The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1906-05-26

Chairman Luther said this mornings
1--WE shall undoubtedly conclude the trial
next Tuesday as there Is but little more
evidence to be presented. and the trial
has, unfortunately. dragged long enough.
II should not take the stenographers
more than two days TO transcrbe the
evidence and then the board will con-
slider II. cannot say how much consid-
Grafton will be necessary. but there IL
great mass OF testimony with much OF
which we are already familiar
Mr., Luther had hoped TO conclude the
trial this week, and would have gone on
with IL today, but Commissioner Pierce
said while the question was being con
sidered yesterday that he had already
sacrificed his business and had pressing
matters that required attention, and the
lawyers and city solicitor had also agreed
upon a date that would cause the least
inconvenience to all concerned.
Chief Matthews practically concluded
his evidence yesterday. He took the
stand himself and denied many Of Mr..
Nashs statements, repeating his own
assertions made when the hearing opened.
He presented testimony TO show that the
flower stand whicS he ordered closed i'm
mediatey after Nash and Meinhold had
filed affidavits against him was not owned
out plainly at the time he closed 1t the
chief did not know that Mr.. Nash was
not the owner and therefore this evidence
did not tend to help the chiefs case at
all.
In cross-examination Rev. Mr.. Cristy
closely questioned the chief as 10 why
ne recognized him as censor on one day
and week later refused TO submit to
him certain penny vaudeville pictures
.~itt nd fhaf fhnr ha
ordering out OF certain pictures was not
at the suggestion of the chief.
Mr. Matthews admitted that, In way,
he did make the suggestion.
Harry ID. German, former police con-
stable In East Providence, who came on
from New York to testify for the chief
of police, made perhaps the strongest and
most dramatic witness that has yet APP
peared In the chiefs behalf
His tilts with Rev. Mr.. Cristy. who
cross-examined him, were decidedly inter
esting, and the impression he left upon
some of his hearers was that his story,
IL II is not contradicted. might have some
tendency 10 aid the chief by partly dis
crediting Mr.. Nash.
Mr. Cristy, however. will have another
chance at German In rebuttal next Tues
day, and some decidedly interesting facts
are promised.
Il. Nash yesterday witness was enabled
TO evade some OF Judge Lyman's verbal
traps by the leading character OF the
questions asked.
He was examined at length concerning
whether his refusal TO be a party to the
strong picture incident settled II. or
whether II was settled by Meinhold. and
whether, as nothing was done about IL.
Mr.. Nash said he didn't know whether
anything was done or not. but he knew
~ ~ nnN ~ ~
ment
At this point It was agreed that all evil
dence in the contempt proceedings rela-
tive TO the truth and veraclty OF Mr..
Nash be considered as evidence the same
as " reintroduced
Judge Lyman gave notice that he might
ask later for the admission OF some other
evidence taken in the contempt phase OF
the hearing.
Mr.. Baker said IL such matters were
proper he would advise the board 10 ad-
NIT them. He would determine that when
the matter should come up.
At this stage Judge Lyman took Mr..
Canning TO task. desiring to know for
had no right to appear for Mr.. Nash.
Mr. Canning explained that he was here
for Mr.. Nash. II was a peculiar case. he
said and ne was here 10 object TO any
testimony except that which had TO do
with his truth and veracity. I'm accord
Srst nearing @ Ies He oected @ Ssp most sirenn M nne
ousy to admitting any question rejecting
upon Mr.. Nash's character
Judge Lyman said that Mr.. Canning's
position was the most unusual he had
ever heard OF at any hearing. He in
sisted that Mr.. Cristy was the proper per-
son 10 make any arguments. as he was
man OF unusual ability.
Mr.. Baker-1 think Judge Lyman's po-
eiuon is the correct one In ordinary pro.
ceedinss: but In New York under such
circumstances n has been the custom To
admit counsel for witnesses.
Asked about his business for a dozen