The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-06-03
LOGSDON ON THE STAND
HIS MOTIVES In TALKING TO DE.
TECTIVE EXPLAINED In DETAIL.
Councilman Shea Creates Sensation
by Refutine Wynne and Ep-
pert-The Testimony.


ing They used the threat of refusing to
call witnesses for all il was worth TO in
f1uence the decision of the court. IL is said.
The whole matter Will be gone over thor
oughly in argument between counsel this
afternoon. and the character of the attor-
neys on both sides warrants the conclusion
that the argument will be intensely inter-
setting.
When Edwin d. Logsdon took the stand
yesterday, at the opening OF the session.
the courtroom was even more crowded than
usual Men were packed closely. and stand
ing room was a privilege highly to be es-
teemed. Preacher rubbed elbows with gam
bier; publican and prohibitionist touched
shoulders; bum and banker sat side by side.
Ministers, members of the Citizens League,
prominent business men, well-kn0wn attor-
neys. attorneys hardly known at all, and all
their ears, anxious not TO miss a word that
Logsdon said, or of the attorneys questions.
LOGSDON A GOOD WITNESS.
For himself Logsdon made a good wit
ness. He answered questions without hesi-
tation and with no apparent wariness Of pit
falls. Spaan skillfully led him along on
direct examination to show why he con-
versed with Stahl as to slot machines. and
to prove that his object was to catch a
briber. Duncan as skillfully tried to show
that Logsdon talked TO Stahl in good faith.y
and that he seriously entertained a propo--
sition to furnish protection to Stahls slot
machines in consideration of a handsome
sum of money.
The story told by Logsdon practical
ly the same that has been related by other
witnesses except that IL was given more
in detail. He testified that Stahl called him
up by telephone under the name OF Smith,
and told him that he had difficulty in get
ting his road" machines placed. Logsdon
understood Stahl to say road machines"
He did not understand the words TO be
"slot machines" AS a matter of fact, he
thought at the time. He told Stahl, how
ever, that the latter should come to see him
and he would talk the matter over with
him, whatever IL was. When Stahl called
Logsdon soon became suspicious. he said,
and after listening to statement from
Woodford Slot Machine Company. of New
York. he made up his mind 10 lead Stahl
along TO see how far Stahl would go. When
he became convinced that Stahl was seek
ing 10 bribe him he made up his mind 10
have him arrested, and TO find out IL pos
sioie: VINO was pennd d nsm s1an, a s;niv
for the purpose OF trapping the latter, ana
that he had no intention at the beginning.
at any other time. OF accepting money
for furnishing protection 10 gambling.
DUNCAN's QUESTIONS.
On cross-examination Mr.. Duncan de-
manded to know why Logsdon waited 10
consult Mayor Bookwalter and City Attor-
ney Joss, when he had attorneys OF his
own employed in his defense before the
Council committee or Prosecutor Ruck-
elshaus. Mr.. Duncan pressed the question.
emphasizing it with all the skill In his
power. Mr. Logsdon left the inference that
he wished to perfect his plans for the
catching OF the detective. when he desired
| to speak TO the mayor and Mr.. Joss.
| Duncan asked why Logsdon had not kicked
Stahl down stairs when he became sure
| the man was trying 10 corrupt him. Logs
| don laughed and glanced toward Stahls
| burly form, with the remark that the de-
tective would have been a pretty healthy
proposition TO tackle. Duncan commented
| on Logsdon's refusal 20 act at that time.
| saving that IL he had been I'm Logsdons
and and would have thrown hirs. downstairs.
| Spaan laughed derisivey and a spat be-
tween counsel followed-a part OF the trial
which the visitors have come 10 regard as
| one OF the peculiarly enjoyable features.
WHY HE WAITED.
When Spaan took Logsdon in hand again.
ne repeated a question asked by Duncan.
How old did you say you were. Mr.. Logs
don?' "Thirty-eight." replied Logsdon
We'll" said Spaan. with great emphasis,
you were old enough TO know that IL you
| had slapped Stahrs face you would have
| flushed the game. wouldn't you. You knew
that if you had thrown him out OF the
office you could not have made anything
more than an assault and battery case out
of IL. didn't your"
THAT was why / waited" replied Logs
| don.
Mr. Duncan attempted TO 60 into the
general question OF gambling in the city.
but his questions were met for the most
part by objections from Spaan. who in
| sisted that such questions were not ad-
missible. The court sustained these OBJ
| jections and held Duncan TO a line OF
| questioning pertaining 10 Logsdons con-
nection with the detective Duncan asked
| IL Logsdon knew Gus Rahke we'll Logs
/ don replied he had known him for good
| many years: that he had not been an IN
| innate friend but had known him ia politi-
| cal work. Rahke was once precinct
committeeman AS 10 the slot machines
operated by Rahke, Lcgsdon testified that
| Rahke had told him they were for the most
part in roadhouses.
| The cross-examiner went into the reports
| submitted by Stahl 10 Hunt at length.
Mr.. Logsdon SAID the reports told the truth
as TO most of the details. There were some
| things in them that threw a false light on
the conversation, he said. The difference
| in detail he explained In testimony.
SHEA ON THE STAND.
| Councilman Shea. member OF the COM
| mittee investigating the letting of sprink-
| ling and sweeping contracts. was the only
other witness OF the afternoon. He was
| asked by Mr.. Spaan IL he attended the
meeting OF the committee when Mr.. Noel
| was called in TO explain his connection
with the bribery scheme. He replied that
he was there with Mr.. wynne and Mr..
Expert He was asked II Mr.. Noel had
! stated thai he has no evidence against As-