribing in the
Compton case.
The herald., 1897-12-07

Anniversary celebration, public H.
brary-8 p. m.
Board Of police commissioners
meets-1O a. m.
Investigating committee board of
education, council chamber-7:3O
p. m.
Pioneer society meeting, Caledonia
hall, 119 1-2 South Spring street.
8 p. m.
The herald., 1897-12-07

| charter for which the board of education
may punish one of it's members. That
is receiving money from any contract.
payment of which is out of the school
fund, or receiving financial benefit
from his position. The charter provides
that in event of conviction on such a
charge the board may declare the posi-
ton of the offending member vacant. A
| number of questionable and even GRIM
| inal transactions have been charged
against Webb but hereafter, for time
at least, the present prosecution will
confine itself to the charge that he re-
ceived Janitor Cooper's money via AK
tell, as admitted in the latter's confess
sion. A number Of other matters, which
are being investigated by the consti-
tuted authorities of the county, may
possibly lead to interesting develop
ments. The prosecution, after it has
proved, or failed to prove, the present
charge against Webb, will turn it's at
tention to his record on other matters.
If hte one thing Is proved the other
matters will be made public as means
of clinching the charges. The prosecu-
ton realizes that they are not now
dealing with an Axtell or an Adams,
whose weakness was displayed by the
loose manner in which each performed
his part Of the dirty work, but with
a man who two men have already
sworn supplied the brains of the scan
dalous scheme. man who, if guilty,
made a desperate attempt to be shrewd
and If innocent is the victim Of at least
two vile perjurers.
WEBB ON THE RACK
Those who attended last nights ses.
sion Of the investigation expecting to
hear the reading of sensational charges
against Webb were disappointed, for
the resolution legalizing the action
against Webb contained nothing that
had not already been brought out in the
evidence and confessions at the trials
Of Axtell and Adams. 1t was the simple
statement that Webb had received the
Cooper money and that the board pro-
ceed to investigate the matter. Adams
was the only witness examined during
the session and few points that had not
already been made were brought out. |
The session was not without It's resort |
to personalities and at times these were
lively in the extreme. Webb made an |
other uncalled for attack upon the Hon.
T. n. Gibbon, in which he made certain |
statements that were not true. Several |
times during the evening Webb arose to
take part in the proceedings and once
was called down on a point Of order by
the chair. He was palpably excited and
occasionally very angry. 1t had been
broadly limited that Attorney Frank
Davis, who appeared to represent AK
tell. when that alleged victim of Webb |
was on trial, was really Webb's attor-
hey. 1t has never been denied. He was
defended by another attorney last night. |
In the person Of Byron L. Oliver. Oliver
The herald., 1897-12-07
senator White reached WASHINGTON
Saturday night.
Small Cash

fayment and twenty month. including
lnterest' - the way we want to sell good
two-story' seven-room house, fifteen min
utes from business center, Southwest.
GOOD sized rooms two tile fireplaces, bath.
not ana cold water orange and boiler).
sewer and street work done and paid for.
Fine neighborhood. This is a snap. LANG.
WORTHY CO.. 226 South Spring.
The herald., 1897-12-07
EVENTS OF TODAY:

orpheum-vaudeville.
Music hall-Nashville Students.
Burbank-"Hands Across the Sea. !"
Los Angeles-Veriscope pictures,
Fitzsimmons.
The herald., 1897-12-07
mously, even Webb and Adams voting
for it. The resolution Is as follows:

Whereas, During the examinations by
this board concluded on November 3Oth last
Of the charges against c. II. Axtell and
j. F. Adams. it was stated by one or more
witnesses in the course of their testimony
given in said examinations, that Walter
l.. Webb, the present elected, qualified and
acting representative of the Ninth ward
upon the board of education of the city of
Los Angeles, had, while acting as such rep
resentative of said ward, on or about the
The herald., 1897-12-07
DIRECTOR WEBB ON THE RACK

did not make any attempt to bulldozc
or lntimidate the witness but conducted
his cross examination in q manner that
indicated a desire to get out the facts.
THE PROSECUTIONS TASK
AS witness Adams once more did not
prove success. He appeared to be un-
der the impression that he was about to
be puzzled by the attorney and his testi-
mony was full Of replies that showed
that he was on his guard against all at
tempts to trap him. He perpetually
pleaded defective memory or so qualified
his answers that they at times lost their
force. Ii his story can be substantiated
by one reputable witness Webb will have
difficult task to prove his innocence
Whether that reputable witness lis at
the command of the prosecution remains
to be seen. Unless Webb's connection
with the scandal can be proved by other
evidence than that of Adams and Axtell
there is some doubt as to the ability of
the prosecution to convict. 1t was plain
ly stated last night, however, that the
prosecution is in possession Of facts that
will more than satisfy the board and
the public of the guilt Of the accused.
The largest crowd that has attended
any session of the investigation was
present at the council chamber last
night. Every seat was taken and twice
as many as were able to find seats were
content to stand.
THE WEBB INVESTIGATION
Directors Poor Adams, McInerny,
Webb, Conrey and Davis were In their
places when President Mathis called the
meeting to order. Immediately after
the call of the roll Mr.. Gibbon presented
resolution embodying the charges
which had been preferred against Webb.
Mr.. Conrey moved its adoption which
Mr.. Davis seconded and it carried unani-
The herald., 1897-12-07

/. wall paper, late styles. low pricss. ~
- ~ &ckstrom's. "a South Spring styeet.
The herald., 1897-12-07
THE WEATHER

TEMPERATURE-Rep of observations
taken at Los Angeles Dec. 0. The
barometer Is reduced to sea level.
The herald., 1897-12-07

Maximum temperature, Go.
Minimum temperature, &c.
Forecast for Southern California
Cloudy Tuesday; southwesterly winds.
The herald., 1897-10-29
POSTAL SAVINGS BANKS

A revival Of the agitation for the estab-
iishment of postal savings banks is one
feature of the present administrator
worthy of commendation. Postmaster
General Gary, we are advised, is s,ecur-
ing all available data with a view TO
their establishment during his admin
.stration of the postoffice department.
In fact, bill for that purpose, framed
by Senator Mason of Illinois, is to be
introduced at the reassembling of con-
sress. Mr. Gary resides in Chicago ard
the press of that city, notably the Rec
ord, is working up quite campaign in
the interest of those needful institu-
tions, to wit, savings banks for the peo-
pie backed by the government, in which
the danger of depostors being swindled
is minimized, if not altogether elm
irated.
The question: of the institution of saw
ings banks attached TO the postoffice is
one OF general interest. 1t is true that
in these hard times few people have
money to spare and put away as savings
but in the very nature of things times
Will change and monetary stringency
and business depression will ere lor.g
give way to the long promised "pros-
perity," if not to flush times" when
people will have money to save. When
good times do return it is we'll to afford
the thrifty and economic folk some safer
place to deposit their savings than in old
stockings, in the chimney flue or in a
hole in the ground. OF course there are
burglar proof safes ard deposit boxes in
the various natiorsal and other banks,
Offering every possible irducement to
money owners to place their surplus
cash beyond the line of danger And
these meet the requirements Of capital
lists and depostors whose means are not
limited to few score or hundred dollars.
Special banking facilities under spe-
cial system must be provided for .te
| latter.
| The Record publishes the framework
of Senator Mason's proposed postal
| savings bank bill. 1t provides for the
establishment of postal banking sys-
tenn, with a central bank at Washing
ton and with branches at such postor-
fees as shall be designated for that pur-
| pose. Interest is to be paid depositors
The herald., 1897-10-29

/ at the rate Of per cent per annum, be-
ginning on the first day of the calendar
month following the date of deposit and
ceasing on the last day of the calendar
month preceding the date Of withdrawal.
This is no Improvement in favor of the
depositor over the present average saw
| ings bank regulation as to payment of
interest on deposits. The amount de-
posted by any one person in the postal
savings bank system as proposed is
limited to $500 in any one year, and must
not exceed all told $1,000 The bill pro-
viGies that the funds accumulated in the
banks are to be invested in government
bonds, and when those shall cease to be
available, in the bonds of states, coun-
ties or municipalities under special re-
strictiors.
This investment element of the pro-
posed system constitutes it's danger line,
unless indeed the bonds of the states,
counties and municpalities-o at least
the bonds of muncipalities-are en-
dorsed by the Urited States, thus guard
ing the depositors from the possibility
of repudation by hard-pressed or, it
may be, rascally municipalities Such
things have been ere this. But this very
removal of danger from the depositors
would saddle the United States gov
ernment with heavy responsibility.
The very fact of Uncle Sam being an
endorser and thus payor of the bonds,
in the last resort. might furnish
temptation to dishonest municipalities
to repudiate their bonds. But, as the
Record aptly says, no plan covering
that point can be devised that will be
satisfactory to everyone" Speaking OF
the chance of congre ssonal ac-
ton favorable 10 the project,
that paper states that the con-
servative element in the country seems
willing to gran, bill providing for the
protection Of small savings with careful,
restrictions for the safe Investment of
the funds.
We believe that congress can devise a
method meeting the wishes of the coun-
try in the premises. Such measure
ought TO be purely non- partisan and, if
passed by the coming congress, would
ee a feather on its hat, and might ir. a
cio>.s-tuuxhe esnasslxA set some what In
tine nature of maritle of charity cover
ing a multitude of congressional sins.
The herald., 1897-10-29
Redlands Prices

To the Editor of the Los Angeles
Herald: According to reports published
in several Los Angeles papers the i'm
preston seems to have gone abroad that
the Redlands growers and packers had
already decided on demanding nothing
less than 1925 a box for oranges to be
shipped before the holidays. Such is not
the fact. While growers are, no doubt,
desirous to obtain as much as possible
for their fruit, the matter of prices was
left entirely in the hands of the Red
lands Citrus union, which is composed
of representatives of all packing and
shipping firms of Redlands and vicinity.
a representative of the patrons of each
packing firm and five representatives of
the Horticultural club. This organiza-
ton is to meet from time to time to dis
cuss the situation of the market and
agree on uniform minimum prices for
f. 0. b. sales. 1t would perhaps be well
if other localities would follow the ex-
ample of Redlands and have their grow
ers and packers meet for the purpose of
considering the advisability of fixing
uniform minimum prices for their friut.
Respectfully.
r. b. LANE, President.
C.. H. LIENAU, Secretary.
Redlands. Cal, October 2S, 1897.
The herald., 1897-10-29
THE PROPOSED ARBoRETUM

The Herald reproduces this morning
communication sent to the board of
park commissioners by the Academy of
Sciences of Southern California that is
Of great interest to every citizen of Los
Angeles, and indeed, to the people of all
California
The academy suggests to the park
commissioners that the parks of the city
be dedicated, in so much as may be nee
essary for the establishment of an ar
boretum designed to be the most COM
plete in the temperate zone; and that the
work be begun with the forest flora of
California.
The plan commends itself at once to
every intelligent mind, and when 1t is
considered that Los Angeles has in it's
park system, and in the soil and climate
of Southern California, the finest imag-
Unable facilities for carrying it to per-
fection, the only wonder is that it has
never been thought of before.
The vast extent of the city park sys-
tenn and the different conditions pre-
sented as to cultivation afford the widest
range for experiment, and for giving
the different specimens home amid
their natural surroundings.
The academy is convinced that the eX-
pense attached to the plan would be
comparatively small, and this is a rea-
sonable view to take. Such enterprises
grow through their own inherent merit
after they are once properly started.
The fact that Los Angeles and South
ern California are the Mecca of tour
lists from all over the world is another
reason for establishing an arboretum,
and one that would be a considerable
factor in it's growth.
1t is to be hoped that the park commits
sioners will seriously consider the prop
osition laid before it by the Academy of
Sciences, and that it will do everything
in it's power to promote the praiseworthy
enterprise.