The Newark star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1909-1909, 1909-09-17
PROBER5 TO MEET
NIGHTLY n BRAY
INVESTIGATION
Long Inquiry Wearies Commits
tee, Which Is Anxious to
Complete Task.

For several hours last night wit
throw some light on the official conduct
Of Alderman James A. Bray, We're ex-
amined by counsel before the special
committee Of the Common Council,
which is conducting an Investigation OF
his career Is a statesman,
When the hearing had dragged past
the eleventh hour all members of the
committee were more than willing 10
accept Alderman Jerome I. Congletoa's
suggestion, that some definite plan be
outlined for the completion of the task
assigned to them, and it was agreed
to hold meetings every night beginning
Monday. until the probe has reached
The nethermost depths.
Among the witnesses called last night
to tel what they knew, believed and
had heard of the Alderman from the
Fourteenth ward, = were James w.
Scales, of Wilkinson, Gaddis & Co.;
former Alderman Michael F, Mullen,
of the Fourth ward; Alderman Shepard
M. Mills, of the Fourth ward, chairman
of last years market committee; Al
derman Charles M. Whitfield, of the
Eighth ward, chairman of the sub
committee, which investigated the re-
pairing of the doors of Centre Market
last year., and Market Clerk Thomas
Rowe.
George Carpenter, clerk in the city
Law Department, who was first sum-
moned as a witness, did not respond,
and Attorney Louis Hood, who is di-
recting the investigation, was author
lied to appeal to the Supreme Court to
compel the attendance of Carpenter at
Monday nights session If he does not
answer the subpoena. The night was
enlivened by frequent classes between
counsel, Mr.. Hood frequently object
ing to the manner in which Louis j.
Beers Jumped at conclusions in put
ting his questions.
Mr.. Scales testified thai on the
night of the Joel Parker Associa-
ton outing, in August, 1907. while with
a company in the Holland House, he
had made a statement to the effect
that 1.-THE majority of the Common
Council fireworks committee was not
straight on the award of the contract
for the Fourth of July celebration in
that year" Mr.. Bray was chairman of
the committee.
The witness said he had no legal
proof that It was true. He did have
something to base 1t on, he stated, In
reply to questions by Mr.. Hood, in the
shape of statements appearing in the
newspapers, and because the display
was inferior. He said his statement
concerning the committee majority was
foolish as he had that same night
to Alderman Wright, a mem
Der of 1t.
Reading from the typewritten testi-
mony. Mr.. Beers pointed to the state
ment by Mr.. Nugent on the stand to
the effect that Scales had told him III
a conversation that he had made such
statements as were attributed to him
In the Holland House and that he de-
the charge against Bray" to be
true, but that he Couldn't provo it,"
Mr.. Scales emphatically denied any
such statement. He could not recall
the exact words of the conversation
with the City Counsel.
Did you ever make any accusations
against Alderman Bray?" was the first
question Mr. Hood asked former Alder
Mullen when he had been sworn
by City Clerk James f. Connolly.
Il did," was the reply.
Some time during the summer OF
1907, he said. in response to questions
by Mr.. Hood, he had been In the City
Hall on the night of n Council meet
ing. In the corridor In front of the
Council chamber Alderman Bray had
aecosted him in connection with the
Block Light application with the