The San Francisco call., 1908-04-24

eRces Older has evolved the theory I
in an effort to fulfil an obligation to
Abe Ruef. He points out that Ruef
fled final and separate affidavit just
before going to trial, in which he
sought TO exculpate various interests
charged with having passed bribe
money through him. Older raises the
inquiry: why did Ruef thus under
oath attempt to eXonerate these per
sons?" He figures that it must have
been part of a bargain. In casting
about for the possible promises that
could have been made to Ruef in ex-
change for his affidavit. Older con-
cludes that the most effective would
have been a pledge that Gallagher
should not testify against Ruef.
PROBABLE PLEDGE TO RUFF
In amplifying this theory Older points
out that no other pledge of consequence
could have been made TO Ruef. Gala
CHER holds the key to RueTs convic-
tion. Without his testimony the cases
against Ruef practically fall TO the
ground. With Gallagher removed Ruef
might well look for freedom The fact
that the attack on the former super
visor came at a time when the Ruef
jury was about completed may have
The removal of Gallagher" said
Older yesterday in the course of state
ment. would provide a way TO freedom
for Ruef In view of the methods
heretofore employed in fighting the
graft prosecution IL is not unreasonable
10 suppose that some promise might
have been made to Ruef in considera-
ton OF his af1idavit which sought to
immune certain interests. They could
aid from the higher courts; in fact. the
most likely promise would have been
TO the effect that Gallagher should not
testify"
In relating his own experiences, Older
made an extended statement. reciting
In detail how he had first been warned
and then informed of the abandonment
OF the conspiracy. He had been told
be said, that Garret McEnerney had
expressed strong disapproval as soon as
he heard Of the project, declaring that
he would sever his connection with the
graft defendants II any such move were
made.
OLDER MAKES STATEMENT
Here is the statement made yesterday
by Editor Older:
It has been the habit Of Mrs. Older and myself
10 90 80 the ocean beach Tor dinner in the even
ing II has been my custom after dinner 10 step
nv automobile. while my wife waited within
have always been alone on the boulevard during
one afternoon about five weeks ago a man in
the confidence of interests allied with the graft
defense came TO ne and said: Don't 60 to the
beach any more" / was naturally surprised, and
asked why. They've brought greaser, long
range rife shot, 10 pick you on was the an
swer. Then nly informant added They're on e
your beach visits. There's a mound there, and
they're going to pick you OF.
I did not intend to give up my TIPS 70 cl,a. the
The next day I had a further conversation
with the man who had warned me against the
beach trips. He spoke 70 me at some length
about the plans 10 get Gallagher and myself
and asked me not 20 print the matter; as i
would ruin him He stated that he was friendly
10 me and would keep me advised OF any per
sonal danger 10 myself through the efforts OF tbs
people who trying to get me-
Nv informant said that the first ap
pros ched with a proposition TO do murder wa'
an ex-conrict an expert rife shot. diving IL
- near San Fraucisco. This man was sent VI
for life for murder, but Was pardoned after
short term through the Intervention OF south
en- California politician who had strong puI
with q former state administration and is now
one Of the Luther Brown crowd at Los Angeles
Ny informant said that this ex-conEiet was Sc
lected 10 do the murder trick, the name Of his
southern California benefactor being used by per
mission to convince him that he was dealing viii
square people. They told t1is ex-conFict tina
rs Soh would be to .'crippie" a couple Of mel
IN San FrsnciecO-not 70 Kill them. He wai
told that he would get large sum OF money io
would be pardoned in short time but that ths
chances OF capture would be small and that th'
shooting would be generally attributed TO loot
This ex-convict according 10 my informant
refused Saving that he had old mother q
look out for and that he had had ell the prisoI
be wanted. According to my Informant, | wa'
one Of the men 10 be crippled and Sanaghel
was the other-one merely a newspaperman ant
the other discredited who was under
cjou6 anyway That was the way they talked e
fbe ex-convict when they were trying 70 persuade
- zaw<o he - ehOoffnQ
Fafiing to secure the services Of the ex-convict
nv Informant said, they vent to southern Cali
foruia and got n half breed marksman and
brought him up here for the purpose Of shooting
Gallagher and myself
The next day this same man told me they, hat nae
cause Garret McEner9ey had got wind OF th'
murder plan and had severely denounced IL. de
ciarIng that II anything OF this kind were at
.enofed OF even contemplated he would with
draw from the graft cases Hearing this
srTred that whatever danger there had beer
~ na.sed and SO dispensed with the polio,
guard that had been furnished me.
Three days ago got phone call at my ofhce
words: IF that's you. Older you'd better lool
out: Butch Bell is laying for you. Hes over II
front Of Giidea's store right now with another
man man with a stubby black mustache"
got a man who knows Bell and went across TN
street Bell and the man described were there
They were there again yesterday
did not attach any particular significance T.
the matter until the house where Gallagner re
sides was blown up; Thea the whole thing eam' amt
back to me, Including the ststement tnat the!
intended to get Gallagher and myself
NOT DECEIVED BY TRICKERY
older also told yesterday Of two at
tempts TO trick him into burglary. One
came from a mysterious stranger, who
proposed a scheme to get some records
from the Pinkerton detective bureau
and The other originated from a person
giving the name of Joseph K. Gra-
ham" who attempted to interest Older
in q scheme to get by theft an advance
copv Of a book containing structures
upon the higher courts.
III / had fallen in with either OF
these schemes" said Older. lit would
have provided a means OF sending me
across for burglary
"A stranger came to my Office recent
"" said Older, "and told me that a
I3inlrerton man was employed on the