The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1906-05-04
NASH ExPLODES
A B0MbSHELL
Continued from page One.

Harold j. Gross and Lewis j. Pierce, the
other commissioners, of the turn affairs
had taken, and ask them to meet this
afternoon as stated.
Mr.. Gross was reached at his office by
telephone and gave assurance that he
would be present
Police Commissioner Pierce when asked
about the new developments In the case
thought there was no call for the com
missioners TO meet and consider the case
and could not say when the commission
ers would take the request under consid-
tration.
Mr. Pierce's failure to realize the urgent
necessity OF immediate action upon the
letter OF Comstock & Canning did not
surprise those familiar with existing con-
diuons; but IL caused a lot or "a }k among
those who heard OF It.
Secretary Gee and Miss Morrow, his as
sistant, were hard at work this morning
transcribing the testimony that was pre-
sented to the commissioners by witnesses
for and against Chief Matthews.
Secretary Gee had about 300 sheets or
paper for his typewriter when he began
to transcribe his notes, and said he would
undoubtedly write more than 100 pages.
Richard H. Comstock, personal counsel
OF Mr.. Nash, at 10 o'clock last evening re,
ceived the news that Nash had been To-
Gated. In an interview Mr. Comstock
thus narrates the circumstances
"Mr. Nash consulted me Wednesday In
regard 10 the threats which had been
made against him II he should appear
especially concerning what trouble would
come 10 him and his business III he did
appear.
had made was absolutely true. and he felt
IL HIS duty TO appear and testify TO the
facts stated therein.
He said he had been told that IL was
not necessary for him TO appear. and that
the police commission could not force him
to testify. Under my advice he appeared
at the hearing Wednesday and waited 20
be called.
"He sent for me while he was waiting
TO give his testimony at o'clock Wednes-
day afternoon consult me in regard TO
certain statements that had been made to
him by persons who had been summoned
as witnesses. i again reassured him as TO
his rights and duties.
"At 10 O'Clock last night was called up
by Benedict NJ. Holden. one OF the leading
lawyers OF Hartford, who stated that Mr..
Nash was there and-that had arrived
in Hartford this morning. Mr.. Nash had
consulted his friends, who had brought
him to see Mr.. Holden.
Mr.. Holden stated that on account OF
his gagements he had not had a chance
to go over the matter till last evening
with Nash and that when he saw him,
Mr.. Nash had stated that Wednesday
night, after IL o'clock, he was called to
the Crown Hotel and there met a promi-
nent gentleman OF Providence, who ad-
vised him to at once get out of the city.
This man also told him that Il he ap-
peared and testified against Matthews he
would be arrested. his business would suf-
fer and the only thing for him to do
was Immediately 10 leave the city and
stay away for week. WIN the matter
would blow over and the police would fix
II all right with him.
Mr.. Holden stated to me that he had
advised Nash to return Immediately to
Providence and demand a public heariing
Mr. Holden assured me that Nash would
he here today.
'T made every effort last night to reach
the police commissioners. but not being
able TO find them sent to them the follow
ing letter:
ITO William III. Luther Harold j.
Gross. Lewis j. Pierce, Board OF Po-
lice Commissioners, city of Provi-
dence:
"Gentiemen-we respectfully ask
that John B. Nash, the witness who
failed to appear before your board to-
day at the hearing Of the charges of
A. Il. Cristy against Frank A Mat
thews, chief of police of the city Of
Providence, may be given an opportu-
nifty to appear before you in order to
pusee thn arinS n, of The cherRes above 'rse rs
ferred to be reopened In order that the
testimony OF Nash may be given; that
you extend said investigation and in,
quire strictly into the methods and
the persons using those methods which
caused the non-appearance of witness
Nash today.
I'VE again respectfully ask that this
investigation be a public investigation,
believing that no better service can be
rendered by your board TO the people
OF the city OF Providence than by Civ
ing TO the public full opportunity of
hearing all the facts and circumstances
In relation to this matter.
I'VE hope you will not feel it a dis
courtesy that we give Immediately a
copy OF this letter to the Providence
Journal. believing that the Importance
OF this matter is such that the public
should have Information of every move
made.
Very respectfully yours.