The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-04-16

ruption In this city. 1 say that there is
more corruption in that firm to-day-and it
is run by all or mostly all the corporations
in this State-there is more corruption in
that firm than anywhere else. You go and
examine that firm. now, TO be fair, and
bring their books here"
Mr. Moss said the matter Mr.. Croker had
spoken of was in no way concerned with
the local government. ''You make that
matter in another way pertinent with this
inquiry and l will examine into it, said the
lawyer.
'The commission will throw It off, re-
torted the witness.
ANOTHER SLAP AT PIAATT.
Mr.. Croker continued to dechim against
the Platt influence and the Platt firm.
which latter. he said, was to pay Mr.. Moss's
fee. Continuing, he said: MIR. Platts firm
is taking all the corporations by retainer.
They could not get the city departments:
the people would not give that TO them. The
people put MS in charge OF the city depart
ments and we are responsible to the people
for them. You find one of the city depart
ments or anyone in the city departments,
who is doing wrong, and tell me, and / will
be one Of the first persons to help get them
out
Mr.. Croker said he was not afraid Of con-
victing himself or Of discriminating himself,
but thought there was no law or reason for
Mr. Moss TO come down here and examine
into his private affairs
Mr. Croker said there were no State SEN
ators present at the Tammany Club dinner
on Thursday evening. because their place
was in Albany at their business
And you told them so. didn't your" asked
Mr.. Moss.
Yes said the witness.
"And they obeyed you?" queried the law
yer.
II think they did" said Mr.. Croker.
MIR. Croker admitted that he had given
instructions that Assemblyman Reddington
ought to be reprimanded for the 'Amster-
dam grab
Have you not, since Jan. /. been short
1000 shares of Manhattan stock In one office
on Broad street?" asked Mr.. Moss. chang
ing the subject.
Mr.. Croker declined to answer.
Mr.. Moss said the questions about Man.
haitian stocks were asked because of the
movements of members of the Tammany or
ganization with relation TO the Manhattan
Elevated Railroad, which are matters of
general knowledge" said Mr. Moss, ''and
which will be proved at their proper time"
Did you not sell Manhattan stock in an
ticipation of an attack on the Manhattan
Company? Did you know that the depart
ments of the city government were going TO
make an attack on the Manhattan Elevated
Railroad? Did you consult with members
of the city government, the heads of the de-
| partments. in reference to actions against
the Manhattan Elevated Railroad Com
pany?"
MADE NO DEFINITE ANSWER.
To all of these and other similar ques-
| tions Mr. Croker refused TO make any definite
answers He did not know II his friend An
| drew Freedman had lost on Manhattan
stock. He did not remember when George
| Gould came 10 see him (Croker) at Lake
| wood in 1893 and discussed the extension of
| the elevated road. 1t was about FIVE weeks
ago, Mr.. Croker stated. that he spoke TO Mr..
| Gould about allowing the pipes of his air
and power company to be suspended from
the Manhattan structure. He believed
| $4,000 was the sum offered to the elevated
for the requested privilege.
| In answer to an unexpected question Mr..
Croker said he didsT;ft lose money on Man
| haitian stock.
are willing TO say that you did not lose
4
TO say that you were not short Of the stock?'
| 'I did that just to please you." said Mr..
| Croker.
Mr. Croker denied that an investigation in
the elevated road had been ordered with the
| object of compelling 1t TO allow the string
| ing of air and power pipes along its struc-
| ture.
| Again and again Mr.. Croker refused to tell
| of his. relations with companies.
| I'VE have a right to know how man that
controls the municipal actions is able to go
and put his hand on business concerns, and
put their stock in his pocket for nothing.
| You dare not say that you have not done 1t,
| do you?" said Mr.. Moss.
| Dare" said Mr.. Croker. his eyes
| flashing. Then in quieter tones, he added;
mo, won't tell my private affairs"
| Mr.. Moss said: you dare not. Isn't IT a
| fact, Mr.. Croker, that simply because you
are the leader of Tammany Hall. and be-
cause as such leader. you control the city de-
| partments you have been taken into the
Autotruck Company, and given a large
amount of stock to secure your influenceT'
Mr.. Croker laughed. mo-" he said. "you
| are away off,"
| Mr.. Croker said he was practical loco
motive builder. He was not worth a million
| dollars.
| Mr.. Croker declined to answer when asked
| If he not given $4,000 of the autotruck
stock without the payment Of a dollar.
| In reply to a question regarding the con-
! troll of street franchises, Mr.. Croker placed
the responsibility upon the city departments
| Mr.. Croker said he did not interfere in pat
| ronage. II never ask for place for a per-
| son." he declared.
| Sometimes they make IL worth your
while not to object, don't they?" asked Mr.
| Moss.
mo, sir" said Mr.. Croker.
GAMBLING HOUSES.
] Mr.. Croker said he thought the police
ought TO try to close gambling houses in the
| city by real and earnest effort.
You secured the closing of poolrooms
once, didn't you?" asked the counsel.
II don't know whether did or not. I said
| they ought to be stopped" replied Mr..
Croker.
You said 1t to Byrnes one day. didn't
you?"
| Yes, sir"
"And they stopped quick. didn't they?"
| "I don't know
| Mr.. Croker denied he had spoken tc
| Byrnes because the poolrooms interfered
with his racing matters. He said he had
| talked 10 Devoyaps poolrooms as he did to
| Byrnes and would say ii again.
I'VE will wait and see If they are closed
| tomorrow" said Mr.. Moss, and Mr.. Croker
replied that when president of the Police
l n