The Washington herald., 1908-05-23

There were two striking features about
the investigation into the alleged irregu-
larities in the engineering department Of
the District OF Columbia yesterday.
The first was the damaging testimony
offered as 10 the sums Of money de-
posted in the National Capital Bank by
Charles Fernald the other was the
astonishing grilling that the ubiquitous
Sidney Bieber got at the hands OF Al
torney Douglas.
Sidney Bieber. capitalist" is the way
he described himself at the investiga-
ton. and with his nobby clothes and
immaculate appearance he may have felt
the part. But before Mr.. Douglas got
through with him Mr.. Bieber had sought
refuge in declining to answer a number
Of pertinent questions, and was mopping
his fevered brow as if the narration of
how he sought 10 buy the asphalt plant
Of the Brennan Construction Company
was about the hardest work ne had ever
done.
Il will be remembered that testimony
had been offered to the effect that Sid
ney Eieber had gone to an employe Of
the Brennan Company, and had made an
offer Of $4,000 if the Brennan Company
would not compete on the big First street
job, which was afterward divided be-
tween the Cranfords and the Brennan
Company. Mr.. Bieber denied any knowl-
edge Of such a transaction. but averred
that learning that the asphalt plant of
the Brennan Company was carrying q
mortgage Of $4,000 he had offered to pav
over $4,000 for the equity in the company.
1t was with some reluctance that he
had to admit that he did not know any
thing about the asphalt paving business.
but, being capitalist he thought he
would take a flyer in it. It is not too
much 10 say that Of all the witnesses
called so far in this investigation Sidney
Bieber made distinctly the worst i'm
preston He gave a great sigh Of relief
when Attorney Douglas allowed him 10
step down from the gridiron.
Bank Deposits Interesting.
The testimony as to the finances of
Charles Fernald were important as show
ing a strange coincidence in the amounts
OF money deposited in the National Cap
ital Bank ana the dates when these de-
posits were made, always coming close 10
the times when Charles AIcDermott re-
ceived his money for public work. done
under the supervision OF Mr.. Fernsld.s
department 1t was brought out that
Charles Fernald received a salary of
about S.Soo year. and yet the banks
records. put IN evidence. showed that
from June. 1904. until January. 1905 Mr.
Fernald had deposited no less than sic
bsa6.
There seemed to be some thought. too
that Mr.. Fernald might have deposited
other sums OF money in other banks. and
so, at the suggestion Of Commissioners
Macfarland, letters were sent To every
bank cashier IN Washington asking if
that were true, and if answers are not
received the cashiers VIII be subpoenaed.
An effort was made, also, 70 have Mr.
Fernald take the witness stand IN his
own behalf. but his counsel objected on
the ground that the testimony taken at
this investigation will be submitted to
the United States district attorney. and
he could not be asked to furnish ammu-
milton for the other side.
Each days investigation makes It clear
er and clearer that there is something
rotten in Denmark" and it is also be-
coming plainer and palmer that all the
truth about the relations between men
who wanted TO do work fer the District
and those who had the letting of the
work is going TO be hard to get at.
But great progress has been made to-
ward showing how yltally necessary for
the good repute of the District govern
ment the present Investigation Is.
FeFnaId Refuses TO Testify,
The most sensational development Of the
session came Just before adjournment.
when Charles Fernald, former assistant
engineer Of highways, upon whose actions
a great deal Of the testimony was hinged,
acting under advice of his counsel. re-
fused to testify before the Commission
ers. and would not submit to cross-ex-
animation,
Immediately after the refusal Of Fer
naId to testify the Commissioners an
nounced that they would turn over all
the evidence that has been adduced before
them to the United States district at
torney so that he could present il 70
the grand jury. This action will be,
taken to-day. and further evidence heard
viii be turned over to the attorney as
rapidly as it is adduced
The first witness called at the morning
session was Henry II. Mckee, cashier
Of the National Capital Bank His tes-
timony was regarding deposits made by
Fernald Attorney Laskey. representing
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