The New York herald., 1921-01-22


some deliberation Mr.. Robertson replied
"I think they are
BIanket Indictment Found.
While this trial was in progress the
Extraordinary Housing Grand Jury, 10
which Kenneth NJ Spence and Samuel
A. Berger. special prosecutors arc sub
hitting evidence relating TO matters
| gone into by the Lockwood committee,
filed a blanket indictment. Although
its text was not made public. 1t is un
derstood to contain the names of tho
members Of one of the plumbing con
tractors rings organized by John I.
Hett-.ok. and to charge violation of the
State antitrust laws. 1t was said that
the defendants had been notified through
their counsel to appear Monday for
pleading.
The testimony OF Mr.. Robertson was
introduced over the objection Of Martin
W. Littleton. the labor czar's chief coun-
sci, who protested that 1t had no direct
bearing upon the charge on which his
client is being tried. 1t was admitted,
however under the ruling which JUS
/ tjce McAvoy has been making regard
ing all of the evidence relating to Brin-
delrs alleged extortion system.
Mr.. Unterrnyer asked IL Brindell had
suggested that II would be advantageous
to him TO have strike insurance" Here
the examination hit a snag, for the wit
ness couldn't remember.
A series of questions elected the in
/ formation that there had been some talk
about strike insurance" and finally the
statement by Mr.. Robertson, II think
the term was first used by Brindell."
The story OF his meeting with Brindell
at the Fifth Avenue branch OF the Guar
anty Trust Company then was unfolded
81 asked Brlndell's help TO get out OF
labor troubles" Mr.. Robertson said. II
asked him how much he thought his
help was worth and he said. $4,000. :.
IL was then that he furnished his ex-
PLANTATION about Brindell's great strength.
Question of convenience"
/ He then stated that Brindeli had re-
uuested that he pay $4,000 to him in
cash at once and the balance of the
$4,000 at his convenience" This
caused a reference to the Lockwood
committee testimony. and Mr. Robertson
was asked to read aloud from the record
balance was 20 be paid Brindell upon
request rather than upon "conven-
ience."
Mr.. Untermyer picked upon the Lock
wood record and read another part bear
ing upon this same point which said
HE asked for $4,000 Immediately and
the balance on request"
you forgot TO read that just now.
didn't your" he said TO the witness. Mr.
I 4 .f.4 nj
ruled out.
When he had related the story Of the
payment Of forty $500 bills TO Brindell
as the first instalment OF the $50 900,
Justice McAvoy announced an adjourn
ment until Monday.
Before the calling Of Mr.. Robertson to
the witness stand Albert A. vollS. one OF
the housewreckng contractors who has
testified to wholesale extortion by Brin-
dell. was cross-examined by Mr.. Little
ton. From the general trend OF the
questions II appeared that Mr.. Jittieton
was desirous OF showing that Brindoll's
transactions with volk were legitimate
business deals. He asked Vollu II the
defendant had not suggested going into
partnership with him. or tho formation
OF n company voik said that Robert =.
Brindell had never made such sugges-
tion, but that his brother, Matthew
Brindeli, had asked to be taken into his
wreching firm.
Under cross-eNamination Volk stated
that one OF his presents TO Brindell had
consisted OF smoked tongue. Az one
time Brindell ate a full meal In his pres
ence and did not invite him 70 Join.
On another occasion Brindell presented
a sandwich 10 him.
was Il ham sandwich" Mr. Little
/ ton asked