Great Falls tribune., 1922-04-23

Didn't Query Involved Officials
Statements BY Macdonald thatssal
special investigator in the prison prob,
and one of the attorneys for the state
IN the prosecution OF the states case
against Conley. he did not interrogate
members of the former boards of pris-
on commissioners as to the authorizing
of certain deals with Conley because
he did not feel he could in substance
ask them if they were parties to a
criminal deal. was another feature of
Saturdays hearing of the case.
Macdonald was on the stand most
of the forenoon and was questioned at
great length by Colonel Nolan. counsel
for the defense. At times the exam
ination developed into an argument be-
tween witness and counsel on the points
sought to be brought out by one or
the other.
Regarding q memorandum book re-
ferred to by witness. he testified that
he commenced its preparation shortly
after going to Deer Lodge to begin the
investigation.
Promptly Jotted Coniey Talks
He was asked if he had improyised
any of the entries or if there were
any entries not based upon facts but
put into the book as the result of con-
ferences with the governor or by let
ters received. which were not based
upon facts. He replied that he did not
recall any. that there were some mat
ters told him bv the governor but he
did not remember having made en-
tries regarding them.
When did you make the notes of the
conversation with Mr.. Conley:' he was
asked.
Immediately after the conyersa-
replied the witness.
You had no trouble in eliciting
information from him.
"Oh. no. replied the witness. He
answered very readily
Referring to the word ''house" used
in the notes of this conversation coun-
sci asked if this word in quotation
marks had any relation to the attempt
of the state to have the requisition
slips charged to house identified and
admitted as evidence. Witness replied
that it had not.
Curious Over Lobster Authority
Witness said the conversation re-
lated to the use of mushrooms and
lobster obtained by Conley. that Con-
ley brought up the question himself
and said he got this class of supplies
about once a year and had them taken
to the house. because he did not dare
leave them in the store. as the men
would steal them and they also would
)e damaged by evaporation.
When asked if he had seen former
Governor Norris. or former Governor
Stewart to ascertain what had been
\ r.
Lodge Or Warm Springs, Macdonald
replied that he had not done so, but
hat he had merely gone by the rec
)rds.
Asked if he had seen members of
he boards of prison commissioners to
earn If they had authorized an ar
as to the furnishing of hay
or Conley's cows and horses or the
furnishing of swill to feed the pigs
which the state afterwards bought,
witness replied:
mo. / did not ask them il they
we're parties to a criminal DEAL
Brings In Dixon Rent Case
"you were frequently in Great
sails. did yon see Governor Norris
bout any of these mattersa"
Il did not see Governor Norris |
rom the time / started the investi-
.ation until after | finished my re- !
'ort. I am not likely to ask Gov
rnor Norris if he had any hand in a
natter of criminal nature
"Well." inquired Colonel Nolan, did
.ou ever go to Governor Dixon and
ind out about the governor renting
ooms to the state and then passing
pon the bill. himself!'
mo. did not
tgent.aued on rass TeaA = !