The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1906-05-29
as evidence.

hearings in the conspiracy case instituted
Island Temperance league against Chief
OF Police Frank A. Matthews opened soon
after 10 O'Clock this morning In the police
commissioners office at the Fountain
street police station.
While no one In authority could or
would say when the verdict would be
ready. IL was apparent from the fact that
hte type written testimony could not be
fully transcribed for several days that the
commissioners would probably not an
noupce their decision before some time
next week.
When the case was opened today Il ap-
peared that there were but a few wit
nesses 10 be examined on the side OF the
chief OF police. while quite a number had
been summoned In behalf OF Rev Mr.
cristy.
Chairman Luther was on hand long be-
fore 10 O'Clock. as usual, and Commission
er Pierce arrived at 9:4s. followed at 1904
by Commissioner Gross.
John B. Nash and his attorney. John
L. Canning. arrived on time, as did Chief
Matthews and his counsel, Judge Richard
Il. Lyman.
Only Colonel Gross had the courage to
brave the reportorial pens that have been
describing his sartorial displays He wore
neat fitting suit a big white pink.
pretty blue tie with doghead gold pin and
low, turn-down collar
Before the hearing opened Mr. Luther
announced that, as the city solicitor had
not arrived, he, as chairman. might be
forced TO make some rulings, "and they
will go, too" he added
The first witness called was Edmund r
Eastman, city editor of the Tribune ano
Telegram since April l. He denied that
Chief Matthews had inspired the article
In the Tribune OF April 10, and told Mr..
Cristy. in cross examination that he had
not consulted with Mr.. Resented or any
one else prior to sending two reporters
out on the story.
Mr.. Eastman spoke in such low tones
that Mr.. Gross asked that he speak
louder.
Daniel T. Hagan. a Tribune reporter.
told of the circumstances under which the
article was written He denied also that
the chief was anxious that the article be
written.
James r. Barley florist, Pawtucket.
told OF sending flowers to the stand In
front OF Naehs vaudeville place an Sat
urday and Sunday. April IL and Is. He
sent only about s22 worth on the two
days
This witness was not cross-auestioned.
and Judge Lyman announced: 1--WE rest"
AT this point City Solicitor Albert A.
Baker arrived. and Charles Grouhart was
called as the first witness for Mr.. Cristy.
He testified that he made the arrange
ments with Kopperman of Boston for pur-
chasing flowers there for him He also
made arrangements with Nash to run
the stand on shares
Witness said he generally sold about
NA worth of flowers on Easter Sunday II
he had sold all of his flowers at his Easter
price he would have got about sl35 for
them. He got only about 81 for the
flowers he had left after the stand was
closed Most of them he had to throw
away. Witness stopped running the
flower stand the week after Easter.
Morris Grouhart, brother OF the pre-
Nous witness, was sworn. He said on
Easter Saturday his brother came home,
accompanied by Mr.. Kopperman
When an effort was made to ascertain
what conversation, IL any. he had with
Kopperman, as to the value OF his stock,
the question was ruled out temporarily.
Mr.. Cristy explained that the chiefs
side had brought into this hearing evi-
dence to contradict testimony I'm the con-
tempt proceedings He did not know Il
could be presented o- allowed
After this explanation and consultation
with Col Gross. Mr.. Baker advised that
the question be admitted. and Judge Ly-
man protested vehemently. asking that
his protest be noted.
Witness told this OF his conversation:
''Kopperman said that all the profits were
on Sundays goods. They would be over
500"
Did he tell you how much he had lost
by the closing OF his stand on that Sun
day?"
Yes, over 800"
Judge Lyman: II object"
Mr.. Baker: Mote the objection"
Mr. Cristy attempted 20 show that
Kopperman feared he would me contra
dicted by his partners: but the question
was ruled out.
Questioned by Judge Lyman, witness
said: 'Kopperman told me he would have
TO throw the greater part OF the flowers
away"
Samuel VI Meinhold. Nashs Providence
manager. was the next witness. lie told
OF the arrangements made with Charles