New-York tribune., 1906-12-27
JEROME CRITICISED.
FOR INSURANCE WORK.
r. W. Fish Says He Ought to Press
PeabOdy CHARGES AIOne.

District Attorney Jerome has written letter to
ex-Justice Herrick offering to cooperate with him
or the Mutual Life Policyholders' Association on
the question Of the coercion charges against
President Peabody Of the Mutual Life. In reply,
Russell W. Fish. the associations secretary has
written letter to John De Witt Warner, the as
socation's counsel criticislng' by implication Mr
Jeromes alleged tardiness and suggesting that there
is nothing to prevent the District Attorneys of1ce
alone undertaking such prosecution, with the
assistance Of the alleged cOerced agents
Mr. Fishs letter officially confirms the state
ments published exclusively in The Tribune more
than two months ago as to Mr.. Jerome's former
attitude and the circumstances surrounding his
decision to defer prosecution Of President Pea
body until after the insurance elections. Mr..
Jerome's letter to Mr. Herrick counsel for the
association, is dated December Is. the day Of the
insurance elections. and reads follows:
Referring to my letter TO you of November Z OF
this year, concerning charges against Mr.. Peabody
tees Of the Mutual Life Insurance Company, beg
TO state that If il is the desire OF yourself or your
operate with you in the matter. 49,. 49,
jurisdiction but viii come at your request. My
assistant. Nathan A. smyth, is ready TO take uD
earliest convenience.
It is understood that Mr Herrick conferred with
Mr.. Warner to Mr.. Jeromes letter. Mr.. Fish
says he stated the associations attitude in his
letter to Mr.. Warner which follows:
Yours Of the Goth at hand. incIosing copies Of the
DiStrtc- Attorney letter 70 Judge derrick OF De.
cember IS and Judge Herrick's letter to you Of
December 19, and asking mat reply We desired
The acts Of Mr. Peabody, OF which we complained
20 the District Attorney last October constituted
We understand, crime under the law. Mr.. Jerome
felt far assured Of a successful prosecution
that. after two weeks investigation, he assured
Judge Herrick that he would take immediate
action in the premises; but Immediately after the
result of the state election, on November 6. be-
came known. Mr.. Jerome changed his mind as to
the necessity Of immediate action, and so notified
Judge Herrick on November Z.
these charges against Mr.. Peabody in October, our
purpose TO prevent the continuing crime OF
coercion Of employees in behalf of the administra-
tion ticket rather than bring about the punish
ment OF a completed crime after the criminal had
profted TO the full thereby
While the punishment of the crime IS important
and the association trusts that the District Attor
ney will take up the matter vigorously, neverthe-
and-by Mr. Jerome's acQulesCence-Mr: Peabody
and his fellow laWbreakerS have already reaped
the fruits OF their illegal actions, that our inter-
est Is only that of all citizens, we feel that any
cern Of the District Attorney as such rather than
The witnesses in the matter were, as the DISTRICT
Attorney is aware. clients Of Albert s. Bard, who
Jeromes request. Two Of these witnesses. as Mr.
Jerome probably knows, are residents OF New YORK
and can be easily reached if the District Attorney
so desires; while two others, Edward 9: Sui
Paige Of Detroit, wil think. be easily available
iP convinced that Mr. Jerome means business. as to
which they will probably be governed largely by
the Judgment Of the Messrs. Fell. -
which the association assumes in the matter which
will enable you TO make suitable reply TO Judge
Herricks communication.