Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1914-02-19

examination tomorrow, | could see that
he was brooding over this matter and
feared the publicity. He told me that he
had never before been a witness either
before grand jury or In an action be-
fore any court and he feared that he
might be unable to clearly explain the in
tricate questions which might DO asked
by keen district attorney under such
trying circumstances. This also weighed
heavily on his mind. And the combina-
ton Of these things I feel certain 30 op-
pressed him as to cause temporary de-
rangement of his mind
WAS TO GO TO NEW YORK.
Yesterday afternoon, after having
luncheon with him, we further dis
cussed the matter OF the examination
on Monday morning and determined
that he. Mrs Kennedy and I would
leave for New York tonight at eight
o'clock so that he could appear before
the grand jury on schedule time. We
also determined that he should sign
another waiver of Immunity If the dis
trict attorney requested him to do so,
and we also agreed that II the district
attorney should ask him to appear be-
fore magistrate In the John Doe pro-
ceedings after he had appeared before
the grand jury, that he would willing
ly do so and give the district attorney
all the information he possessed re-
garding any matters on which the dis
trict attorney might determine to
question him. The decision on these
matters of policy was entirely salts
factory to Mr. Kennedy and knowing
n hot fofk
that this was the proper attitude to
take regarding this matter.
Il feel certain that an Investigation of
his affairs as State treasurer will disclose
that he has properly and correctly admin
istered the duties of that office, and am
unable to account for his unfortunate act
of to-day except on the ground that his
mind was temporarily deranged
William II. Kennedy tonight sent the
following telegram to Governor Glynn:
My father, John j Kennedy, State
treasurer died suddenly to-day. am
quite familiar with his affairs as State
treasurer and know that everything con-
nected with his office has been conducted
properly and will be found to be correct
/ would. however, suggest that his ac-
counts as State treasurer be examined as
expeditiously as possible and an audit be
had so that an official report can b
made"
HAD BEEN ACTING MAYOR.
Mr.. Kennedy was born in Buffalo in
1855 and lived here continuously. For
26 years he was actively identified
with the legislative branch of the city
government, his tenure Of office in tho
common council marking the longest
term of continuous service in the his
tory Of the city. AS member Of that
body he was knokn as The father Of
the playground system" He repre-
sented populous section Of the city
and took up Fairgrounds in the IN
terest Of the children Of his consti-
tuents. The marked popularity of the
movement and its benefits led MIN to
advocate an extension of the movement
and when he resigned from the board
the city had the most extensive play
grounds of any city In the country.
Mr. Kennedy was several times presi-
dent OF the board of aldermen and many
times temporarily filled the office Of
mayor, his whole period Of service in
that capacity covering nearly the entire
term OF mayor. He served for IL years
as a member OF the State democratic
committee and was a delegate to every
democratic State convention form 1884
to 1910, He was closely identified with
he Erie county democratic organization
curing that period.
He was elected State treasurer in 1915
and was re-nomnated and reelected
in 1912
Mr.. Kennedy was a member of several
raternal organizations and was a grand
trustee Of the Fra ternal Order Of Eagles
FOR number of years.
Mr.. Kennedy was married IN 1881 &
Mss Ottilie Schupp Of Buffalo A widow
and two children, William f., graduate
Of Cornell law school, and a daughter,
Mary Jane, survive.