Evening star., 1925-01-29

Hurley, Tacoma, Wash, contractor,
sought to bring the Hurley Mason
Construction Co. of Tacoma, into the
alleged corrupt ring. The plan then
developed, according to the Govern
ment's presentation, that at a series
of meetings in various cities during
the Summer of 1922 a detailed agree
ment was reached for the division of
the entire nationwide program of
veterans hospital construction, in
volving, with appropriations for sites,
some $17,000,000.
Under the plan set forth by the
prosecution, each man had a definite
part to play in the execution of the
conspiracy. Forbes was to favor the
plot with official influence, Mortimer
as confidential 1iaison agent and in
formal master of ceremonies in sub
terfuge negotiations between the
bureau and the favored contractors.
Between them Mortimer and Forbes
were to divide equally 35 per cent
of the contractors profits, which
were to run in the neighborhood of
10 per cent of cost.
"Wrecked on Rocks of Greed.-
Specifically, the Government charg-
ed that as a detail in the execution
of the conspiracy Thompson and
Blacks Pontiac Construction Co. of
Detroit was awarded, on July %,
1922, the S160,000 contract for the
Northampton (Mass) -psychi-
atric hospital on bid higher in
money but lower in time than the
lowest bid. Before other awards
could be made, the Government con-
tended, the conspiracy was wreck ed
upon the rocks of an Unsuitable greed
among the conspirators."-
After calling more than 40 wit
nesses, defense counsel claimed in
their closing argument that every
detailed charge of the prosecution
had been refuted. They argued that
the entire case of the Government
was based upon the uncorroborated
testimony of Mortimer, a paid Gov
ernment informer, and that every
allegation was by that fact alone put
beyond the pale of credibility
Voluminous documentary evidence
was offered in support of the conten-
tion that Forbes at all times was
motivated solely by the best interests
of the disabled veterans.
Defense Offered Minutes.
Official minutes of the Federal
Board of disqualification were offered
Ito show that every hospital site
was, in fact selected by Col. Forbes
upon or after the majority recon-
mendation of the board. and that nc
site was approved by Forbes until II
had been previously approved by the
board and by the President of the
United States"
Neither defendant was called to the
witness stand.
Two of the most important defense
witnesses, counsel for Forbes told the
jury, were DIR. and Mrs. George B.
Tullidge of Philadelphia, parents OF
Mrs. Mortimer.
wife's Parents Testify.
Asked prior to his appearance be-
fore the Senate committee why he
was so bitter toward Forbes, Morti
mer, according to the Tullidge testi-
mony, replied:
Because he could have made me a
rich man by giving me hospital con-
tracts and he wouldn't do it,"
The parents also testified Mortimer
had threatened to get" Forbes If he
had to swear his soul to hell" and
that unless Mrs. Mortimer appeared
before the Senate committe to cor
roborate his story he would drag her
down in the mire."
Mortimer testified in the present
case that Forbes had won Mrs. Morti-
mer's affection, and that they had
lived together in numerous Eastern
cities