The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-01-22
Ex-Governor of New York
Appears on Stand in
John Doe Probe
TESTIMONY is FIRST
SWORN STATEMENT
Tammany Leader Used Threats TO
Get J. f. Gaffney Appointed
Commissioner of Highways,
Declares Witness

New York, January 21.---Wiilinm sui
Charles r. Murphy. Tammnny leader,
threatened to wreck his administra-
tion as governor of New York If he
didn't appoint James u. Gaffney conn
sissioner of highways. He said he had
declined to make the appointment ar
ter United states Senator james A.
o'Gorman told him TINT Gaffney wns
Murphy's "chief bagman," and that
Gaffney had attempted to hold up
James o. stewart, n state highway con-
tractor and client of the senator's, for
100000. "nnd that 10 nppofnt him
would be n disgrace to The state of
New York.
Sulzers testimony was his first sworn
statement of charges he has made against
Murphy, and in many particulars he add
ed to and elaborated them.
Sulzer appeared as a witness in District
Attorney Whitmans John Doe inquiry
into state highway graft He was called
to explain why, as governor-elect, he had
sent a telegram to the state canal board
requesting it to defer action on a $4,000. .OOC
canal contract upon which Stewart was
lowest bidder. Stewart who failed to get
the contract testified at previous hear
ing that a man named Gaffney had asked
him for contribution of per cent of the
contract.
Why He Sent Telegram
Sulzer today said that he had sent the
telegram because he had been told there
was danger that Stewards bids would be
thrown out. and that this would be a
great injustice to Stewart and the state OF
New York. For having requested the
canal board to defer action in the matter
Murphy summoned him, sulzer said and
told him he was "butting In where he did
not belong" and that he was mot be-
ginning right as governor
When Sulzer resented this and told the
Tammany chief he intended to be his own
governor, he swore that Murphy replied
Like hell you will. I'll see where you'll
end up damned quick
Sulzer indicated this interview marked
his first clash with Murphy.
Sulzer said that when he Encame gov
srnor he agreed with Attorney General
Carmody, a member of the canal board,
that Stewart ought to get tho contract,
and had sought to get him Justice T"
Other members of the board however,
outvoted the attorney general six to one.
With the ending of a parley with the
district attorney. Suzer signed a waiver
of immunity and took the stand shortly
after o'clock this afternoon
Il have no information that ! care to
conceal and will answer any question you
care to ask" said the former COVER
nor.
Whitman inquired about telegram
Sulzer sent to the state canal board In
December 1912. asking ii to defer action
on the matter of awarding a contract
to james c. Stewart.
Sulzd said that shortly before this he
receivi d telegram from George II. Nc
GuireI which stated If the contract was
consummated it would work "a great in
justice to Mcguire and the people of the
state
Mcclure said that Stewards bid was
thousands of dollars lower than any other
'and I thought 1t was my duty" said
witness, 'as governor-elect to request
the board to defer action.
He sent the telegram on December 10
CONTINUED on Page seven)