Los Angeles herald., 1907-09-27
WILSON TELLS
OFHLS GUILT
RAILROAD COMMISSIONER ON
STAND
PROCESSES LOYALTY TO ABE
RUFF
RAILROAD
PROCESSES
Many BoodIing Supervisors Testify In
Ford 'TriaI-Testlmony Is stereo-
typed-Dr. Boxton's ExamI-
nation GrlIlIng
BY Associated Press.

BY Associated Press.
SAN FRANCISCO, Sept 2s.-In the cas-,
of TREY L. Ford, chief counsel for tn,
United Railroads.. charged with bribery
there was today a long procession O.
former supervisors, each of whom as
cended the stand and recited the cir
cumstances under which he accepted the
money which Chairman James L. Gal
lagher admitted having paid them 70,
their votes.
Although the witnesses numbered M
less than eight, it was not until late thi.
afternoon that there developed any tes
tlmony that was not a practical repeti
ton of what had gone before.
This was when Andrew M. Wilson, a.
present member of the state railwa,
commission, who confessed to having re-
ceived $4,000 as a supervisor, undertook
to explain, at his own request, the par
he had taken in preparing the way fol
passage of the ordinance.
Wilson declared that he had been mis-
represented in the papers and that hi,
actions were due to his loyalty to Abra
ham Ruef. who, he said, had procured his
election as supervisor and later as rail
road commissioner.
Wilson added that he himself made
no arrangements for payment of money
to other members of the board, but thai
he had confirmed, as representative OF
Ruef at least some of the statement.
made by Gallagher, as well as some Of
the announcements made and the order
conveyed through the same source.
By q large crowd which attended the
trial during the day, surprise was mani
tested at the utter nonchalence exhibited
by the witnesses as they told of theil
corruption. Not one Of the former super.
visors betrayed the slightest emotion
even under cross examination, and severa
of them participated in the humorous ex
changes that occurred between the op.
posing counsel.
Wilson stated that he had first heard
of the overhead franchise matter wher
Gallagher and Ruef came to the board
rooms In an automobile and Gallagher in,
vited him to walk around the corner.
Gallagher, said the witness, asked hin
to sound the members on the trolley
matter as he was too busy. This was
after the fire.
Consulted Ruef
ut has been given out in the press,
said Wilson, after asking permission t,
make a statement, "that was Gailagh
er's handy man or lieutenant. When som
dissatisfaction arose among the member
of the board I told them / owed m
appointment to Ruef and George Kean
and that when could no longersbe faith
full to them 1 would resign from tn
| board.
Later went to see Ruef, telling hir
that some of the members wanted con
ffrmation of the statements made b
| Gallagher to the members. There wa
never any understanding other than
was to try to keep the board loyal
| 70 IA
rectly with Ruef, but when I seconde,
a motion by Gallagher 1t was general.
| understood 1t was favored by the ad
ministration."
What do you mean by saying tina
you were faithful to the administration
That you would not take any money
except from Gallagher
II do not know. I was told by Rue
when took office that there was to bt
no grating on the municipality; tina
If knew of any 1 was to report 4
to him and that he would prosecute any
person who was grating
but that did not prevent your graft
ing on corporations. did it?'
II wish to explain that Also" replied
Wilson. "I told one of the incorporators
of the Parkside Realty company that
would vote for the franchise, and he ha6
not offered me a cent. When the Home
Telephone company was granted fran.
chise the result was agreed with ap
plause."
'But you had taken sS5OO to vote fol
that franchise said Heney, "and ther
you took $1,000 from the Pacific States
Telephone company. Now was 1t your
idea that you were loyal to Ruef only
when you were taking money of which hi
was aware and approved?"
"It was" replied Wilson.
Bribe Diminished
Wilson testified that he had first beer
told that he was to receive $4,000 in the
trolley matter, and that he had talked II
| over with Gallagher during a buggy ride
"But when 1t came through" said VIII
son, there was only $4,000"
| In reply to Heney's questions Wilson
admitted having received $4,000 in two
equal installments. The first package
was given him In the ruins of the old city
hall and the other about the end of Aug
ust, just about the time the witness haC
| to meet a note.
On cross examination Wilson admitted
that after he had sounded the members
| Of the board before any monetary con-
sideration was mentioned. the supervisors
were all in favor of granting the fran.
chise Further than this, Wilson expli-
city stated that the privilege might have
been obtained WITHOUT tHe use Oh IL uoiidr
what official office do you hold?
asked Heney after the cross examination
ended.
"state railroad commissioner" said
Wilson
ITO whom do you owe that nomina-
tion?" persisted Heney.
'"ro Ruef" replied Wilson.
"And to Mr.. Herrin?'' asked Heney
II never saw or talked to Mr.. Herrin,'
replied Wilson. 'I was given the nomi-