The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-05-04

l foile made 8 special study of muni- cipal law, and specialized in all branches of it. He recalled particu- larly the Platts Mills case, which he "covered" as a special reporter Tor a local paper.
 This line of testimony was allowed by Judge Inglis over the objections of Special Prosecutor Alcorn, when Attorney Murray declared that he desired to show the qualities of the witness as 8 municipal lawyer, III view of the services rendered by him to the city of Waterbury.
 Thirty-eight years as 8 practicing lawyer, the witness stated that he was well acquainted with Water- bury's late city engineer, Robert A. Cairns, and that he was well ac- uuainted with the engineering dit1- culties of the city
 Shepaug Project
 His services to the city, he said, in addition to involving legal duties, also pertained to services perform able by him because of his ac- ouaintance with the engineering de- partment. Principal reference was made to the Shepaug reservoir sys- tenn of the city of Waterbury, which Guilfoile says is "very great pro- ject."
 In the opinion of former Mayor Guilfoile, the city of Waterbury has more litigation than New Haven and Bridgeport, because this city has more activities. He pointed out that neither of the other cities operate their own water supplies.
 DO the duties of the corporation counsel occupy all his time and att tention?" asked Murray.
 "rIe can't do it all," replied the witness briefly.
 "Then it becomes necessary to hire additional help and assistaace?" queried the defense lawyer.
 "It has been ever since I was ac- ouainted with it," replied the for- 11er corporation counsel.
 At times Mir. Guilfoile rambled at length on questions asked by MT. Murray, who finally requested that he be Specific" in order to "close the examinati ation as soon as possible" '"
 Asked to give . detailed accou.it of the work he had done for the city particularly with reference to 1887 when he received the $6,000 check referred to, the witness said that in addition to working on the charter index he made study of legisla- ton relative to the city, the develop- ment of the merit system, and ap- peared in court during an election contest.
 The index of the charter was mot an inconsequential part of his ser. vice." to the city. the witness averred. No "Kick- Backs"
 With effect forcefulness, the wit- ness stated that he retained every cent of the money he received from the city and did not split with any, one.
 Mayor Hayes was present with Corporation Counsel O'Connor at many conferences pertaining to the work to be done by ouilfoile, the witness said.
 He said that for many years he had been engaged in Q study of what was known as the 1.-two per cent case," involving taxation of the yearly earnings of 6 former Water- bury street railway system, operat- ed by the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad.
 The litigation was compromised during the term of Mayor Martin Scully, he said.
 Former Mayor Guilfoile dwelt to a considerable extent on the merits of the 6hepaug reservoir system, owned by the city, which he termed vital to the Naugatuck valley"
 Leading industrialists took active part in the arrangements and study of the plan to construct the system, he said, and ct the present time c permanent commission is in opera ton to maintain 1t. Guilfoile was chairman of the commission for some time.
 Although the cost was somewhat lower, the Hhepang Is worth ct least nine or ten millions of dollars, he said, and many offers have been made to purchase it from the city.
 it could Do sold today" he said, "But it would leave our people victims to private industry" Under examination by Ate torney John H. Cassidy, 0uilfoile said that he never had any sus- plciofs of any conspiracy in Water. bufy--despite kis intimacy with city affajrs. iie said that he certainly never took part in any conspiracy Co defraud tho city.
 The payments he received were fair and iustihed. for services rens dsFsd and performed. he said.
 Under redirect examination by the states attorney, he said that the mayor has sufficient control Of the eontfbtler's office.
 fis could only recall that he rec reiysd tti 000 from the city in 1888, although Ale0In sought 10 remind him of sums amounting ig tl7Dpo ife wQllId not dispute records, hove eyss. hs aald, if thsy showed q aIs'