The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1903-07-14

Mr.. Beck, who had served under him In
various railroad surveys and was known
to witness to DO q most competent man.
Mr.. Montague knew personally of only
one person being employed to work in
behalf OF votes for the Bells franchise;
that was Mr.. Phil B. SHIELD. who was
employed by witness. Mr.. Montague did
not recall whether 1t was $500 or SO, 900
that Mr.. SHIELD received
Mr.. Montague sad he could only give
the list of the Councilmen who had re-
ceiycd free phones as far back at 1900:
prior to that time the books were In too
bad shape to make out this list,
Ruskell Good Witness.
Mr.. Ruskell was sworn. Mr. Pollard
asked Mr.. Ruskell IL he attended any en-
tertalnmenth given o, ne Street Committee
Witness said that he had, but did not
recollect how many. He had been to New
York twice as guests Of the company to
Inspect the exchange, Mr., Pollard stated
had not received cent from lin or from
the company, SO far as he knew. He
asked witness Il that was correct. He
said 1t was. Mr.. Pollard asked IL he
knew of any member of the Council who
had received any money from the COM
pany or had been approached by a mem
Der of the company with improper propo-
siuons.
Mr.. Pollard did not wish to question
witness any further, and atr. Minor took
him In hand. The chairman asked him
about the trips to New York. and Mr..
Ruskell testified that he handled the
money for one trip. and that Messrs.
Mosby and Pollock had not received q
cent Of 1t and not dollar passed though
their hands. Upon further examinations
clearly
TO Mr.. Minors questions Mr.. Ruskell
reiterated what he had already stated to
the committee. upon being questioned by
Mr. Pollard. that so far, as he knew, no
member of the Council from the Bell
20. This company was trying all 1t knew
how to win friends but in a legitimate
manner. Mr.. Ruskell made a good wit
ness. Upon his being excused Mr. Glenn
asked the privilege Of making statement.
He said that the mention had been made
OF Mr.. Hobson being at one Of the enter
Of but one time MIR. Hobson ever went
to the place where the supper was being
held, and that was to see member Of
the Council who was there and then he
did not stay to supper. but transacting his
business, went away. Mr.. Pollock stated
that he was the member OF the Council
he could testify that mr.. Hobson had
never been to supper. certainly not to
any he had attended and he had been to
most Of them. These gentlemen felt call
MR.. PETERS IN TIIE CHAIR.
Mr.. Peters. whose name had been men,
tract. asked that Mr.. Montague Be again
put on the stand Being questioned by
Mr.. Peters. Mr., Montague declared that
he had been asked. unsolicited. to DO
company. Mr.. Peters had always voted
it, said MI, Montague;
tague in hand and the spectators were
able to enjoy many litter from the tes::
ttmony that followed. The General asked
asEed "a and pos
tions of him for relatives. Mr.. Montague
began picking them out very fast, much
to the amusement Of ali. and. even the
Attorney were not spared. Witness said
he had found a son of the Mayor en-
ployed as collector for the company when
he came here.
Councilman W. II. Curtis had asked for
position for his son and had gotten it.
The councilman made his request after
the fight had been won. Councilman FOL
his brother whom he said had experience
as a bookkeeper. The company did not
have such vacancy. so MT. Hoii9cKs
Nlr. Montague said a number Of such re-
quests had come to him. but he had not
attached any special Importance to them.
/ .Nfs598.i.5 CHAIRMAN . tllNEI.
IT believe said he, turning to Chairman
Minor, that you asked me for employ
ment for a relative Of yours. a gentle,
man Of your name, at least One day
received letter. signed Thomson G
Minor, asking for a position for Mr..
Minor Mr.. Thomson was then mem
Der OF the Council, but you were not. MI;
Minor did not remember whether he had
written the letter or not but the Minor
referred to was distant relative Of his.
The spectators were having good time.
Now turning to Mr.. Pollard, Mr.. Montague
said he had known the City Attorney since
a boy and he. too. had asked him for en-
iieved The audience was most happy 2
then and Mr.. Pollard had to. race the
music while Mr.. Montague related tnat
one day Mr.. Pollard had met him on the
street and telling him he had nephew
had had learned something about electricity.
asked him II he could take the youth IN.
Witness did not have place at the time.
Mr. Pollard recollected the circumstance
perfectly. or course. every one realized
mat nothing criminal. morally OF other
wise had been done In making these re-
quests and every one took the confessions
humorously. ~ o,,
mittee rose to meet next Thursday night
oso