The San Francisco call., 1898-03-16
An Investigation of the Clerks Exchange Pro-
 prietOr.
Threats Made by a Witness to Do Bodily Harm to w.
 A. Shepard.
Several Exciting Scenes in the State Labor Commissioners
 Office.

For several weeks past complaints have been made to Labor Commissioner Fitz- gerald of the business methods of those conducting a sort of employment agency or association called the Clerks Ex- change, offices at 313 Bush and 1923 Mar ket streets. Yesterday the State officer began an investigation into the con- plaints, and during the session several things came up that afforded those in at- tendance a little excitement. All of the witnesses testified that they had been swindled out of their money and one, an excitable little red-headed native of France, went so far as to call one of the proprietors of the business thief, liar and added that he would wait and give his enemy a sound thrashing for taking his money, leaving said Frenchman with out the means of purchasing food or lodg- ing. For two hours the excited person waited, but the accused escaped out of side door.
 The first witnesses were Benjamin Weinzsplen and his wife Mary. who testi fled that they sold their furniture on the promise of the proprietor, w. A. Shepard, who they claimed told them he had found position for them at a ranch in the country where pay was good and work light. This man had been an employe in the Pacific Union Club for four years and he said that he gave up his job in order
 
 health had been bad for long time. The couple testified that the place was prom 1sed to them for March l, and they were made homeless and poor by reason of the unfulfilled promises. Lawyer D. B. Wood worth, who appeared for Shepard, made the woman hysterical by asking her questions regarding her children and a scene followed.
 Mr. Woodwork made a strong protest against the whole proceeding, claiming ha 1rrat- make such an inquiry. Half a dozen wit neSSeS gave some very interesting teSti- mony. all of which was not to the credit of the accused. Joseph N. Brooks of 367 Minna street said that he gave $5 at the Clerks Exchange with the understanding that he was to be given place, and on standing. In exchange for his money he was given a certificate of membership in the concern, but to the best of his knowl- edge the people running the business never made an effort to live up to their agree ment and lind place for him. James Irving and his daughter Edith of 776 Bryant street also had serious complaint to make. They testified that she was in need Of position of stenographer, and she paid S5 for certificate of member ship, on the promise that she would be given the next job offered. She found where the concern had advertised for stenographers, and she reproached Shep- ards excuse was that she was not quail fled for the places he had but the girls father cornered the proprietor by asking him to name single place, he had at hi, disposal.
 The fun started in earnest when A. c. Labbe took the stand. He had recently had in the world was S10. One-half he gave to Shepard for position-that is, Isaac Seeley one of the clerks, took the money and promised to find the returned gold hunter place at once. Labbe was kept on the run from one place to an- other until every cent he had left of the SS wa he l1a at the instance of the people of the exchange proved to be of the wild goose order. AS Labbe proceeded with his narrative he became more excited, and at last his tenn per got the better of him and he turned loose on the accused and called him every kind of name that the, presence of the ladies would permit, and some that were not in the best of taste. For several hours the excited little fellow tramped up and down the hall waiting for Shepard to take the $5 out of his hide, as he stated.
 J. K. Mills, carpenter of 1912 Mission street, told how he had left a position at exchange had inserted in one of the pa pers calling for a carpenter for place in until he had made the clerk assure him that he could have the place in question that he gave up the price of the fee for membership. Then came long series of excuses which ended in nothing. Similar testimony was given by Mrs. Farrel of 63s Green street and Mrs. Ida Morse of only disappointInents after long and pa
 The most important testimony was given by Mrs Gillis. This lady is pos sessed of a fair share of good looks, a temper of her own and a full knowledge of how affairs of the Clerks Exchange are conducted For the past three months she has filled what is called the position of "Matron'' of the female de- partment in the Bush street office. She told the Commissioner that the ostensible purpose of the exchange is to find posi-
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