The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1918-02-28
Millionaire Mayor Testifies in
100000 BlackmaiI Case.
Denies Hugs and Kisses Pre-
vailed in Executive Office.
HOW ABOUT SILK UNDERTOGS!
Never Saw Sensational Court
Exhibit Before, He Says.
Atlanta Mayor. Testifies Man
and Woman Framed Up Plot.


multi-millionaire, mayor of Atlanta.
today took the stand as the first wit
ness in the sensational 100000 black
mail trial of ]. W. Cook and Mrs. Her
man Hirsch. He repeated the story
he told the grand jury several days
ago.
Mrs Hirsch, he said, came to his
office February 6, ostensibly in the
interest of Red Cross work. Suddenly,
apparently in fright, the mayor said,
Mrs. Hirsch exclaimed:
There's someone watching US from
tina. window"
The mayor stated when he turned
to Mrs. Hirsch afte- examining the
window and finding n one there, Mrs.
Hirsch had removed her hat, disar-
ranged her clothing and was opening
the office door
Enter: Mr.. Cook. All, Ha:
AS Mrs. Hirsch opened the door,
Mayor Gambler testified, Cook entered,
exclaiming:
"Ah, ha. Sc this is our honorable
mayor!"
The mayor asserted he then asked
Cook and Mrs. Hirsc'i to explain the
meaning Of the scene. While receiv-
ing none. he went Immediately to the
office of his son, Asa G. Gambler, jr.,
on another floor of the building. Re-
turning to his office a moment or so
later, Gambler declared, Cook had left
there She left shortly afterward, he
said.
Gambler testified that he then tele-
phoned Forrest Adair and a brother
of his to come Immediately to, his Of
flee. A few minutes later Mrs. Hirsch
called him on the telephone, Gambler
stated; said she was at her husbands
office, and requested that he come
there Immediately.
Mayor Calls in His Son.
On the advice of Adair. Gambler
testified, he told Mrs. Hirseh he would
call her in a few minutes, but that he
did not do So He then placed the
matter in the hands of his son and
Adsir, he said, as he feared there was
something afoot.'
Gambler next told of several meet
irgs with Cook, who demanded on
each occasion that Gambler SEND Mrs.
Hirsch out of Atlanta an6 take care
of her or he, as a friend of Mrs
Hirscn's husband, would expose the
whole affair.
On cross examination Gambler ad
mitted that Cook made no demands on
ferences, but left the inference that
such a demand was made to Forrest
Adair.
AS indicative of Cooks defense
plans, Attorney John r. Cooper, on
cross-examination, questioned Gambler
Mrs. Hirsch.
Didn't Take Her in His Arms!
Gambler was asked if, at each meet
ing With Mrs. Hirsch he had noe taken
her in his arms, kissing and taking
liberties To each of these questions
the mayor replied emphatically:
mo"
One of the surprises promised by
the defense was sprung during the
examination of Gambler
Attorney Cooper dramatically ex-
tending a flimsy, pink silk under gar
ment, asked Gambler if he recognized
it. Gambler replied NO
Gambler was then asked if Mrs
Hirsch had not removed part of her
clothing in his office February 6,
Submitting entirely to him for the
first time" and if Cook had not found
entered Gamblers office. To this
Gambler replied that he had, 70 his
knowledge, never seen the garment
before.
Forrest Adair was then placed on
the stand
She Wanted $4,000 a Year.
Adair admitted several conferences
with Cook and Mrs. Hirsch jointly and
separately. but stated that Cook did
not at any time indicate his intention
to personally demand money from
Gambler In one interview with Mrs
Hirsch, the witness stated Mrs. Hirsch
declared if size was compelled to leave
town she would have to be supplied
with sufficient money to guarantee
her an annual income of at least
$4,000.
Mrs Hirsch's countenance was
wreathed in smiles as she left the
court room. Dressed in a blue tai
lored suit with a crepe oe chine
waist, her hat a new style toque, she
appeared to be full of confidence at
the outcome of the trial.
CONILI(yrI,D OF