New-York tribune., 1920-12-03
Missing Evidence and Wit
nesses Again Hamper
Work of the Committee
i'll Revealing Combines
Million i'm Tribute
Paid Bronx Bureau
Brescia Testifes Trust
Killed His Business:
Brindell Again in Court

Despite the sudden disappearance
Of evidence and witnesses vital to
the Lockwood committees investiga-
son OF the housing situation, the
committee yesterday uncovered the
trail of three more alleged combina-
tions in the building industry. These
involved brick manuta acturers, lum-
Der dealers and stone mason con-
tractors.
While the committee was inquir-
ing into the activities Of the building
material organizations the addition
al grand Jury handed down four
more indictments growing out of the
crimina, phase of the inquiry. The
names OF three of the accused were
not made known by Judge Mu.queen,
who Immediately issued bench war;
rants for the arrest of the de-
PENDANTS.
1t was learned, however, that one
# the indictments was against Rob-
ert ?. Brindell, the head OF the
Building Trades Council, already
under three charges of exrortion and
attempted extortion. Brindell Gap
peared before Judge MuIqueen with
his lawyer, Martin w. Littleton, and
after pleading not guilty was re-
leased under the 100000 bail de-
manded on previous indictments.
More Evidence Missing
The prosecution also completed its
case in the tria, Of George S. Backer,
millionaire builder, charged with per-
jury in connection with his testimony
on the payment Of $4,000 bribe money
before the committee. The defense
asked that the trial be dismissed on
The ground tha. no case had been made,
ou. Judge Rosalsky denied the motion.
The discovery of the disappearance
os Vita parts OF the books and papers
.: various building material organiza-
tions, for which the committee had
been battling in the courts more than
4 week, proved a keen Disappointment
TO Samuel Untermyer, the committee's
chief counsel.
Sidney j. Treat, secretary OF the AS
sociation Of Dea.ers in Masons' Build
.ng Materials, admitted on the stand
ae destroyed five bundles OF CORE
sIondence, containing thousands Of let
-e-1 in july, 1919
Ernest Braun, secretary Of the Ma
SON. Supply Bureau OF Brooklyn, an
organization similar t. the Builders
Supply Bureau Of New York, declared
le destroyed the so-cailed option cards
Of that organization many months
after they had gone into disuse."
Xf se cards had been long sought By
soe committee as i'm moortant evidence Of
the bureaus alleged system Of boost
IN, prices and collusive bidding
Two assistants in the Office Of Ar
-hcr D. Hammond, an accountant who
An reports for the Dui .ders Supply
b eau, testified tast the files OF the
- eau in Hammond's Office had disap-
cared and that Hammond may have
.one Wext With them"
every case where evidence had
bee't destroyed witnesses always as
s@t q that the act took place months
sgo or alter the system had gone into
a. ,se.
Card System Described
In Connection with the Masous' Sup
Ply ottsA-, ii DI1oA N, however, tne
ccn,ai>.ee made some progress With
sae testimony of Miss Emma Schmitt,
q former secretary oi the burcau, who
tod Z detailed story Of the bureaus
a5stem Of operation and the employ
ment Of the card system matching
blcs. Sne waz unable 10 give any in
formation az n the alleged price
a5ing or boosting activities OF the
oufeso.
1ae declared, however, that she had
tCsntingsd ssss eIahU
Tom Velie. Polo Expert.