New-York tribune., 1908-01-07
SPECIAL JURY SWORN.
VIII Investigate the 1cts of Bank
Officials.

The special grand jury which was summoned at
the request Of District Attorney Jerome to inves-
tigate the alleged criminal practices Of officers of
banks and other financial institutions in this city
was sworn IT by Justice Downing in the Criminal
Branch Of the Supreme Court yesterday. before the
opening of the Thaw trial The two regular grand
turies which Will look after the routine work and
attend to the 314 complaints awaiting their
action were sworn in by Judge Grain in Part Of
General Sessions
Edward J. Cuddihy. undertaken. at No GA
Lexington avenue. chosen foreman of the spe-
cial body which viii conduct its Investigations al
afternoon sessions. II viii be in charge of Assist
AMI District Attorney Kresel. who IS expected 10
conduct a sweeping investigation into all matters
in New York County about which there has been
any word of scandal particularly in connection
with the banking and financial affairs which nave
recently been brought to public notice
Justice Dowling in addressing the jurors before
him said:
am advised that your attention VIII De
especially, for the present at least to a p4 i1 -
class Of crimes or to a particular inquiry lIe'
supposed crimes This grand Jury mas pc Peen raoes
caily convened, upon the motion anu a.
of the learned District Attorney OF TINS count
subjects Connected with lhe administration of bank
ing and other financial institutions - 80. o,
Il need be said 10 you that you are hot coll con.
cerned with such matters developed in the course
of your labors. cognizable only by elvll VI
aid in the collecting of debts the enforcement
Of claims nor to aid those SEEKING n coercon
Nor are you concerned with the development OF
such facts tend show dishonoraole pracuceS
or sharp dealing. As applied 10 Such hnahclal
operations as may be laid before YOU for scrutiny
your duty inquire to whether or not there
has been committed any crime in the course or the
conduct of the business of such institutions py
those charged with the responsibility therefor
The subject with which you deal is of vital
Importance TO all citizens of this community !the
fruits of industry, the proceeds of economy, the
handspring of business all represented IN the
vast sums of money which. intrusted TO financial
institutions. are when honestly administered and
safeguarded. the best OF public prosper
ity and private comfort. Those, if any. who as
trustees of their fellows have dealt with their
trust estate by violations of the criminal law
of this state TO impair or destroy its solVency
should held in strict accountability therefor The
legislation safeguarding such institutions was de-
liberately and carefully planned for the protection
liza bility should disregarded if you should find
that any person mad violated If.
OF the panel of So summoned for the special
jury q failed TO appear. The clerk announced
that every who failed to respond TO his panel
was fined $3.50 instead of $780, the usual fine
Arthur J. Weber. of No. l West I'D street, is the
foreman Of one Of the regular grand juries and
John P. Leo, architect, of No. 10 st. Nicholas
avenue, the foreman of the other. In charging
them. Judge Grain urged that a defendant was
entitled the benefit of every doubt that might
arise in his behalf. There 1,421 persons now
under indictment awaiting trial.