Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1899-04-17
CROKER DEFIANT.
Refuses to Answer Many Ques-
tons from Attorney Moss.
His Partner, Meyer, Also Assumes
Bold Demeanor on Stand.
s--
Few Developments But Spicy Incidents in
New FORK Investigation.

New York, April 16.-Richard Croker
days session of the Mazet investiga-
ting committee. The Tamany leader
produced several sensations, but these
resulted more from his counter charges
than from any unexpected revelations
wormed out Of him by the tireless Moss.
Mr.. Meyers examination was sus-
pended and Mr.. Croker was recalled
Mr.. Moss twitted- the witness regard
ing his assertion made. Friday. that if
it should be proven that's hes had ever
received any dishonest moiiey.from the
city he would allow his right arm to
be cut off. Are .you willing to make
the proposition that, if dishonorabIe
money or dishon0rable transactions are
laid at your door, you will part with
your fortune and part with your liber-
ty?" asked Mr.. Moss.
Yes" said Mr.. Croker.
That is more to the point and more
10 the purpose" replied Mr.. Moss, sInl-
ing. Il was led to put thai question.
Mr.. Croker, because Of your suggestion
early in the examination that there
should be no playing to the galleries. :
Mr.. Moss said he understood Mr.
Croker had stated that when he re-
turned from Europe in 1897 he was
substantially without any large
amount Of means at that time The
statement had been published
Mr.. Croker denied that the statement
was true. He declined to answer
whether in 1897 he had stock in the
Union Railway. That is my personal
affair" said the witness. but he went
on TO deny that his family held any
stock in the Roebling Co. at that time
He did not know that his son Richard
;. was a member of the Contractors
Supply 90. or that Richard had ever
got any money from him Ohe witness)
to go into the company.
Did YOU give your son Frank q
check of S17.00 to go into the Roebling
Coz asked Mr. Moss.
Mr.. Croker declined to answer on the
ground Of personal business"
Mr.. Moss was persistent regarding
The payment Of this $1,000 Finally
Mr.. Croker said:
While my son has been in the Roeb-
ling Co. it has never received a con-
tract from the city. 50 that it does not
concern this committee a all.
VIII warmth Mr.. Croker added: Il
have the utmost confidence in that boy,
and if YOU can destroy him in the city,
as you are working to do-this COM
nittee, ii seems. has made set against
my two sons-and if you can destroy
him and not allow him to go into bust
ness, l suppose you will do So
Mr.. Most hardly think that state
nent is justified
Yes it is rejoined Mr. Croker
Go one and examine Mr. Platt's firm
md find out what his boys are in. If
'ou want to be honest you go and ex-
mine the people who brought you here
o examine us"
Keep COOL" Mr.. Croker" interjected
ir. Moss
Il am just as cool as you are" came
he reply.
THAT is the gentleman-Mr PIatt-
Who puts you here to examine us. You
20 and examine his firm. They are at
he foundation of all the corruption in.
his city. ! say that there is more cor
upton in that firm today-and it is
un by all. or mostly all, the corpora
ions in this city-there is more cor
upton in that firm than anywhere
lse. You go and examine that firm.
ow, to be fair. and bring their books
ere"
Mr.. Moss said the matter Mr.. Croker
ad spoken of was in no way concerned
18th the local government. You make
hat matter in any way pertinent to.
MS inquiry and will examine into it,
aid the lawyer.
THE committee will throw it off,
etorted the witness
You need not throw out any bluffs
t all. Mr.. Croker" said Mr. Moss.
You need not throw out any bluffs
[ me-" snapped Mr.. Croker
II am under no retainer from Mr..
att." acclaimed the lawyer.
You are looking for it now, by your
here said Mr.. Croker.
When this matter goes to the Legis-
Continued on page 50
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