The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1906-10-05

A large number OF citizens that crowded
the room to suffocation attended the pro-
ceedings at the aldermanic investigation
of Mayor McNally last evening, for that
it was not the police department that the
Investigators cared for was decidedly evil
denced before the session ended.
Many sensational statements were made
by witnesses, but the climax OF the whole
thing came at the very close OF the ses-
sion.
So intense was the interest manifested
that scarcely man left the chamber
until the session closed very near the
midnight hour.
The evidence was all In and Attorneys
Fitzgerald, Williams and Bowen had all
concluded their arguments when Alder
man Smith arose and moved that the
board take n recess until Thursday eve-
ming oct. IL, when they would again meet
I'm executive session, together with City
Solicitor Butman and Attorney Bowen 70
consider what their action would be upon
the case.
Mr.. Williams strongly objected to the
injustice and unfairness shown in such
resolution and asked why If the counsel
for the prosecution were permitted TO be
present at this session the attorneys for
the defense were not accorded the same
privilege.
President Davenport rose and utterly
ignoring Mr.. Williams objection proceed
ed to put the motion. saying that Mr..
Bowen waild- -he- -allewed-te-be- present.
but not Mr.. williams or Mr.. Fitzgerald.
Alderman Pigeon and Alderman Wright.
to their honor as lovers OF justice and
fair play both arose and demanded, in
the interest Of right and truth, that both
sides should be represented at the exec
utive session.
I'm
strongly OF the opinion that such action
as Alderman Smith suggested was gross
" unfair and II taken would render the
whole proceedings a farce. He was tu
multously applauded when he took his
seat, while President Davenport raped
sharply for order.
Alderman Pigeon was no less emphatic
I'm his desire 10 see fair play prevail and
the looks OF CONSERVATION and anger dl-
rected at him from the president and Al
derman Smith might well have appalled,
n man made OF weaker material. In spite
OF all protest the resolution was put
through Just as Il was drafted by Alder
man Smith.
Aldermen Smith and Franklin voted aye
and Aldermen Pigeon and Wright no.
This made a tie vote. which President
Davenport united by voting aye. Then
came from every man in that chamber
storm Of groans and Kisses. while Alder
man Smith and Alderman Pigeon became
involved in n hot alteration. Mr.. Smith
charging Mr. Pigeon with playing 20 the
galleries" through this investigation,
while Alderman Pigeon replied that he
wanted what was right and would consent
20 nothing less than n fair hearing
As the crowd slowly left the chamber
Messrs. Wright and Pigeon were congrat.
ulated on all sides for the stand they had
taken. while no notice whatever was
taken Of the other three members OF the
board. Nothing but condemnation loud
and deep was heard from prominent citi-
zens OF both political parties In the hall.
and on the street one prominent Republi-
can official characterizing the action OF
the board as rotten, shameful and far
-Iparaa t+aH- All tAe- tles.ae ballots that-ifaA
ever been stuffed into n ballot box"
THE HEARING OPENS.
The hearing opened at 1880, and William
Jeffries. a liquor dealer. when caNed. tes-
titled ne had never sold Sunday; had
paid no money for protection. but had
paid 81 for registration expenses TO
member Of the Democratic city commit
tee. Had not paid Vadmair or Germaine
any money. although they demanded H.
HSv9ae at the meeting OF liquor dealers