The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-08-16

AAtC NUHtLOuCT, WuUoC tACtuIy HI contest for City Controller "touch- ed off the spark that caused a
 legal cOnflagrati0n. Rowland boiled B votes more than Controller Daniel J. Leary, to suc- ceed him in office.
 When Rowland, who died July "A, 1889, took office in January, 1888, he discovered a situation of missing records, which motivated him to complain to authorities, and thus provide the groundwork for probe by grand jury.
 The grand jury informed against 27 men for alleged conspiracy to de- fraud the city of more than mill lion dollars, and implicated five others on charges of corruption in tha legislature.
 Developments since May 19, 1888 have been predicted on the report of the grand jury. The trial of the conspiracy case, which first involved 26 men, continued almost nine months, opening November 29, 1888. Date by date, the history of the conspiracy investigation and trial IS as follows: October 5 - Sherwood L Rowland elected controller, defeating Dan- Tel J. Leary by B votes. Mayor Hayes returned to office by mar gin of 55 votes over Senator George T. Culhane, fusion run- ming -inate of Rowland.
 1888
 January -3- Mayor Hayes and Controller Rowland, together with remainder of officers, in- augurated with impressive cere- mony.
 January 5 Controller Rowland announces mysterious disap- pearance of two warrant books from office.
 January Controller Rowland makes demand for complete audit of records of his prede- cessor, Daniel Leary. January 1T - States Attorney Law renee L. Lewis and staff enter probe. Call for audit of city's books by Griffenhagen & As- a sociates.
 February 4-State's Attorney Lewis recommends continuation of city probe with grand jury. Dis qualities self and staff. Judge Frank P. McEvoy disqualifies self.
 February 1 - Judge Ernest A. In- glis assigned to Waterbury. Ap- points Hugh M. Alcorn special prosecutor; Hugh M. Alcorn, Jr., and Harold E. Mitchell, special assistant prosecutors. Procedure requires exactly three minutes. February 5 - Special Prosecutor AL corn leaves Hartford on vacation cruise with Chief Justice Will liam Maltbie of supreme court of errors.
 February 6 - Vaults of controllers ofice cleaned out by Hickey and George Greer, an assistant. Taken to Hartford.
 February 10 - High Sheriff J. Ed ward Slavin appoints Hickey and Greer special deputies to expedite probe, at request of Judge Inglis.
 February IS - Collector of Internal Revenue Thomas s. Smith an- nounces intent of his depart ment to enter probe. February l9 - Attachments made in connection with $6o0,000 civil ac- tion of Citizens Good Govern ment Association against Daniel J. Leary.
 February 25 - Special Prosecutor Alcorn returns from cruise and makes first visit to Waterbury in connection with probe. March Judge Inglis appoints grand jury to probe Water bury. High Sheriff 5lavin serves Slimmonses.
 March 8--Grand jury actually starts investigation after lengthy charge by Judge Inglis. Ef- forts of Leary to halt probe prove futile. Sherwood L Rowland first witness. May = Mayor Frank Hayes and Alderman Thomas P. Kelly call- as jury witnesses. Dan Leary joins Its of missing witnesses. May is - Grand jury issues report. Calls for arrest of 27 here and Ave fin Hartford. Bench war rant issued
 May % -~ Daniel ]. Leary surenders. pests s25.0 GOO bond Mayor Hayes and others post bonds.