The Detroit times., 1908-11-23
HALL PREVEN TED
FROM BATTING
THOMPSON
COURT PROMPTLY EXCLUDES At
ToRNEYs "RoAsT" QUESTIONS
--MAYoR DOESN'T REMEMBER
CALLING GARNER RoRBER.

How much money have you drawn
from the city treasury during your
public life?' asked Attorney A. b.
Hall. OF Mayor William b. Thompson.
In the circuit court Saturday, during
the trial of the Garner libel suit, and
the long-looked for pyrotechnical dis
play was on,
The question, having no bearing on
the suit was promptly ruled out, and
Mr. Hall was cautioned to confine him.
self TO relevant questions Several
times this warning was repeated by
Judge Mandell.
Did you ever contradict the article
which caused this suit?" the mayor
was asked.
mo. l didn't have to, the paper
could care for itself.
do you deny the statements cred
tied 10 your"
Il have NO recollection of making
them"
Did you call Garner Bros. rob-
bers?s
II don't think So did say that
their walks were rotten
is II possible that you could call a
man O robber and not remember it?"
Il think II called a man by that
name | would remember It."
DO you want to apologize to Mr..
Garner now?"
mo. | didn't use the words"
Ever deny the statement before?'
Not publicly. did tell the report
er he was mistaken
When did you first hear of the
combination among the sidewalk men
against which Mr.. Garner had TO bid
to get the contract9"
Il never knew much about II.
saw something In the papers. but It
wasn't up to me-"
Aren't you the original foe-to-graft
mayor? Why, didn't you investigate p"
Il don't know what you mean, Mr..
Hall" spoke up the judge. land III
exclude the question"
Mr. Thompson knows what I
mean" Mr.. Hall commented.
The mayor was then questioned at
length regarding his attitude toward
Garner and his reason for vetoing the
contract. He said he first heard OF
the Garner contract when It reached
him in the council proceedings. He
called In Mr.. McVicar and discussed
the matter. He admitted his veto
message contained some OF Mr. Nc
Wears language.
Did you consult with Mr.. Haarer?"
No"
why. not? He is at the head Of
that department"
Il didn't see fit"
The mayor gave as one reason for
vetoing the Garner contract the fact
that II did not specify whether cinders
or crushed stone were to be used for
sidewalk foundation, but he admitted
approving Of the contracts of other
men under the same specifications.
Mr.. Thompson then told Of the tour
or inspection when the alleged libel
GUS statements were made. He said
the party was escorted to the walks in
question by Mr.. McLogan, a man who
hung about his Office" He was I'M
able to tell how McLogan knew of the
alleged faulty construction. but de-
clared that he did not have him out
watching. On one OF these trips a
photo Of the walk was taken showing
the mayor.
You were part of the exhibit then"
Mr.. Hall asked. bat the Judge prompt
ly interfered
You had an eye on Garner long
before the sidewalk matter came up.
didn't your,
Yes. AS teamster he drew about
$500 per week when / was treasurer.
1t struck me that he was getting more
than his share"
You are naturally suspicious aren't
YOU"
mo. l am careful about the city's
br siness."
You are always giving out some
scandal to the newspapers aren't your"
The court promptly excluded this
question.
'As matter OF fact, you conduct
little school for scandal in your office,
don't your" and again the Judge warn
ed Mr. Hall.
You gave Garner Bros. considerable
attention. didn't your"
Il gave the city my best attention,
and investigated every contract"
Cut out your speeches. Mr.. Mayor,