The New York herald. [volume] (New York, N.Y.) 1920-1924, 1921-07-20
BURNS LAYS BARE
FIXING OF SERIES
Testifies to Meeting Arnold
Rothstein in New York Ho-
tel at Race Track.
IDENTIFIES HIS PHOTO
Names Abe Attel, Maharg and
Others and Says Bride Money
Was to Be 100000

was 10 be @lUU,UUU
Special Despatch to THE NEW York HaALD.
CHICAGO, July 19.-William Burns,
former player for the White Sox and
star witness for the State in the prose-
cution Of players and alleged gamblers
charged with conspiracy in throwing
the world series baseball games in
1919, took the stand in Judge Friends
court this afternoon and laid bare the
details. His testimony was a smash
ing blow to the defence, and as he said,
"Cicotte offered to toss the ball out
of the park to throw the game he
pitched" the occupants Of the defend
ants bench quailed.
Burns told of his meetings with the
ball players now on trial, in both New
York and Cincinnati, and of the nego-
tiations which led to the agreement
to throw the games in one-two-three
order or in any way they wanted"
He had gone to see Arnold Roth
stein, race track speculator, in New
York, Burns testified, and Rothstein
had agreed to pay 100000 to the
players to throw the games. too.
Burns further testified that he made
the offer to the players to throw" the
1919 Worlds Series in Cincinnati. and
had been backed by Abe Attell, of New
York, and a man named Bennett, who
was Arnold Rothstein's confidential lieu
tenant. According TO the testimony of
Burns, Bennett declared that Rothstein
was a walking bank"
As he took the stand 1t was noticed
that Burns had grown quite bald since
he pitched for the White Sox in 1919.
The moment he was sworn Assistant
States Attorney German announced that
all eleven indictments against Burns had
been nol-prossed.
The defense Immediately objected on
the ground that they wanted to talk to
Burns before he gave any evidence, as
sorting that on Sunday when Burns and
Joe Gedeon were interviewed in the
States Attorneys office. both men told
him the States Attorney had instructed
them not to talk.
Judge Friend then turned to Burns
and asked him IL ne wanted to talk to
the attorneys. mo, l don't want to-"
Direct Examination Begins.
Attorney Thomas Nash. for the de-
fence, said Burns should realize that
anything he said on the witness stand
could be used against him In any of the
States in which he said details of the
alleged conspiracy took place. Judge
Friend ruled that Burns could testify,
and the jury was recalled and the direct
examination began.
Burns in brief. testified that his first
professional baseball was played In 1906
with Los Angeles. After two years there
he went to Washington for one year and
then to the White Sox for a year, Gin
cinnati year, Philadelphia a year, De-
troit three months, Minneapolis two
years, Louisville two months, Los
Angeles three months and Oakland two
and a half years, which ended his play
ing years. Since then he has been min
ing and now is In the oil business In
Texas.
In August. 1919" said Burns, .I
made trip East from Texas and visited
Cincinnati. Chicago and New York. 4
met some OF the White Sox players at a
hotel in New York, and about September
16 to II talked with Cicotte."
At this point Burns was asked to
point out Cicotte. and the two men stood
UP in the court room, facing each other.
Both shifted their eyes quickly and sat
down.
What did he say?" asked Attorney
German.
The defence objected to the character
of the testimony, and a long wrangle
ensued. The State commended that the
testimony was admissible as 1t would
demonstrate that several of the White
Sex already had prepared a scheme TO
throw" the worlds series. The court
finally ruled that Burns could relate the
testimony as regarded Cfcotte but not
the other defendants.
Burns then continued his story under
the questioning OF Assistant State At
torney German.
Q. Did you sec any one in New York?
A met Abe Attell and Bennett. Hal
Chase introduced me to Bennett Chase
IL ball player ! had known him In
baseball for fourteen years.
q. On this accession, when you were
in the Ansonia Hotel did you, Cicotte,
Gandil and Maharg have a talk? A.
Yes.
Q. After you had this talk whom did
you and Maharg 90 to see? A. Roth
stein.
Q. Where did you see him? A. At the
race track, the Aqueduct, I'm the suburbs
of New York.
% What Is Rothstein's business7 A.
He handled the club house betting.
@. Directing your attention to this
tMr. German produced a photography.
Is this a picture of Mr.. Rothstein you
went TO see? A. Yes. sir.
@. Did YOU find Mr.. Rothstein at the
race track7 a. No; met him later in
the grill room at the Aston Hotel.
@. Who was present when you met
Rothstein? A. Maharg.
Talks with Rothstein.
O. Did you. Maharg and Rothstein
have talk7 A. Yes, sir.
@. After your talk with Rothstein in