New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-05-23
GERRY SOCIETY INQUIRY.
DE LANCEY NICoLL ATTACKS WILLIAM
puINEIANnER STEWART.


| The old fight between the Gerry Society and the
| State Board of Charities was continued yesterday
afternoon when the first session OF the so-ca'ieo
Investigation was held in the office OF Albert SUCK
/ ney the Commissioner appointed by the supreme
Court TO investigate the conduct acts ana proceed
ngs of the Gerry Society for the Prevention oil
Cruelty to Children
There vero ,resent Commodore Elbridge 7.
Gerry and his counsel De Lancey Nicoll and John
D. Lindsay; William Rhinelander stewart presi-
dent of the State Board Of Charities. VINO was sud-
pnnaed by De Lancey Nicoll, counsel TOT the So
ciety with his attorney John NJ. Bowers fres,-
dent Stewart was the only witness present. Ih's
Investigation was asked for by FREDERICK H. rap
men one of the directors OF the society, ana a
former member OF committee appointed ny the
society to investigate charges brought against IT,
Mr. Bowers opened the proceedings by objecting 10
the presence Of Commodore Gerry and his counsel
because under the order OF the Supreme Court APP
pointing Mr. Stckney. he should direct the ex-
animation himself and that the attorneys OF the
soc,etv should not be allowed TO examine the wilt
nesses in order 10 build up charges ana then
refute them.
Said Mr. Ncoll: 1.-THE public usefulness OF our
society has been greatly injured by the charges OF
Mr. Stewart published in the papers from time 10
time Efforts have been made by the state boaru
OF Charities TO cripple our work" CTnat IL not
true" remarked Mr.. stewart) Il know mat MT
Stewart has made charges over his own signature
against this society and its president with having
attempted to procure legislation for his society py
corrupt and criminal methods say ne i''sp" ca
these newspaper articles and approved them.
wish to interrogate him upon these matters" MI
Stickney denied Mr.. Bowers's motion 10 exclude
Commodore Gerry and his counsel
Mr. Nicol and Commodore Gerry were armeu
with columns Of clippings from the papers, from
which they quoted copiously, and upon wnich al
Mr. Nlcoll's questions were based. Mr.. stewart
,rbo will sail for Europe on Wednesday. was sworn
and Mr. Nicon began his examination. Most OF
The questions Mr. Stewart refused to answer upon
the advice Of his counsel the ground that they
were not germane to the inquiry
Mr. Stewart identified a letter written by him 10
"The New-Yorl, Times" of March Is. approving OF
an editorial in that paper headed Gerry Society.
He refused TO say II he had any interviews with
representatives OF THE Times previous to the pup
LEGATION OF the article or whether ne hsd luriis"eu
the facts of the article. The repeated retusais 10
answer his questions finally caused MT. Nicol 10
remark Il do not to have any redress mere
have I?'
'Not on this line" replied Mr. Stickney
81 think these very important questions. but you
do not seem 20 agree with me-" added MT Nlcoh'
I'm your letter 10 The Times OF March is you say
NV information is that with the aid OF the bach
Horse Cavalry enlisted by Mr. Gerry the Dill viii
be passed by the Senate but defeated IN the Assem-"
bly, What did you mean by Black Horse Cavalry
this" asked Mr.. Nicoll. ..
II decline to answer" said Mr.. stewart 90.
From whom did you derive this intormauoh'
persisted MIR Nicoll. ,.Ao,,rh "a
MIR Stewart still declined to answer, altnough re-
ouested 10 by Mr. stickney. President stewart az
mitted that he wrote the letter published IN Inc
Times" that he had written II without consultation
with his colleagues. and that he assumed tuI re-
sponsbilty for IT, He also testified that he had no
evidence OF any improper conduct or maladmlnstra-
ton on the part OF the officers OF the Gerry society
in reference to the management of It's AFFAIRS
"Do Won know any witnesses who may De caIeu
who can give us any information concerning acts
OF msma nagcment or improper conduct on tne
part OF the officers OF the society," inquired MT
Nicoll. p.,,oz, GAN
art "A number Of people have Deen 10 me anu
said they knew this and that" 90
Names names, give us Names, shouted MT
Nicoll That's Just what We want to get az
Mr. Stewart refused give the names or any
persons who had spoken to him regarding any al
legged acts OF the Gerry Society, on the GROUND
that they had 10 him in his capacity as presi
dent OF the Board Of Charities. and he regarded
Mr. Stickney requested him TO answer. but he
still refused whereupon Mr. Nico said: i ask this
man II he Is the man who has been stabblng the
society in the back through the papers and In
other ways. and he refuses to answer. protest
against this" -,
THow many editors or reporters did you furnish
Information TO in regard 10 the maladminstration
in the year 1889 attacking the society, and what
were your grounds for such statements" ques-
toned Mr.. Ncoll
Always receiving a refusal TO answer questions
Of this kind Mr. Nicoll finally gave II up, and the
hearing came 10 an end for the day.