The Hawaiian star. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu]) 1893-1912, 1908-06-05
LEE LET
TRIAL
ENDEAVOR BY THE DEFENSE TO
IMPART A POLITICAL TINGE TO
THE CASE.

THE CASE.
The cross-examination of Chief OF
Detectives Taylor was continued in the
Lee Let case this morning The only
matters of interest brought out were
when Attorney Thompson compelled
the witness to modify statements which
he had made. A political element il
the case was endeavored to be intro
duced, the defense attempting to show
through Taylor's testimony that he was
prejudiced and biased, and had been
working up the Lee Let matter from
the beginning with the assistance Of
the editor of the Advertiser and W. A.
Kinney the latter at the time the
chairman of the Democratic Central
Committee.
Taylor took the stand and was ques-
toned in regard to any conversations
he had with Ayres or Matheson since
the commencement of the trial He
stated that he had only talked to
Ayres once, then in the Judiciary
building
Taylor was then questioned by
Thompson in regard to the advice
given by w. A. Kinney and W. G.
Smith. The fact that Smith was edi-
tor of a Republican paper which sup
ported Iaukea and that Kinney was
chairman of the Democratic Central
Committee was brought out. To show
bias of the witness from his employ
ment as a reporter on the Advertiser,
particularly on gambling matters, he
was questioned but Judge Robinson
ruled out the question.
In answer to questions regarding the
evidence that the first information re-
ceived that Lee Let wanted to open
gambling games was brought by H. M.
Ayres, the fact that they had been
friends for five or six years was elicit
ed. Thompson brought out the fact
that Taylor said to Ayres, Il certainly
think it is a great chance to make a
record" He followed by saying that
he wanted to go into the matter and
make a record for himself and the
police department. The fact that in
his statement he mentioned w. G..
Smiths name first was remarked on
by counsel.
In the original statement made by
Taylor he said that All Hoon had paid
money to-. Taylor stated that the
name of A. M. Brown was suggested
| by the -.
Taylors previous statement that he
! had received the first information
when meeting Ayres in the street was
| contradicted by his written statement
that he met Ayres in the Advertiser
Office. ..,-~
In regard to the reports furnished
the Advertiser, Tay Tor stated that he
did not expect that they would be used
In entirety. His memory failed in
several instances.
Taylor, his memory refreshed by
notes which the attorney for the de-
Tense read, acknowledged that he had
gone to the Queens Hospital to meet
Ayres, which he had denied earlier in
the morning.
Taylor stated that he authorized the
publication of the statements, ther
changing and saying that he did Sc
after he had founu they were going
to be published.
In response to question Taylor
| stated that he received no compensa
ton, salary or perquisites from the AID
vertiser, Ed Cowse or the Civic Fede
ration.
Larnach asked several questions
which were all objected to by the at
torney for the defense and ruled GU
by Judge Robinson as improper re
direct examination. Taylor was theI
excused as a witness.
H. M. Ayres was placed on the stant
when the afternoon session commenced
and on direct examination corroborat
ed the main points in regard to Tay
lor's testimony, On the cross-exa
mination Thompson brought out Ayres
connection with the Advertiser and hi
former position as editor of the IRE
feree."
Ayres denied having asked Taylo
about date which Taylor had testifiet
, to. His explanations were still NOR
mixed His story and Taylor's wer
widely at variance. Further ques
lions in regard to conversations be
tween Ayres ana Taylor and Mathesol
were asked which still further furrie
the witness. Ayres was then excuse
and r, o. Matheson of the Advertise
was placed on the stand
Fine Job Printing, Star Office.