The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1910-04-07
MAN HIGHER up.
Has at Last Been Reached in Pitts
burg Graft Cases.

Pittsburg, April THE climax
promised in the Pittsburg graft ex-
posture came. as promised, with the
presentment by the grand jury of a
lengthy report in which is recommend
ed the indictment of Frank N. Hoff-
stot, president of the Pressed Steel Car
company and one of the most promi-
nent business men in the country.
simultaneously in open court came a
plea of Emil Winter president Work
ingmen'S Savings and Trust company,
that he had no defense to make to
the charge that he gave a 100000
bride to former Councilman Morris
Einstein.
The following in abbreviated form
are some Of the most startling find
ings in the grand jury's presentment:
THAT Frank n. Hoffstot, presi-
dent Pressed Steel Car company and
president German National bank of
Allegheny and prominently identified
with other banks, paid to Charles
Stewart a former select councilman,
the sum of $4,000.
2-That the money was a bride used
in influencing the votes of councilmen
to pass an ordinance naming three
as official depositaries of the city's mil
lions.
3-That the ARRANGEMENT for the
payment of the money to Stewart was
made in the spring of 1908. and that
the late James w. Friend. at that time
an official Of the Pressed Steel Car
company was an associate in the
transaction.
Friend was to obtain the services Of
William A. Blakely, who was then a
practicfng attorney here. but who is
now the district attorney in charge of
the graft prosecutions, as a stake
holder OF bribe money until the ordi-
nance had passed
5-That Attorney Blakely declined
to act in the capacity named and
warned all parties Of the criminality
of the proposition and of the liability
to prosecution if.it went further.
6-That subsequent to Mr.. Blakely's
refusal. Messrs. Friend and Hoffstot
art whereby Hofstot would pay or
cause to be paid to Stewart the sum
named-$52,5 500
THAT the transaction was ar
ranged to be made in New York City
and took place there In June, 1908, in
order if possible to avoid criminal liza
bility in Allegheny county.
S-That Hoffstot did also solicit and
secure from one James N. Young,
cashier of the Second National bank of
Pittsburg. the sum of $4,000 to be
paid Stewart to insure the selection of
the Second National as one of the ia
vored city depositaries.
9-That Stewart did demand from
the now deceased Friend, who was act
ing as agent for the Second National
bank, a bride for Stewards vote in
favor of the bank ordinances.
10-That in accordance with the
findings, it be recommended that in
dictments charging conspiracy and
bribery be returned.
The plea of non contendere made
by President Emil Winter of the
Savings and Trust COM
pany was no less a sensation than the
report of the grand jury. He was
charged with the payment of $4,000
bride to Morris Einstein a former Sc
Winter
peared in court. Judge R. S. Frazer
who is presiding in thes graft cases
asked to be excused from hearing the
plea.
Judge Frazer explained that on ac-
count of his long and intimate friend
ship with Mr.. Winter. he wishes to
have nothing to do with the case.
Winter was then taken before Judges
Thomas D. Caravan and J. NJ. Swear
ingen, and entered the formal plea.
Sentence was postponed