The New York herald. [volume] (New York, N.Y.) 1920-1924, 1922-04-01

PROMOTER WILL TESTIFY

Two agents of the Children's So
ciety have been suspended as result
Of their activities in the Richard case,
1t became known yesterday.
Following the leakage OF this in
formation two different versions OF a
meeting in the back room of an
Eighth avenue saloon between Tex
Richard and four agents of the So
ciety at which $4,000 was promi-
nently mentioned. were given out by
Ferdinand Pecora, Assistant District
Attorney. and Max ID. Steuer, counsel
for the fight promoter.
That this meeting took place Mr..
Pecora and Mr.. Steuar agree; it is upon
me reason for the meeting and the mo-
uves or the principals concerned that
the disagreement is based
Mr.. Pecora said Yesterday that his
inquiry had left him with the belief
that the meeting was designed by Rick
srds friends to create the Impression al
the trial that the accused man was the
victim OF an attempt at extortion.
To my mind the whole thing Is a
deliberate plant devised for the purpose
or furnishing red herring to be drawn
Scross the trail of the real issue a. the
trial. Mr.. Richards prosecutor said
Mr.. Steuer in his statement made
plain that the acquittal OF Richard on
the charge of impairing the morals OF a
young girl did not mean the end ef the
matter as far As his client was con-
cerned. He insisted that the plant
and the $4,000 needed airing.
I'm satisfied that the Childrel's So
ciety VIII have housekeeping he
said. IF 1t doesn't it isn't becs,.se ii
DOESN'T need ii. This society receives the
support. and deservedly so, of the best
PEOPLE In our community. The so,,ety's
purposes and aims are OF the very
loftiest."
In his statement Mr.. Pecora said thar
the meeting on February 81 first came
to his attention on March %, the thirI
day of Richards trial. when n TYNE
written statement OF William Kelleher.
special agent of the Chfldren's Society,
reached him. in this Kelleher said that
the meeting. attended by himself.
Richard j. Curran and Daniel j. sup
plaAof the society, was held in The bac /,
-Sssr+ OF 2 saloon at Forty fifth street
and Eighth avenue. Kelleher stated tina :
when he entered The room he met a.
man named Lcary, who went sevara /
times 10 the telephone. After three
hours wait man introduced by Leary
as Richard came in.
According to Kelleher's statement
Supple then introduced him to Richard
as his Chief" Curran left on seeing
Richard. saying This is no place for
me- Then. it is alleged. Supple said %
Richard, "Riclard, you're guilty. and
you need the society agents as much ss
q baby needs his mother
Mr.. Pecora said that. according 10
kelleher. Supple offered for $4,000 70
get the girls who were witnesses against
1the promoter 10 change their stor;es
helleher then intcrposed and told Rick
ard not to entertain such an agreement
~ he SAYS supple suggested. because
none OF tho agents could do anything
for him Then Rickard declared that
lie was not going to pa any one money
because he was innocent and left the
saloon.
Mr.. Stcuer said
'R'ckard Is willing and anxious -
testify at any time. lie has been watt
ing for the District Attorney to -.
After reasonable time has expired. n
the District Attorney has not acte i
Richard will act. IT won't do at all -
bcfog the issue By talkiag about rod
herrings.'