New-York tribune., 1917-12-25
Dimes of Clerks
Helped to Swell
The Fusion Fund
Treasurer Lewisohn Testi-
fes Hat Was Passed in
Banks and Corporations

In contrast to the 100000 raised at
the so-called "billionaire luncheons" to
reelect Mayor Mitchell, contributions in
dimes and quarters were solicited by
hat-passing campaign among the en-
ployes of the Offices OF some of The
biggest corporations and downtown
banks, according to information re-
ceived yesterday by District Attorney
Swami. Sam Lewisohn, treasurer of
the MitchelFusion Campaign Commit
tee, was asked about these contribu-
tions from comparatively poor persons
while he was being examined yesterday
by Assistant District Attorneys Black
and Kilroe.
Mr.. Black informed Mr.. Lewisohn
that vast sums were expended for taxi
cab hire, and asked him whether he
ever got vouchers for the bills. Mr..
Lewisohn said he merely paid out on
the 0 Of the heads of departments,
who, he said, were selected by him
"i'H N"ic AOi NhS very IedSOH lHdt lHe
contributions represented the savings
OF many poor persons. He said he
tired to see TO it that three or four
treasurers didn't get money for the
same organization, but he relied upon
the o X furnished by ex-senator Josiah
T. Newcomb.
Patterson's Moral Support
Mr.. Black brought out the fact shat
A. W. Carmiencke. assistant treasurer.
had drawn a check for 81 900 in favor
OF himself, and the receipts account
showed 1t was for rent. Later he drew
the same amount from the disburse-
ment account. Mr.. Lewisohn finally
/ explained the transactions by saying
mat Carmiencke set up a claim that
Sl,OOO was due him for salary.
In answer 20 Mr.. Kilroe's questions.
Mr.. Lewlsohn said John H. Patterson,
oil the National Cash Register Com
pany, Dayton, Ohio, attended the
luncheon but did not contribute. He
said Mr.. Patterson merely gave his
moral support to the Mayor for the
efficiency Of his administration. Mr.
Lewisohn said he was sure Mr.. Patter-
son did not represent any corporations
when he lent his moral support to the
Mayor.
Regarding the presence of Mr.. Colt.
OF Rhode Island, Mr.. Lewisohn said he
might have been doing business in New
YORK and might have been interested
IN clean streets" He said he knew r.
+ Coleman du Pont, of Delaware, spent
most of his time in New York. Mr..
Lewisohn said he had no knowledge
Whatever OF the implications made ry
Dir. hilroe that the "du Pont money
from time immemorial has bribed and
| corrupted the electorate of Delaware
/ County"
Mr.. Lewisohn appeared to disappoint
the prosecutor regarding his knowledge
OF the methods used in raising money
for the City Democracy. lie denied he
was trying to be "evasive" and stated
he was endesvoring TO be accurate and
not state "guesses"
To Suggest Change in Law
District Attorney Swami said he was
much interested 10 learn that many Of
the Democrats who contributed owed
part, il not all, Of their political careers
to the regular Democratic organization.
Among those he mentioned we're: Mag
istrate Peter Barlow, Magistrate Sam
uel d. Levy, Magistrate Charles A.
Sims, Justice David Leventritt, James
Deering and William Church Osborn,
former chairman of the Democratic
State Committee. The latter contri-
buted S2,500.
81 want to say at this time" he said,
"that ! shall not make up my mind as
TO "A definite policy in dealing with this
subject of campaign contributions until
all the facts are ascertained. | cannot
discuss indictments at this time. | can
say, however. that We shall have some
suggestions to make as TO the amend
ment of the corrupt practices act and
some recommendation will certainly be
made to the proper Legislative com
mittee 10 set limit on the amount OF
money that can be used in q municipal
| election."