The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1906-05-07
Present Aspects of Case
Analysed by Able Lawyer

The case against Chief Matthews as pre-
sented by Mr.. Cristy Mr.. Nash. Mr..
Meinhold and Rev. willard c. Selleck, to-
gether with the denials of Chief Matthews
and the testimony or Mr.. Mash rrgaruniS
The circumstances leading to his hdsty
flight TO Hartford. was presented 10 one
of the ablest lawyers I'm the state for
analysis: and the following statement was
made by him:
without having been able TO observe
the manner and appearance, as well as TO
note the vocal infections OF the witnesses
when under examination-all Of which
might be more or less valuable in deter
mining the relative weight OF their testi-
mony-the status OF the case appears TO
be:
''Mr. Cristys own charges. while con-
tanning points OF minor but only cumula-
tive value, appears 10 rest upon the testi-
mony OF Nash and Meinhold.
Allowing to Chief Matthews the full
force OF his efforts TO impeach the testi-
mony OF Nash and Menhold. let It be
admitted for the present purpose that their
character and past business career are
such as to tend to discredit their tesi-
mony.
The charges imply corrupt acts by
Chief Matthews, and such acts, as is
patent to all intelligent men and is recog-
nized by all judicial authorities. almost
Invariably are possible or are attempted
only in collusion with those whose per-
sonal character or occupation might seem
to one intending to commit tho corrupt
act 10 warrant him in approaching them
for that purpose.
The courts, therefore. give full weight
to the condition OF common experience
and recognize the disadvantage under
which the prosecution labors I'm endeavor-
ing 10 establish corrupt act by a public
official.
"Chief Matthews, OF course is entitled
TO the presumption of innocence until
proved guilty; but his denial nevertheless
must be weighed In the light of whatever
inducement he might have to deny any
testimony against him.
"Up 10 this point. then. let II he ad-
mltted Tor the present purpose that the
is evenly balanced by the unsupported
denial OF Chief Matthews.
Now comes the testimony OF Rev. Will
lard c. Seleck regarding the feelings OF
Chief Matthews-apparentl supported by
his Ffdus Achates, the secretary of the
police commission-toward Mr.. Luther
and his efforts to discredit and
prevent the reappointment OF Mr.. Luther.
"Mr. Sellecks testimony strongly COZ o.
roborates important portions of the testi-
mony OF Messrs. Cristy, Nash and Mem
hold. and this corroboration Is of such
character as would seem to substantiate
absolutely the fundamental basis OF all
the acts of Chief Matthews alleged by the
witnesses named. Therefore IL would
seem TO give TO all their testimony the
strongest possible element OF probability
as 20 its truthfulness.
There is. therefore, no escaping the de-
duction that, upon the lines defined and
within the limitations indicated the pre-
ponderance OF testimony and OF probabui-
~ is altogether I'm favor of the proseou-
ton and against Chief Matthews
Now comes the testimony OF Mr. Nash
regarding the alleged efforts TO frighten
him frefi- -testlfYing against the chief by
threatening 10 bring about his prcsecu-
tion on a charge entirely foreign to the
present case
"Ihis, Mr.. Nash alleges to have been
done by Police Inspector Bartholomew W
Shea OF Fall River, and I'm HIS allegations
Mr.. Nash has the corrobora ting testimony
of Mr.. Vctorlne. II not also OF other Wit
nesses, as against the unsupported donial
OF Inspector Shea, as well as other gen