New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-02-09
Mr.. ROssTTER TEsTIFIEs.
BROOKLYN RAPID TRANSIT CASE BE-
FORE THE GRAND JURY.
THE PRESIDENT OF THE COMPANY SAYS
THE DECEMBER BUSINESS WAS THE
HEAVIEST EVER KNOWN IN
THAT MONTH

President Clinton L. Rossiter of the Brooklyn
Rapid Transit Company was the only witness
yesterday before the special Grand Jury sum-
moned 10 investigate the source Of the alleged
SANDERS which had something TO do with de-
pressing the stock OF the company in December
last. President Rossiter brought along good
many books. Some OF these looked like scrap
books OF clippings from daily newspapers. and
others resembled the bound volumes OF the daily
reports OF traffic on the Rapid Transit system
1t was understood last night that he was sharply
questioned for over an hour every point IN
the case with which he could deal as an expert
and material witness.
1t is said that the jurymen were particularly
anxious TO know whether there was any falling
off IN the receipts of the company in December
which would warrant the circulation OF runors
which might affect the stock. 1t is said that he
showed by the daily traffic reports that the
company's business during December the
heaviest OF any December in the history Of the
system. He also stated, it is said. that there
were fewer unsettled damage suits against the
company than ever before in its history, despite
the fact that the system is much larger than it
year ago.
Colonel T. s. Williams the secretary OF the
company. expected to go before the jury, but he
was not called in
The jury met in its room in the Criminal Court
Building at II o'clock yesterday morning. John
Proctor Clarke, designated by Governor Roose-
welt Deputy Attorney General to conduct the
cases before this jury. was on han9. as also
ex-Lieutenant Governor William F. Sheehan and
John D. Lindsay, the law partner of De Lancey
Nicou, who represents the Stock Exchange and
is associated with Mr. Sheehan in the Brooklyn
Rapid Transit case.
Before the Special Grand Jury met Mr.. Clarke
had long talk with Justice Fursman, who pre-
sides over the Criminal Term of the Supreme
Court, and who will have cognzance Of these
cases. 1t is supposed that the conversation was
on these cases. but Mr.. Clarke refused to say
afterward what they had talked about A num-
Der of witnesses called before the Special
Grand Jury. but it was said that they not
those in connection with the Brooklyn Rapid
Transit case.
1t was stated that the District Attorney sent
word to Mr.. Clarke asking him how many sub
poena servers he desired and that Mr.. Clarke
sent back word that he wanted none from the
District Attorneys Office, saying that if he de-
sired any subpoena servers he would get them
himself. It is inferred from this that Mr..
Clarke will work entirely independent of the
Office of the District Attorney and his staff
John Proctor Clarke took up the subject with
the Grand Jury, talking TO it for some time
on the duties it incurred in the case. He
pointed out to il the essential features into
which ii was to make examination, and the
jected He cautioned it about the nature Of
the evidence, saying that only legal evidence
must be accepted, but that the whole matter
must be gone into thoroughly.
After Mr. Clarkes address TO the juryrnen and
a conference between them President Clinton
RossiCer Of the Brooklyn Rapid Transit Com
pany called.
1t the intention of the Grand Jury to see
Justice Fursman in the Criminal Branch Of the
Supreme Court afterward, but he not sit
ting, the court was not in session, and the
jury adjourned
II reported last night that a dozen or
more Wall Street reporters had been summoned
to appear before the Special Grand Jury. II is
said 10 be the intention Of the jurymen to ask
about the earliest circulation Of the alleged
slanderous reports.
There is little likelihood of All investigation
into the State Trust Company's affairs by the
Special Grand Jury. The early merger of the
State Trust Company with the Morton Trust
Company alone would be sufficient it is said, to
preclude the need Of an investigation When
Abram King, who brought the charges against
the State Trust Company that resulted in its
being overhauled by the State Banking Depart
ment, seen yesterday, he said:
1T is ridiculous to suppose that the Grand
Jury will desire TO investigate a petitioner who
merely wanted to know that his money was be-
ing safeguarded- Governor Roosevelt ordered
the investigation. The Special Grand Jury, I'M
der the circumstances will hardly feel like sum-
moning the Governor before it."