New Britain herald., 1929-02-09

wicx as to what sort of m investi-
 gation tho commissioners made, Chairman Bannan said they asked Ia number of people about the icharges and in that way tried to ob-
 tain some authentic information.
 He said he asked 20 or 25 but he
 could not recall . name. He asked
 permission to ask . question of At
 torney Menkiewicz, but the latter
 told him he could not interrogate
 him. Finally. Judge Dickenson re-
 marked that the police commission
 vas not on trial and the questioning
 about the investigation was ended. Why Hart Was Pron,oted
 Attorney David L. Dunn. former
 chairman of the board of police
 commissioners, was asked by Judge
 Mangan to state the reasons Chief
 Hart was promoted from . sergean-
 cy. the witness havins been at the
 head of the department when the change was made in 1922. Attorney
 Dunn answered that Chief Hart's | ability as witness was outstanding and his aggressiveness in the appre-
 hension of liquor law violators was all important consideration in .decid- ing on him for the position.
 As to the chiefs reputation. At torney Dunn said 1t was "the very finest" prior to the alleged islander, but it had suffered since then. in his opinion. Asked whether or not he knew anything about alleged boot legging activities in New Britain. he replied negatively. and Attorney Monkiewicz asked him if he was Interested in the outcome of the case and he replied affirmatively, adding that his name had been brought in- to it and he was concerned to that extent.
 You are not interested sufficient ly to testify to anything that is not so?" Judge Mangan asked and At- torney, Dunn replied negatively.
 Attofney Casale inquired of At- torney Dunn whether or not he had called on him relative to . retrac- ton from Gardiner. and the witness said 8 number of persons who had beeni mentioned by Gardiner had asked him to look after their inter- ests and he called on Attorney Ca- sale relative to a retraction.
 Did I tell you that l would be glad to do anything I could in the matter?" Attorney Casale pursuted.
 "As I recall it. you promised to take the matter up with Gardiner Attorney Dunn answered.
 Newspaper Man on Stand
 Judge Mangan called J. W. Roche of the New Britain Herald to the stand and showed him a news- paper containing a story relating to the alleged violation of the alien immigration law. The reporter ad- mitted having written it and Judge Mangan asked him if Chief Hart gave him the information. The an- swer was negative. (Chief Hart had previously denied having furnished the information and stated that the reporter picked up" the informa- ton at headquarters, also that In- spector Clark of the federal labor l had given him some of iD.
 Cross examined by Attorney Ca sale, Roche said Chief Hart was present at police headquarters when Clark furnished the information. Asked if he had known prior to yes- terday that Clark had denied fin that he had given out the story" the reporter replied that he had no knowledge that Clark had made the denial.
 Earlier in the trial, Judge Man. gan offered no objection to allow ing another newspaper article to be as an exhibit for Gardi- ner. after asking the same reporter or not Chief Hart had told him Gardiner was crazy" Tho thief had declared on the stand that f the reporter would say the state- nent had been made. he would per- nit it to stand, and when Judge Mangan whispered the question to he reporter, the latter replied af- 
 Mrs. Hart SOhs As Witness
 Mrs. Anna Hart. wife of Chief Hart. testified that she knew noth- ng whatever about the bootlegging activities referred to. Asked if the 'lleged islander had any affect on Ter. husband. she replied affirma- lively and although it was plainly 'vident that she was making a 'rave fight to keep back the tears, he broke down and sobbed as she ried to answer. Judge Dickenson t once ordered a recess and Chief iart and Mrs. Rose McAvay. wife # Sergeant P. A. McAvay. hurried 0 her side and comforted her.
 After several minutes wait. dur l, ng which Mrs. Hart regained her omposure in the court room, she ] esumed her testimony. The chief, he said. lost weight and appeared