The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-04-10
He TeStlfieS in the tt-DOnOhue
Libel Suit--TellS About Threat
ening to Kill Bennett.

Boston. April io.-The testimony of
Thomas w. Lawson for the defence in
the libel suit of ex-Representative
Frank r. Bennett against John #. Dono-
hue and the Lynn Item, I'm the superior
court yesterday was more dramatic than
anything that has been heard In Mas
sachusetts courts for years.
In bis impulsive manner Mr.. Lawson
related conversations he had held at va
rious times with Mr.. Bennett, showing
how he had called the latter BLACK
mailer ''ScoundIel' and "A Liar" time
after time. He declared that Bennett had
attempated to secure his backing for the
speakership. and in return promised his
support OF Lawson's gas measure, then
before the legislature: that he had sought
large sums for advertising I'm his papers,
and when this was refused. threatened to
make Lawson sorry for II, and did at
tack him savagely In the columns OF his
paper.
perfectly calm and collected, and his
statements created profound sensa-
ton In the court room,
Lawson was the chief witness. and his
testimony was to the effect that Mr..
Bennett had endeavored TO secure adver-
tising for his paper from Mr.. Lawson,
by methods which Mr.. Lawson designa-
ted as "blsckmail." In the course of his
evidence, Mr.. Lawson told OF CONVEX
sation which he said he had with Mr..
Bennett, In which an article said TO in
volve the name OF the president of MIR.
Lawson's company figured.
Il told him. said Mr.. Lawson. that
II he should publish such a story as that
about me. I'd kill him"
Mr.. Lawson said that he became ac-
quainted with MIR. Bennett In 1885. and
had conversation with him about ad-
vertisine first In 1899, and subsequently
Mr.. Bennett called on him in regard 10
advertising.
He told OF visit OF Mr.. Bennett 70
Mr.. I.awsons office in reference To the
advertising Of the Grand Rivers cor
poration in Mr.. Benefits paper Mr.
Lawson said he refused TO advertise and
said that Mr.. Bennett had threatened
10 expose Mr.. Aretas Blood. president oi
the company. unless advertising was
placed In his paper
'Afterward Bennett came 10 me and
said he had seen Mr.. Blood and ne was
going 10 advertise.
Il said: i have talked with Mr. Blood
and .find YOU are right, but before
bind the contract you are to show me
the article you threatened TO publish
II Mr.. Blood did not advertise
Il went with Mr.. Bennett 10 his pri
vate office You threatened 10 harm
a man OF Mr.. Bloods age and respectable.
ity in this way?' | said TO him
+" 4 did not threaten him. said he i
merely. told him I'd publish II. It's beer
published before. anyway
He then produced the story from hi,
files. and | said after reading Il: I cam
believe. even knowing what kind OF q
man you are, that you would show thi.
20 Mr.. Blood And. moreover said
I don't believe youll publish a. IL yor
published Il about me. I'd kiln you. Tc
do N IN moment"
Here Bennett broke down" said wit.
ness. HE said he needed the none,
badly The Grand Rivers company IN
which he was interested was going up
he said. and he had 10 sell some way.
We'll. til think about this" said 7
I'll not buy your bonds anyway They RI
worth about 5000. and YOU want A00O
for them. but | will think over whether
or not 20 prosecute YOU and your papers
Witness said he was an officer in m,
Bay State Gas company OF Massachu
Eetfs. but rrVcr an officer in tho Della
ware company. and in lSq3 was opposet
20 Addicks OF the latter company Ir
100 he had had conversations with Ben
nett about gas AFFAIRS The frs, con
yerfation was IN L9wson's office. Ben
nett said
You've got some gas matters befor,
ths legislature and you're going 20 hav,
o big heht and ! want you 20 let m,
take your Side
witness rlid "All right"
Bennett then. according 10 witness
said he wanted s5003 ~ advertising
threatensrg 10 20 10 the other side un
less a was forthcoming. when witnes
told him he was already on the othe
side. Bennett said. But I'll swim
around
Sisrn witarsz Bennett ne woul'