New-York tribune., 1907-01-31
BRIBERY CASE OPENED.
CLIFFORD IN COURT.
Examination of alderman accused
of accepting Biibe Begun.

Alderman William S. Clifford who arrest
ed couple of weeks ago. charged with accepting
a bribe to influence his vote for Recorder. was
arraigned before Magistrate Whitman yesterday.
Only four witnesses were examined The nrst
Earl Harding the reporter who got up the
case against Clifford. He told how he made ar
rangements with David Mann and Alderman Cliff
ford whereby the $4,000 to be turned over TO
the alderman for equal distribution among eleven
of the NJ o. L. members OF the board. AT the
afternoon session Alderman Joseph NJ. Torpey was
the witness stand. He said he knew OF no
arrangement having been made to switch the vote
TO Cowing, but that before the meeting Clifford
said Cowng was all right and all the Municipal
Ownership League aldermen agreed TO vote for him
and that the only explanation he could give Of his
change OF vote from Judge Palmer was that his
party changed and he went with the rest.
Assistant District Attorney Smythe appeared fob
the people, and Abraham Levy represented Clifford
In his testimony Harding described his transac-
tions with Alderman Clifford and his negotiations
with David Mann, the go between. to whom the
twelve marked $500 bills paid before they were
turned over to the alderman. Harding testified
that he went so far as to dictate speech TO Cht-
ford. which Alderman Henry Clay Peters TO
make in placing Judge Cowing in nomination
Harding said he told Clifford that he wanted 70
meet some OF the other Municipal Ownership
League aldermen and talk the matter over
to be everything would be carried through all
right, but that Clifford told him that would not be
necessary. "as he was the only one down there
with whom 70 do business"
Clifford told me-" said Harding. that he had
only five Of his We then talked about
the delivery Of the money, and Clifford suggested
that it be delivered in $500 bills. anything less
would be too bulky He suggested that after one
vote had been given for COwng adjournment
would be taken. and that in the mean time told
him that I could swing the Republicans over TO
Cowing.'
Harding then told of several conversations he had
held with Clifford the telephone and of meet
ing Mann at the saloon at 34th street and Third
avenue. where tho money was passed TO him He
saw him pass the money 20 Clifford. whose arrest
followed.
voted for CoWing because his party did; was asked
by Mr.. SmYthe about his conversation With Alder
man Peters before the switch to CoWing.
What did Peters say?' asked Mr. Smythe- He
did not say anything
You testified before the grand jury that all the
Municipal Ownership League men agreed 20 vote
for CoWing before the meeting; is that trueF IL
How was II brought about?'' We'll. clifford
said II all right 10 vote for CoWing =
Did any one object Merritt oo1ected; ne oe-
INJURED with himself
Did Peters say anything TO you when you said
that II was Cowtng instead Of Palmert: He said
on cross-examination Torpey denied receiving any
offer Of money from Clifford for voting for Cow
him Alderman Francis J. O'Neil was then caied-
He said he had taken his orders from Peters With
out question and denied that Ciihord had any ap-
thority 10 represent him O'Neil declared that he
had rot heard Of Clidords negotiations, and said
no money had been offered him for his vote, nor
had he agreed to take brihe -. -,. 4.
Alderman n. /. Leverett was the last wltnees OF
the day. He testified to having learned that the
Municipal Ownership League men were 10 vote Tor
tie Board Of Aldermen and denied any knowledge
Of Chords negotiations.