The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-04-14

Democrats.
 He referred to many deals which had been transacted, especially in the 1885 assembly when the senate consisted of IS Republicans and three Socialists and IT Democrats.
 110 Ballots
 Mackenzie pointed out that Re- publican officials were elected after 110 ballots.
 He admitted that the Republicans were strong, but added, You couldn't figure the socialists only on some things"
 Asked If the Socialists played poli- tics. he replied, smiling, "Yes."
 Until mention was made of it by Williamson in testimony, he had never heard of a strike Bill" the witness said. T didn't know what he was talking about" he said.
 Williamson said such a bill was introduced to embarrass city admin istrations.
 The Bridgeport Ripper Bill" of 1929 was brought into the picture by Peck when he asked the witness If he had ever heard of 1t.
 Mackenzie said that he recalled it and that it centralized" the gov ernment at Bridgeport. He admitted that the Democrats, who were in control at Bridgeport at the time, were opposed to the bill.
 It was also admitted by Macken- zie that after Jasper McLevy became mayor, and in 1885, when the Social ists had the balance of power, sev- eral changes were made to the Bridgeport charter.
 Mackenzie consistently claimed that lobbying consisted of seeking committees outside of hearings. He considered lobbying Legitimate, he said and knows many people who have been paid for lobbying.
 New legislation, requiring lobby ists to register with secretary of state is recognition of the legitim- acy of lobbying" he said.
 The witness said that the act was recommended by the judiciary com- mittee of which Assistant Special Prosecutors Alcorn and Mitchell were members.
 Legally o. K.
 Mackenzie said that he considers lobbying Morally and legally ok" He added that the fact that Hayes and Leary were Democrats meant nothing to him as a lobbyist.
 At one point during the cross examination of Mackenzie by Peck, he was asked how many bills Wa terbury wanted killed, and his re- ply was mot many"
 How about the bill concerning the Waterbury financial set up," he was asked.
 Alcorn interrupted, Are you re- ferring to the deficit bill?"
 Peck replied, 'The witness under stands what mean, MT. Alcorn."
 T just wanted to be sure you know what you are talking about" rejoined Alcorn.
 That's very kind of you," Peck said with yelled sarcasm.
 Mackenzie said that he did not know what the mayors reaction was to the amendment to the strong mayor charter, but could not under stand why the mayor would object to it.
 No Recognition
 Attorney Benjamin Slade asked his clients, William Murray, John Meaney and George Kingsley to stand up.
 Mackenzie said he knew none of them and added that he had never conspired with them.
 Did you ever enter any conspir- acy?" Shade asked.
 Not that know of." was the an- swer.
 Did you believe that up 70 the time you pleaded guilty?"
 T believe I'did wrong he said.
 What wrong?" pressed Slade.
 T believe did wrong when we took only half of the money we signed for. .. I did not knowingly cheat or conspire to cheat any one.
 Attorney Thomas F. McDonough brought from the witness that he does not know Thomas P. Kelly and that he does know only four of the defendants.
 Attorney Sidney s. Cassel asked, Which four?"
 Mackenzie named Hayes, Leary, Olsen and O'Conrer, Then Attorney John H. Cassidy asked if he had ever entered into agreement with O'Conner. The reply was No"