The Washington herald., 1908-01-05
mr.. GIBBS ANSWERS CRITICS
Makes Statement Relating to At
fdavit of Mr.. Lawson.
Calls the Action Form of Persecu-
tiOn-EXpIains Why He Drew
the Check.

Mr.. +. F. Gibbs. inventor and owller OK
a chain fire escape, makes a statement
relative to the affidavit of Mr.. s. NJ
Lawson that he. Mr. Gibbs. gave a heck
for SO TO Mir. Lawson. The statement is
in connection with the recommendation
that an action for bribery be begun
In part Mr.. Gibbs says;
I see that the affidavit Of A. NJ lawson relating
TO a check sent him by me about a year ago has
been turned over to the United States district ator
ney for Investigation by the grand jury. ! have but
little disposition % reply 10 this form Of pesecu-
ton. but as 1t Is matter Of pHbiis concern at this
time ! viii do so.
During the latter part Of 1906 We wanted 70 in
terest Mr.. j. c. Slater. late president of the Lewis
Chain ESCAPE, in our company. and after many
fru1iless efforts We gave up completely. After a
short time ] saw Mr.. Lawson a mutual friend for
whom Mr.. Slater had the highest regard. ] asked
him 10 inteIcede in our behalf and if a trade re
suited | offered him So fee, $40 OF which should
be cash and SIS later on.
This was. perhaps November OF December, 1895
Lawson did so. and Slater and +. r. Post and
entered into contract. dated January IS. 1895 but
which was not actually signed until the 18th I
came to my home late drew and incosed she check
70 NJ. lawson In a great hurry went in an actual
run 10 the maibox, thence 10 dinner ard then to
my regular work
II did not occur to me that Mr. lawson would
NOT lesaN what the cueck was Tor, and might al
tribute 10 Ia an improper motive I received the
letter from Mr.. lawson. stating that be did not
know what the check for. / called upon him.
and he has stated TO me and my attorney that
then recalled his services Mr. lawson im.e-
dately reported the receipt cf the check To his s-
periCr. Mr. Ashford. Eleven months ELAPSED he
fore heard # it again. and then under the fol-
lowing circumstances;
When / recently employed Mr. William Henry
White as my attorney, he spoke in the highest
terms Of Commissioners Mcfarland and West and
expressed coufdenoe that they would give an I'M
partial hearing No the claims Of my invention for
recognition in the District and that notwith-
standing MY rather heated controversy with Capt.
Morrow and Mr. Ashford he could get Just as fair
a hearing before them, and consented 20 take mp
the matter only condition that would dis
continue my newspaper attacks. After am inter
view, he reported that Commissioners Macfaslaud
and West willing to consider any proposed
changes in the regulations he would submit bat
Mr. West mentioned my check to Mr. Lawson.
Mr.. White asked permission TO ask Mr.. Lawson
few questions He was sent for. but was ont The
next day he again out when Mr. White called
and Mr.. West agreed TO fix a time. which he did,
and Mr. White. Mr.. Lawson, and myself were pres
ent when be said the matter should be heard before
the whole board, due notice Of which hearing would
be given Mr.. White No such notice was given but
the check referred TO the United States attof-
neg instead. Mr.. Lawson having in the meantime
been called upon Cor an affidavit.
This check went into tie District Building nearly
a year ago and its mission was then a mystery. aud
some one is responsible for its not going to the dis
trict attorneF at that time but it was apparently
fled away for a rainy day.