New-York tribune., 1922-10-27
Shearn Makes Clear That
Big Idea Was Easy Cash
for Good Tammanyites;
Lynch Gets a Crilling
Inspector Henry's
Wife Beneficiary
Had Permit on ssCream''
Line While He Was Sus-
pended Without Salary

The Transit Commissions investi-
cation OF the operation of the Hylan-
Whalen busses developed further
proof yesterday that the big idea of
the controlling powers is to exploit
the system for the benefit of Tammany
proteges.
Clarence j. Shearn, counsel for the
commission, grilled Thomas F. Lynch,
former brewery collector, with the
result that it became increasingly
clear that political pull was para
mount at every stage of the game.
Lynch had difficulty in remembering
the simplest outstanding fact with any
degree Of defniteness. He is the col
lector for three buses, ostensibly his
own, and three financed by John A.
Mccarthy, Charles F. Murphy's busi-
ness associate.
Kept No Books
: Although Lynch was doing busi-
ness SO profitable that he could pay off
three busses he swore that he kept no
books. He produced a check book with
the stubs and checks numbered from
200 upward and when Mr.. Shearn
asked him why he didn't bring the
record of earlier ones he couldn't tell
whether he had ever had any other
check book.
Dominick Henry, police inspector,
while under suspen ion two years ago
did not have to worry about subsis-
tence because Commissioner Whalen
gave his wife, Mary C. Henry, permit
TO run bus in Eighty-sixth Street
that cleaned up a tidy profit on the
cream" line. The inspectors memory
was bit uncertain until Mr.. Shearn
sugge sted that it would be better for
him to remember outstanding details
and avoid bringing Mrs. Henry down
to the inquiry.
Frederick A. Grein, of Englewood,
N. j., young insurance broker, who
split his commission $3.50 with
Sinnott g. Canty, the insurance brok-
ers who fourished from the inception
of their in urance adventure last July,
had bad hour on the stand. James
Paul Sinnott, of the firm, is a son of
James p. Sinnott, Commissioner of the
Board of Water Supply. and brother
of John P. Sinnott, son-in-law and sec
retary Of Mayor Hylan. Grein had
visited the Office Of lawyer for the
Sinnott & Canty firm and had pre-
pared lengthy affidavit covering what
he wished to say. Mr.. Shearn took
time to read it through and then dis
regarded it's contents, insisting upon
answers in detail with reference to the
split on business that did not call for,
any division.
For Political Favorites
Following the testimony of Inspector
Henry, Mr.. Shearn said:
"Mr. Henry's testimony illustrates
the points that have been trying to
make of the use that is made of these
lines. They are available as berth
for a police inspector indicted and
under suspension--available for politt-
cal favors. The whole thing is mat
ter of favoritism."
Lynch was the first witness. He said
he had been in various businesses, but
that his last occupation, before becom-
ing q bus proprietor, was that Of
collector for a brewery, and before
that he was an excise Inspector.
Whenever Mr.. Shearn. whose manner
is brisk, raised his voice and shot the
questions rapidly Lynch tried his best
to keep abreast, thus;
Q.-When you became a brewery COL
lector what did you do? A.-Various
things.
Q.e-Cant vou specify particularly?
A.-Collected for G. H. Evans Sons,
brewers.
Q.--But when you were not brew
cry cvtiestcr what were you doing?
Al collected rents Cor father-in-
law of mine.
Q.-What else did you do besides
collect rents and collect for brewery?
Al don't know. / might have done
anything to make little money.
Q.-How long before you went into
the bus business did you cease being
a brewery collector? Al don't just
know now.
Q.-Was it matter of some months
A.-Possibly; yes.
Q.--What were you doing in the
meantime? Al was studying the bus
business.
Q.-After you completed your course
of studies in the bus business you came
into contact with Mr.. John A. McCar-
thy, didn't you? A.-Yes, sir.
With the hac'ing of Mr.. Mccarthy
CONTINUED on pase sx)