New-York tribune., 1901-01-18
IDAHO SENATOR'S WILL ACT AS DEMOCRATS.
NIXON Is INDIGNANT.
CALLS ON MR.. PHILBIN ABOUT FIvE'S
EVIDENCE.
DISTRICT ATTORNEY PROMISES TO REVIEW
1T HIMSELF WHILE THE CHAIR
MAN is PRESENT

Naturally enough, the decision of the District
Attorney that the evidence submitted to Assistant
District Attorney Schurman by the Committee OF
Five adequate to secure indictments
stirred up at least two of the "Tammany Purifiers
TO a white heat NJ Marley Platzek told Tribune
reporter yesterday that he did not believe Mr..
Phlbin had so decided. because the Fve's evidence
was not yet all in. 1t was ascertained later that
Mr. Philbin was aware that any more evidence
coming.
Mr.. Nixon called in person on the District Attor-
ney, and, after expressing with some heat his dis
appointment the decision. was mohed. 1t Is
said by a promise of the District Attorney TO hold
a conference between Assistant District Attorney
Schurman, who alone has examined the evidence
so far; Mr.. Platzek. Mr.. Nixon and Mr.. Philbn
himself, at which conference the evidence would
be carefully reviewed by the three lawyers, in the
hope OF satisfying the Purifiers that II was not
strong enough to produce indictments.
Mr.. Nixon then went home, and when seen there
later by a Tribune reporter refused to tell what
happened between himself and Mr.. PhIlbin, except
that he had told the District Attorney that more
evidence would be furnished. Mr.. Nixon added
that collecting evidence for the District Attorney
was only a small part OF the committees work
any way and there was thought of the Five
abandoning the task they had undertaken MT
Nixon depored the publicity given to the made
quacy OF his evidence because he said certain pool
rooms and gambling houses which remained closed
while their owners feared indictment were re-
opened when these men learned that the Five had
been unable to reach them. Mr.. Nixon also said;
While not satisfied with the rate OF progress
made no one is authorized to say that l am dis
gusted with the condition that confronts us. eX-
pected opposition and this will become stronger as
the net tightens. The gambling fraternity are un-
doubtedly greatly encouraged by the statement
made yesterday PoOlrooms and gambling houses
opening all the city, but L am going right
with my work. just as before
Mr.. Philbin takes the position that he Will not
submit evidence to the Grand Jury which Will not
secure indictments that would be followed by
convictions which would stand the test of the
Court of Appeals. He has requested an assistant
to prepare brief on the duties OF a policeman ana
his liability in relation to vice in the precinct to
which he is attached
When Mr. Baldwin chairman of the Committee
of Fifteen, told of Mr.. Nixons statement, he
said
This intensfes the Importance of placing in the
hands of the Mayor a power of appointment and
removal of the Police Commissioners. A single
honest Police Commissioner will be able to do
the Mayor to provide honest Commissioner"
Mr.. Baldwin added that his committee had
great deal of testimony, and that Mr.. Monroe, the
committees newly engaged counsel would at
would be submitted tC the District Attorney which
would not be certain to stand before tribunal OF
justice.
Charles Stewart Smith said: Chairman Nixon's
poorooms and gambling houses being opened
all over the town is no to me or any other
member OF our committee. We knew that That
Mr.. Nixon would NEE: with opposition we also
knew. That he fears there will be more opposition
as the work progresses does surprise me AS /
said, 1t is the statement of honest man. who has
Deeh member OF the Tammany organiza tion for
many years and by this time ought to be familiar
with it, - ''''