Honolulu star-bulletin. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1912-2010, 1913-03-22
DEFENSE FUND
FOR Mcguire
Being RAISED

Especial Star-Builetin Correspondence
HILO, Hawaii, March 21 - What
was first believed to be coercion of
county road workers by lunas TO make
them contribute to general fund for
the defense CT Auditor Mcguire, in
case he is arrested. is now thought
to be merely the efforts Of the mem
berS of the HilO Labor Union TO raise
fund for the defense Of one of their
members Mcguire is a member OF
the union. - ..-~- r..
The first intimation Of the attempt
to raise a defense fund, became
known the first of this week, when
Manuel DeStrella, road workman,
told a clerk in che of the stores that
he had been requested to give a por-
ticn of his pay, last Saturday toward
the fund that was being raised TO de-
fend Mcguire. The workman was in
dignant at the time and was hotly
declaring that he would give no mo-
ney to aid one who could afford TO
drive an automobile. He has lots OF
money! have little" he is quoted as
saying.
When Destrella was seen and asked
about the matter, he denied that 1t
was he who had said anything about
the supposed coercion. On being press
ed he said maybe it was Antoine Des-
trella who was asked to support Ma
gIire. Finally on being assured that
there would be no "pilikia," whether
he gave the money or not, he said
that. his load luna had asked him to
help. Then added: 'Spose other men
kokua, me kokua too" Evidently the
man felt that he was being question
! ed, because he had not given any OF
his money. To use his own words,
she said, ME cash money, go right
| home" When again assured that there
was no 'pilikia," he appeared much
relieved. . -..-
Road Oyerseer Vierra was asked for
an exclamation of what seemed coer-
cion of county employees, in raising
! the fund, said he During last week,
/ the Hilo Labor Union called meet
| ing and several speakers asked the
men who gathered to help toward rais
/ ing a fund for the defense Of Mcguire
There was quite large attendance OF
union men and of others who are not
saTbe purpose of the meeting was
explained to the men. Some seemed
willing to contribute others dId not
I spoke to the men of the matter, De
| cause believe every man is entitled
to be thought innocent until ne Is
/ proved guilty ] do not think Ma
| puire has yet been proven guilty. bu
II assured the men present that the!
must not feel obligated to give a cen
toward the fund because they migh
happen to be working under me. Eva
like expressed like sentiments. NO
/ would not like to say who else spoke
Pint there were no other county OH
/ Gals present except Pacheco. He i
clerk of the road board and seeretar.
/ for the union. Mcguire is membel
of the union. | thought he ought q
i he given a chance to prove himsei
i innocent, if he is, which some thlhK.
4 From what Destrella says and IRON
i the interview of Vierra, the impression
i that the road workers were pelni
i forced to help swell the fund is dn,
no doubt to the coincidence that LEAD
ers in the labor union are IN SOM
cases also county officials.
4 Vierra was an almost unanlmcu
4 choice of Hilo people for the posltlo1
of road oyerseer. There are very FEY
who will not accept his statement a
true of what appeared at first to be
nasty pressure on road laborers.