New-York tribune., 1921-01-01
Travis'sRequest
To See Minutes
OF fJuryHeldUp
Judge Mcintyre Suspends
Argument and 1nstructs
Counsel for Comptroller
and Wendell to File Briefs
Two Weeks Is Time Limit
Affidavit of Retiring State
Official Demands Speedy
Vindication of Charges

Judge John F. Mcintyre, in Genera
Sessions yesterday, suspended argu-
ment Of the motion made by Max D
Steuer and John B. Stanchfeld for per
mission to inspect the minutes Of the
October additional grand jury, which
on Wednesday, indicted State Comp
troler Eugene W. Travis and Comp
troller-elect James A. Wendell. Coun-
sci we're instructed to submit briefs
within two weeks.
Travis and Wendell were indicted
Jointly with Albert L. Judson. a broker
charged with fraudulent auditing of
state accounts and with grand larceny
in the first degree. Judson. however,
was not represented in court yes
terGay.
The argument made by Steuer, who
represents Travis, was that much Of
the testimony given at the John Doe
inquiry before Justice Kernochan was
'mmateral and incompetent and that
in the famous "moral obligation sale
Travis saved the people of the stat
sS8,1o9, instead of paying $1o0,65o in
excess Of the value OF the bonds. The
securities were purchased for $2,ol3,-
600 through Judson from Fanshawe
& Company
Travis's Affidavit Read
Steuer then read extracts from an
affidavit submitted by Travis. in whicN
the latter declares that he is absolute
~ innocent of all the charges against
him.
II am absolutely innocent Of each
and all of these charges" reads
Travs's affidavit. II never converted
dollar Of the money Of the State OF
New York nor the sums mentioned in
the respective indictments, nor any
part thereof, at the times mentioned
in the Indictment or at any other time
otherwise, a dollar of the states
money unlawfully; neither the sums
mentioned in the respective indict-
ments nor any part thereof at the
times mentioned in the indictments
nor at any other time.
II have been a Senator of the State
of New York six years and Comptrol er
Of the State Of New York six years. My
term of Office is about TO close. I have
always borne up to this time spotless
reputation. This indictment was mat
ter of great grief to me and the mem
hcrs of my family.
Wants Speedy Vindication
Il have directed my counsel to take
steps immediately to rid me Of this
blot upon m rcputa ton. | wish these
minutes to be obtained al the earliest
possible moment in order that il might
be conclusivcly demonstrated thereon
ana therefrom that there was no evj-
dence before the grand jury that re-
nected on my conduct as q servant of
the state.
81 am row at large and on bail in the
sum OF $4,000, and that, too, wish re-
moved, not because it is hard shin
upon me to furnish it,, nut because it
IS reflection upon my integrity. There
mas been very much publicity given to
lncse proceedings and to the indict-
ments IN which they resulted. and am
desirous Of obtaining my speedy yindi.
cation" ''""'-
Mr. stanchfeld, in making his argu-
ment in behalf Of Comptroller Wcndell
SAID that in no place in the testimon1
before Justice Kernochan was there
any accusation that his client had
token any part in the purchase of the
pohas' and added that Wendell had
oee;l exonerated when Justice Ker
nochan refused to hold him for action
by the grand jury. Wv"
&, assistant District Attorneys Robert
): Johnston and Ferdinand Pecora
argued against the granting Of tho n,o'
ton. Mr.. Pecora held that the testi-
mony given at the John Doe inon;rv
amply justified the grand Jury in tax
ing, thc action it did. He also nrrad
yudse McIntyre not to be swayed bv
uhe 1act that the two defendants wcre
men OF pubic prominence.