The Detroit times., 1909-02-08

JACKSON, Mich, Feb. Especially
Wander Armstrong, OF the Jackson
state prison, was discharged and re-
arrested on new complaint during
his hearing on the charge OF having
accepted a bride OF 500 from Gen.
Green. before Justice Russell today.
The new count charges Armstrong
with having solicited bribe under the
common law, instead of under the
statute. II changes the other counts
TO include the special acts the warden
was TO perform in making the changes
in the contract with the Reed Fur,
niture Co.
Armstrong waived the reading Of
the new complaint. His attorney, Mr..
Cobb, asked for an adjournment till
next Tuesday. Prosecutor Reece con-
sented, but demanded that the pris-
oner gave more bail because OF the
reports that he engaged in other Ques-
tionable transactions. Justice Russell.
accordingly. increased the ball from
$4,000 to $4,000 with the same sure
ties. Deputy Attorney-General McGili
then examined the bondsmen as to
their financial responsibilities and &C.
cepted them. The bondsmen are A.
j. Peek and Herbert 8. Reynolds, OF
Jackson.
Warden Armstrong left the court
room with his attorneys. He appear
ed nervous and smiled with difficulty.
The defense seems TO have lost the
desire for a speedy trial, which the
warden said be would insist on. IL 10
believed a bigger sensation IL coming
and that other state officials or ex-
officials will be given an opportunity
TO explain.
The hearing Of Warden Armstrong
had been set for 10 o'clock this morn
ing, but IL was delayed owing TO the
non-arrival OF the warden. A curious
crowd OF spectators packed the court
room. Deputy Attorney-General Nc
Gill was on hand to assisto the prose-
cution.
Judge Parkinson Is considering the
ACCESSIBILITY of summoning grand
Jury TO investigate conditions In Jack
son prison That Is due to the over
whelming evidence OF graft In that In
stitution. Warden Armstrong; hear
ing on the charge OF having accepted
a bribe from Gen. Green comes up to-
day. and there are ten other cases
left. These have To do with the man
agement of the prison.
Prosecutor Recess attention has
been called 10 the case OF Charles FL
liOtt. well-driller. OF Jackson. who
said he paid Armstrong 5000. Elliott
was given a contract for drilling an
artesian we'll at the prison and was
Engaged AT IL nearly all winter. owing
TO the cold weather. The contract
amounted 10 $500, the agreement stat
ing that Elliott was 10 be paid In
three installments.
He was notified that his check was
ready and was told TO see the warden
Armstrong wanted me TO give him
$2S5," said Elliott. telling me he
could make lot OF trouble. l finally
gave 5000 TO Armstrong and reported
the matter to Prof. Anderson. OF the
University OF Michigan. who was an
or gineer on the cell block, and he
took the matter up with Thos. j.
Navin. OF Detroit"
Elliott says he then went TO Fow-
lerville Armstrong, he says. called
him by telephone and said that Prof.
Anderson would endeavor TO have him
sign an affidavit and not TO do II. FL
llott SAYS he met Armstrong In Lans-
ing by appointment. and that the lat
ter gave him $50. saying he would pay
the balance I'm instruments
MIR. Navin. who is a member OF the
prison board OF control. says he told
Prof. Anderson to secure the affidavit
from Elliott. setting forth how he was
compelled TO pay the money.