Daily press. [volume] (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 1910-03-25
MONEY FOR "THE BOYS"
CARRIED THE MEASURES
Letters Exchanged Between Attorney
Buckley and President Sheldon Re-
veal Great Accomplishments on Be-
half of the Companies in the Mat
ter Of Lswnaking.
lRy Associated rress.l

NEW YORK. March 24.-Bit by bit
there was unfOlded at the fire insur-
ance inquiry today the story of the
career OF William II. Buckley, the AZ
bany lawyer who for years was a leg
slative agent at the state capital Tor
the fire insurance companies. On the
face OF the documentary evidence pro
duced, Duckley was well nigh irwin
chile at Albany. If the letters, which
were entered On the records, contain
ed statements Of fact and for the most
part they were letters exchanged be-
tween Buckley and the late George
p. Sheldon. who was president of the
Phoenix FIRE insurance Company, OF
Brooklyn. Bnckley's power with the
legislature was well worth the money
he admits he received.
Buckley's influence at Albany went
even further. according to his own
words. He was able TO learn in ad-
vance of decision of the Court of
RpItdlS, ne Sdiu' Gnu NOuiu h'Sp
Sheldon Informed as to what was
coming off in the court.
Took Money to Act.
Miles NJ Dawson. a consulting act
uary OF New York, said under oath
that Buckley had informed him that
he could not get favorable action on
bill in which he was interested un-
less he paid some money TO the
boys
When evidence was produced show
ing that +. f. Mccall. now state
supreme court justice. had written
y Ickley's name above his own on
check for $35 900. which was one of
three loans made by the Phoenix In
surance Company, of Brooklyn,
through Sheldon TO Buckley. the la
ter became greatly aroused
He said that Mr. Mccall knew moth
ing at all Of the transaction and mad
merely acted in the matter at his re-
quest. He admitted that he had not
Endorsed the check and identified the
handwriting, in which his name was
written. as that of Justice Mccall
When seen this afternoon Justice Nc
Call said that he never had any Te-
laJiOns or transactions whatever with
Mr.. Sheldon or with his cvompany. or
with any fire insurance company. ex-
cept the Munich.
Letters Read.
II was late in the afternoon when
the letters relative to the Court Of
Appeals was read There we're two
OF them
The first. dated April Q. 1901, was
from Sheldon to Buckley.
1t read in part:
Il note that the Court of Appeals
has decided that the franchise tax law
is constitutional. ! wish I could have
got onto this cary enough. for ! am
satisfied that this is one OF the things
that have been hanging over the mar
ket, and Il ! could have learned pre-
viously what the decision was likely
to he there would have been money
in this for all Of Us. Whenever anv-
thing like this Is pending in Albany.
it will always pay yOl 10 advise me.
IL you can. Of the probable outcome
Promises Him Tip
Buckley replied as follows:
y am sorry that 7 did not know II
was Of any interest 10 Won TO have
information about the franchise deci-
sion. told some OF our friends two
weeks ago What Il would be. but I
~as advised from very important
quarters that as the decision was con
stiiu;ionai il world not have much
effect on the market and did not
think 4 advisable 10 say much abort
g. II o. Rad been the other vsv you
would have been advised. because 9
knew Of your interests in big days
In the f-irre viii keep vou advised. %
70 vas a dramatic moment when
Nr. Dswson appeared on the scene
Unexpectedly % De sworn in a. n
witness.
Dawson. who vas consultiag act
r7ry ~ The Armstrong committee.
which Investigated tho life. Insurance
companies. said ftaf tn 1905 he drew
10 p ban relating 10 the method Of
valuation 81 iife Insurance policiez.
which Afterwards was made a law
on the recommendation Of tho Arm.
fCrnffnuef on Second Pago1