New-York tribune., 1903-01-16
BISSERT CONFESSES.
TELLS WHO GOT MONEY.
Er WdrdmdR ReUedLs BLdchmaiI
Sharers-ReUenge for Deserfion.

Assistant District Attorney Morgan is
thority for the statement that George Bissert.
ex-Poiice Captain Diamonds wardman and
plain clothes for Captain Herlihy, when
they were directly responsible for the cond-
ton OF their precincts to Inspector Adam A.
Cross, has told his counsel and District Attor-
ney Jerome all ne knows of the collection of
blackmai in the department. and where the
money went
Mr.. Morgan would not make public what
Bissert had told, would he say who of those
higher up implicated in the confession.
He said:
1t would not be good policy for any to
make public at this time the information that
Bssert has given US To do might bring
about the defeat Of plans the District Attorney
has
Bissert was Influenced in giving this informa-
tion to his counsel and the District Attorney
through being sacrificed by his confedera tes.
These confederates had told Bissert he should
nave ample and proper protection. The cul-
minating point reached when, after Bissert
had spent all the money he had and his rela-
tives had in the world in defending himself
against the charges brought against him, those
same confederates who had been so lavish in
their promises to stand by the former Wardman,
proposed that he should borrow $2S00-should
get it best he could-and that sum as a
fund through which the witnesses of the prose-
cution to be spirited away
These parties had assured Bissert time after
time that all he had to do was to lay low and
and that when the proper time should come he
would be aided in his defence. he would be
cleared of the charges against him, should be
reinstated in the Police Department, and would
shortly after such reinstatement be elevated to
q eaptaincy on the force These confederates
did not stand by Bissert. They have not and
will net and cannot redeem any of those prom
ises. When they could have been of service in
his defence they did nothing, and Bissert feels
that he has been sacrificed.
Bisserts counsel. Emanuel Friend, pres
ent at Mr. Morgan's rooms at No. S Rutgers-st.,
last night when the story made public. He
confirmed everything the Assistant District At
torney gave out.
One week ago yesterday Bissert surprised
everybody by walking into Part 1 of General
Sessions and surrendering himself to Recorder
Golf. He was accompanied by his counsel He
said he had been in Europe. He was convicted
of accepting a brbe from a disorderly house
keeper, and sentenced by Recorder Goff to five
years and six months in the penitentiary, and to
pay fine of 1000 in addition in 1901. Soon
afterward Captain Diamond, under whom Bis
sert wardman al the time of his offence,
was dismissed from the force on technical
charge of neglect of duty.
Bissert was sent to Sing Sing, served about a
year. and was released by decision of the
Appellate Division of the Supreme Court grant
ing him a new trial When the case was called
few months ago he failed to appear, and his
issued for his arrest. Soon afterward the
District Attorney said that he had heard Bis
sert was in Germany. H really in South
America. it was said last night. but had been in
the city for some days prior to surrendering
himself, and had been in daily conference with
Mr. Friend.
Mr.. Morgan. who is Acting District Attorney
in the absence of Mr. Jerome in Lakeville,
Conn, said last night that for some weeks Mr.
bod
rome. and had told the District Attorney that
he thought he could bring Bissert back into the
Jurisdiction of the court without the officials
giving any promise of immunity. On satisfying
himself that Bissert could give him information
of value, the District Attorney. Mr.. Morgan
said. told Mr. Friend that he would that the
forfeited bail bond was vacated and that bail
was continued in the same sum.
Bssert then returned from South America.
In his daily conferences with his lawyer before
giving himself up to Recorder Goff, he told Mr.
Friend all he knew of the system of bIackmai
in the Police Department, and where the money
went" Mr.. Friend in turn gave the information
TO the District Attorney. On the day that Bis
sert was to surrender himself he by
representative of the District Attorney before he
reached the courtroom. He was questioned and
the conversation was of such nature that the
District Attorney was satisfied that the ex-
werdman playing perfectly fair with his
counsel. Bissert, it is said told this representa-
tive of Mr.. Jerome practically what Mr., Friend
said he had told him Being thus assured of the
seeming sincerity of Bissert in giving the in
formation he is said to have given, the District
Attorney then was willing to go ahead and
carry out his part of the bargain. So Bissert
went before Recorder Goff, and the District At
torney saw that bail continued in the
former sum of 5000. 1t is also understood
that in view OF the service Bissert has rendered
the District Attorney he probably will obtain
the influence of that official in getting clemency
from The court when his trial is again called.
Captain Herlihy is at present under suspension
without pay being one of the captains to feel
The hand of Commissioner Greene. Herlihy is
under indictment and charges at the present
time Herlihy twice tried on charges ol
wiful neglect of duty, and both times the jury
disagreed -
Ex-Captain Diamond tried on charges
growing out of the case in which Bissert was
tried and convicted. He was found guilty ana
Daid fine of 81 600, under protest The case
was appealed to a higher court, and is still I
pending Soon after his conviction and fine
Commissioner Murphy dismissed Diamond. BIS
Sert also was dismissed.