Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1916-05-04
ROTAN INVESTIGATES !
CHARGES OF. ALLEGED
SHERN LAW VIOLATION
Confers With EX-Judge James
Gay Gordon, Counsel for
Complaining Organ
izatiOns
DIRECTED AGAINST WARES

District Attorney Rotan and eX.Judge
James Gay Gordon met In a private con-
ference in the District Attorneys ofilco
this afternoon 10 discuss the affidavits and
complaints filed by the Philadelphia Re.
publican League and the Citizens Re-
publican League charging violations of
the Shern law on the part of city EN-.
ployes. Both leagues are Penrose.Mc.
Nichol organizations and the affidavits are
directed against Vare-Smith followers.
Neither Mr.. Gordon nor the District
Attorney would discuss what action was
contemplated. although Mr. Rotan said
statement could be expected later today
Mr. Gordon represents as counsel the two
leagues which are making the charges.
Three of the affidavits are from the 23d
Ward, two from the 46th Ward and one
from the 4th Ward. Each affidavit covers
several alleged violations of the Shern
Law. In addition to these. six other spe-
cihc cases have been brought before the
District Attorney, which are not put in
affidavit form. Evidence on these cases
is now In the hands of the Leagues and
will be presented within a day or two
The affidavits charge coercion of city
employees, illegal political activity on the
part of police and fremen. attempts to
force candidates for the Ward Commit
tees to withdraw and other minor offens s.
one new case was maze pubic by the
Philadelphia Republican League Seger-
Trainer organization, today, The league
charged that George ID. Young. OF 1854
DAILY street who held a provisional ap-
pointment as a bridge watchman. was dis
charged because he would not fall in and
work for Ware in the 18th Ward.
The charges were made by residents of
the 7th Ward who are followers of Charles
B. Hall, chief clerk Of Select Council.
the Penrose-AIcNichol faction in the ward
demanded "Reddy Jake's" Punishment
from the ward al once. They minated
that he lad been planted" In the ward
for special political activities in which
Melincof and his friends are said 10 be
proficient.
Melincof was recently released from
the county prison, where he served SEN
tence for assault with intent TO kill He
has been associated so these residents
assert with a man named Schwartz for
some time.
Assistant Director Davis told the 7th
Ward residents that he would look into
the complaint, and If he found the facts
as stated, that Melincofr would be chased
from the ward or suitable legal action
taken against him.
Despite this information given to the
Assistant Director OF Public Safety. Police
Lieutenant Bausewine said yesterday
afternoon that ne had no knowledge that
Melincofr was operating In his district
Neither had the commander of the 18th
Police District received any orders from
the front" to close up the alleged gam
bling house and exile MellncofI
Melincoff has been known to the police
for many years. He was last convicted
OF stabbing prize fighter named Young
Jack" Hanlon. and sentenced to serve IA
months. He was pardoned after serving
q year.
Prior to that. the police say, he had
rarely been outside detention place since
1893, when he was first sentenced 10 the
House Of Refuge for larceny, Several
years ago, after cutting a saloonkeeper,
"Reddy Jake" was sentenced 70 prIson.
He was later released on his agreement
20 quit the city and never return. Melin-
con went to Baltimore, but came back
shortly afterward and was reaFrested
Judge BsrrRtt. in the Court OF Common
Pleas. decided that Melineoh could not
make an agreement 10 keep away from
the city, but that he could be arralgnsd
on several indictments which ths District
Attorneys once held over him.