The San Francisco call., 1906-07-19
SAYS CLARK TRIED
To BLACKMA|L.
Phelan Declares Refugee
Made an Attempt to
Force Coin From Him
CIRCULAR ISSUED

James D. Phelan, chairman Of the
relief fund finance committee, says that
an attempt to blackmail him has been
made by Joseph r.. Clark, refugee or
Jefferson Square and secretary OF Sc
cret society with the membership con-
fined 70 the camp.
Circulars issued by this society ac-
cuse DR. Devine, chairman Of the re-
lief commission; Chairman Phelan Of
the finance committee, and Allan Pol
lok, chairman OF the claims department
OF the finance committee, with various
crimes Tar and feathers are suggest
ed for these gentlemen. General Gree
lV is accused of calling the refugees
paupers.
Phelan when asked what he thought
OF the handbills which are being dis
fributed broadcast, said:
They should be stopped as they in
cite the refugees TO unruly conduct.
] think I know who the parties are
who are back OF this thing. They nave
already sent like matter TO Secretary
Taft at Washington. This man Clark
has offered 10 sell out. In fact ne has
resorted TO blackmafL On wednesday
morning he appeared at the headquar-
manded TO see me. George F. Welch,
my private secretary. sized him up as
a beat and refused him admittance.
CALLS TO SEE PHELAN.
This induced Clark TO remark that
he had papers which he would submit
10 the Grand Jury. but could be per-
suaded 10 lose" Welch thought best
TO see what might, be in the matter and
told him to come the next morning,
Thursday at il o'clock. He came, but
was not here and Welch again told
him TO come but also told him that
unless he brought papers as proof he
would get little satisfaction, as l was
inclined 10 treat the matter lightly.
This he promised to do and the next
afternoon after the meeting OF the
finance committee he appeared with a
woman, whom he introduced as his
secretary.
clark declared that he was the secre-
tary of the committee Of the whole, a
peculiar organization Of refugees, 100
IN number. none Of whom knew each
other by sight or name. Every even
ing they came TO his tent after dark
and left information. All the minutes
Of this society he offered TO lose" for
a remun Grafton
When I saw what his object was I
refused TO listen further and he left in
propositions to Offer and stated as
reasons that he was in need of relief.
He offered 10 form his band into po-
1itical party and carry the state for
me in any election. I think Udel is
probably implicated in the affair We
have not time to run the matter down.
being published is not designated
CLARK MAKES A DENIAL.
Clark was visited by Call represen-
tative in his tent in the public square.
He has dire threats TO make against
the administrators OF the relief funds.
He denied that he had offered to sell
out and said he had nothing against
Phelan, except that he was in bad
company. Upon being questioned fur
ther he admitted that he and his wife
had applied 10 the chairman Of the
finance committee for transportation
last Friday.
Clark admitted that he was secretary
OF the committee OF the whole" and
that Alva Udell was presiding officer.
Clark shows with pride huge bunch
Of printers first proof. the advance
sheets of a publication that will make
the present circular look like a drop
IN the bucket" he says.
Clark is the secretary Of a new cor
poration OF United Refugees, which
will file its papers soon.