The San Francisco call., 1898-03-09
Harry Thomas Denies It Was Given as a
 Bribe.
The Mayor Explains a Story That Is Being Freely
 Told
Ono Hundred Dollars That Was Bor- rowed Was Promptly
 Paid.
Oakland Office San Francisco Call


 90S Broadway, March 8.
 For several weeks Constable John Kessler has been exhibiting photo graph of a note for $10O, which bears the signatures of Mayor Thomas and his son, Harry. the secretary of the Board of Works. Kessler has ire quently stated that he received the note in return for money paid to Harry Thomas on the assurance that he (Kessler) should have all Thomas in- fluence to secure a position on the po- lice force when the new men were ap- pointed about two months ago.
 The day after the men were ap- pointed and Kessler saw that his name was not among them, he went to the Mayors office. demanded his money and got it. Before returning the note. how ever, Kessler had 1t photographed and he has shown the picture to scores of people as evidence that he had a finan- cial transaction with the Mayor. The note is dated July r and is payable however, until more than five months had elapsed. KeSSler says he has been told that he is to go before the Grand Jury and he will tell all he knows.
 The story has been made so public
  by Call reporter to give his explana- tion of the Incident, which he readily consented to do.
 Some time ago." said the Mayor, Harry told me he wanted to borrow a hundred dollars and asked me II l would sign a note with him. l said l would if he was fixed so as to take care of it. He told me it was all right and I signed it, but I did not know then what name was on It. l have learned since that 1t was in favor or John Kessler.
 This is what I know about kessler. have known him for many years, and he is a strong, able fellow, and would, think, make a good officer. l told him l would do all I could for him, and when l received the list of eligibles from Chief Lloyd did not see Kessler's name among them, so l wrote 1t in myself and proposed his name, but neither of the other two Commissioners would vote with me, and l could not secure him one of the places. The morning after the men were appointed Kessler came into my office and demanded pay ment of a note l told him l did not owe him anything on a note, and then he showed me note that was signed by myself and Harry for s100. l re- ferred him to Harry, and the money was paid. That is all. If Kessler in- sinuates that l attempted to get any, thing from him he lies. l did all l could for him out of friendship"
 Harry Thomas was very willing to discuss the matter. T admit that l borrowed $100 of Kessler last July, and I have paid it back" he said. 'Kessler Is a money-lender, and I wanted a loan and went to him for it. I told him l would do anything I could fer him to help him to get on the police force, and I did ask my father to vote for him. This has nothing at all to do with the loan. These stories are all false l was asked about this matter by the Dis trict Attorney and told him how 1t oc- cured. I know Kessler had the note photographed, but he need not have done that, for if he wanted any one to see the original I would gladly show it. It Is surely no disgrace to borrow a lit tie money and pay it back. I am quite willing to tell the Grand Jury all l know about it.
 John Kessler told a Call reporter last night that in addition to the note he has a letter from Harry Thomas that throws considerable light on the trans action. Harry Thomas says he wrote to Kessler thanking him for so kindly obhging him with the loan.