The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1900-10-20

tion In chief, and he was cross-exam-
ined by Mr. Torrey. He was intro-
duced to Harris in the Scranton house
In March by n friend Of his named
Eavers, who was in the nickel-in-the
slot machine business. He was asked
IL on March 20 Harris was not riding
with hin, In his wagon, and he told
Harris he had done all he could to pro.
mote his interest in having the tax
ordinance amended, and that there
upon Harris gave him four 81 bills.
Coleman denied that anything of the
kind occurred. He had no recollection
of going to Wilkes Barre, March 20.
with Harris and Eavers and while
there entering into preliminary agree.
ment to open q gambling house in this
city. The witness admitted going to
Wilkes Barre with Harris, but denied
making any agreement as to gamb-
ling house.
SAID 1T WAS NOT TRUE.
Coleman also denied that he told
Harris he would introduce him to
Grier. who was very smart fellow,
and would look after the amendment
of the tax ordinance in the common
council. He said that Harris asked him
to Introduce him to some of the col,n-
cilmen and he agreed to do so. Cole
man was then examined at some length
as to the meetings at Rohrwasser's. He
denied that one night. while he was
having lunch at Lohmann's with Har-
ris, that the latter gave him $50.
which lie said was for This services in
relation to the amendment of the tax
ordinance.
He admitted visiting Harris ut the
Hotel Terrace at the time the counci!-
men were arrested. but he could not
remember just what was said. He was
sure he did not mention anything
about the bills that Grier had depos-
tied with his attorney. He said that
Harris said to him. "You are all right"
and Coleman replied, II know / am,
haven't done anything"
p. +. Calpin, common councilman
from the Sixth ward, was the next
witness. He was examined by Attor-
ney Joseph O'Brien. One day in April
he met Coleman and the latter asked
him to come to the bakery that even
ing. that Harris wanted to have talk
with him. Soon after he arrived, Grier
came and then Coleman telephoned for
Harris. When the latter arrived Cole
man introduced Grier to Harris. A con-
versation was opened. tnd Harris
pulled letter out of his pocket and
held it up. 1t seemed to<him that 1t
was q typewriter letter and bore the
signature of c. NJ. Clarke.
HARRIS STORY.
Harris told, them that tha
stockholders were afraid that the
local management Of the Scran-
ton Railway company would not
be able to prevent the passage of the
tax ordinance, and as this tax would
practically drive them out of business,
Harris said he had attracted the at
tention Of his employees and they had
sent him on to have this ordinance
amended, and if he succeeded it would
be great feather in his cap and would
lead to promotions, which would be
nice thing for him, as he had mother
and a sister to support.
Calpin was the author of the ordi-
nance and Grier said 1t would be better
to amend it by reducing the amount
Of the tax. Grier said the tax was too
radical and would cause the ordinance
to be killed as a prior ordinance had
been. Nothing was said about Grier
being a leader of the common council.
Some days later he met Grier at the
Mears building and Grier said Harris
had been offering him money and he
was going around to see him and ii
he offered him money again he was go
ing to take it and follow him for it.
Grier asked witness to go to Lotus G.
MeIVin'S drug store and wait for him
In few minutes Grier came in and al
most Immediately afterwards Coleman
The others present We're G. w. McKinn-
ney, William Lynett and John LOTUS
Grier said he was going to see Harris
and if he offered him money he would
take it and use it against him. Wit
ness waited about ten or fifteen min
utes and then Grier came back and
said, well, I've got it," and displayed
two 500 bills. He said he was going to
place it in the hands Of his attorney.
Soon after witness left the store.
NOT OFFERED MONEY.
Calpin was cross-examined by Mr.
Newconb. He inquired particularly
about his acquaintance with c.. w. Nc
Kinney and If the latter had not en-
deavored to influence him by money
in favor of the asphalt and electric
light ordinances. This was denied by
Calpin. He admitted that though he
had seen this evidence Of actual brib-
cry he did not lodge information
against Harris with any magistrate
nor did he say anything about it on
the floor Of the council. He opposed
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