New Britain Herald Newspaper, January 20, 1925, Page 1

No Chances Being Tak- Will Be Returned To lanta; Ga. Spends Restless Night and Complaing of Xlness— Quiet Removal to Block Any Attemptéd Rescue. | — Indianapolly, Jan, 20.—Gerald Chapman, credited with being the leader in some of the most spectacu- + lar robberies of recent times, and %o elusive that he escaped once from the federal prison at Atlanta, Ga, and again from a hospital at Athens, Ga., was guarded closely in the Marlon county jafl hers today, pend- ing the arrival of deputy wardens who are expected to return him o Atlanta. Chapman was amlted Bunday at Muncle, Ind,, by Muncie authorities and Ammefiately brought to th's eity in ordet: that he might be more safely imprisoned. Federal Men to Get Him Federal authorities planned to place Chapman in the custody of the deputy wardens from Atlanta with- out formality. It was sald they ah- tigipated no interference from a de- tective en route from Hartford, Conn,; fo obtain custody of the prisoner for trial on an indictment charging him with the murder of James Skelly, a police ocer in New Britain on October 12, 1924, It is the plan of federal officlals y to return Chapman'to the Atlanta prison from which he escaped a few montls after he was sentenced to serve 25 years in connection with the $2,400,000 mail trick robbery in New York city, October 24, 1921, 3‘ Ahe. jail Chapman spent a reste less night. He complained of ill« ness, but refused medioal attention. He was confifned In | an inner cell with five steel doors between him and the outer exit of the fall. The number of deputies on guard was| tnereased from three to seven, United States Marshal Linfus P. | Meredith indicated ‘that Chapman's removal “from this city would be made ds quietly 88 possible to avold any {interferénce by accomplices, who might attempt to effect his re-| lease, . ‘Wardens Leave For Indiana Atlanfa, Jan. 20.—Twop deputy wardens from the Atlanta federal penitentiary were on thelr‘way to Indianapolis, to return Gerwld Chap- man to the prison from which he es- caped March 27, 1923, while serving a 25 year sentence, They probably will reach 'Atlanta on the return trip Thursday. ' Alcorn Still Optimistic ' Hartford, Jan, 20~State’s At- torney, Hugh M. Alcorn said today: " “I have every reason to expect Sthe fullest cooperation from the at- +“torney general and the department of justice In my efforts to obtain the return of Gerald Chapman to this state for trlal for mugder in the first degree. 3 “1 feel confident that Chapman will be returned here within a rea- sonable time.” < The extraordinary grand jury as- sembled at 11 o'clock here today to consider the request of Mr. Alforn for an indictment of Chapman, Indictment Returned The grand jury returned a first degree murder indictment ggalnst Chapman at 12:55 p. m. Judge George E. Hinman opened a special session of the superior court at 11:06 this morning and Tormally ordered the sheriff to sum- mon the grand jury. The roll call pf C { the fury which is the extraordinary and jury summoned more than 14 :’omhs ago for consideratfon of the operation of diploma mills in Con- neeticut, disclosed three changes In the persompel. Robinson Cook was substituted for his father, Charles A, Cook. Heywood Whaples was in place of Senator Brigham, who to- » day was in attendance in the géneral assembly. Rebert “A. Boardman servod in place of David N. Case. The other 15 jury men were in their places at roll call, The first witness called today was Dr. Lane of New Britain who per- formied thé autopsy on Skelly's body; Policeman Atwater of New Britain, who was called to establish the jdentification of Chapmah and Po- Heeman Liebler of New Britain Wwhe was with Policeman Skelly in the investigation .of the stort robbery. | Raymond W. Smith, court stenogra- | pher *who is understood to have | taken down Shean's contession of nis parlicipation ‘in the crimeé and nhis aliegations against Chapman as having fit the shot which laid Skelly low one of the witnesses called. On Anderson’s Trail New York, Jan: 20.—New York de- tectives were mearching today for “Duteh” Anderson, accomplice of Gerald Chapman in the $2,400000) mail robbery who escaped {rom the Atlanta penitentiaty shortly alter CHAPMAN NUM OV SHELLY SHOOTING Reluses to- Aduit ‘He Was in New Britain "+ WL NOT DISCUSS CASE| o SRETELS Bandit Knew State of Connecticut and Now Britain Herald Offered Rowards in Connection With Mor~ der of Patrélman October 12, (8pectal to The Herald.) Indlanapolis, Ind, Jan, 20.—Ger- ald Chapman, international crook who is wanted in addition to many crimes for murder of a New Britain, Conn., policeman in/'a daring rob- bery decltnes to discuss the New ‘Britain affair. Chapman was aepprehended by Muncle, Ind., police Sunday and is held in the county jall here pend- ing the arrival of deputy wardens from the federal penitentiary af Atlanta, Ga, Chapmitn known as the count of (Grammercy park, es- caped from the penitentiary where he was serving a twenty-five year sentence as leader in the $2,400,000 robbery of the old New York post oftice, Polite, apparently well “edu-~ cated, suave and considerate even though he knows that he will either spend the remainder of his days in the federal prison or probably be hanged in Connecticut for the mur« der.of the police: officer, Chapman ‘was reticent when questioned about the various crimes he is sald to have committed, “You are given'a great deal of credit for criminal offenses, particu- larly this’New Bfitain affair. What about those?" he was asked, He declined to discuss any -of his escapades but did enter into a con- _ | versation regarding his escape from Atlanta. Speaking again of the New Britain murder and other erimes he i5 alleg- od to have committed he sald “it scems to be customary to hang those things onto me.” » “Where, have you been since you escaped from Atlanta?" he was ark- ed, His'only reply was a negative shake of the head. Declines To Discuss Skelly Case. Chapman refused to admit that he had been'in: New Britain last year and did not even . change counten~ ance when he was told that Walter 2. Shean of Springfield, Mass.; who fls Held in . Hartford, Conn,, in con- nection with the shooting has said he was the man who shot the police officer. Chapmat, it is said, kfiled Policeman Skelly in shooting his way out of a department store where he and ap accomplice were surprised in the act of blowing a safe. “Would you rather go back to Connecticut for trial or serve your term In Atlanta?”’ he was asked. Agaln his reply was only a negative shake of the head. Enew of Reward Offered. “Did you know that the state of Connecticut had offered a reward for | your apprehension and that the New Britain Herald following the murder also offered a $500 reward?” He smiled wearily and nodded his head slightly. It is understoodsthat federal of- ficers are considering splriting Chap- man awey from Indlanapolle as it is feared his accomplices might try to, hold up the train and rescue him. ; AT WIS OFFICE Pufladelphia, Jan, 20.—David Wil- son; treasurer of the Philadelphia & DIE! ’Rflldlng Conl and Iron corporation, dled today In his office work. while at He was 63, l Mother And Daughter Save Four Children In Providence Blaze But Fail To Rescue Two Others | Police Reserves Also Make Vain Effort to Bring Young- |che writer, published a statement at sters to Safety — Father of Family At Work At Time of Tragedy. PBrovidente, R, T, Jan. 20.—Two children perished, their mother was badly burned and four other chil-| dren were saved from dgath by flames by being huried out of a sep- ond story window in a fire hero at 8:30 o'clock this;, morning, Marion Browning, 16, the oldest daughter, discovered the fire in the tenement and awakened her mother. Together they took a #ix months’ old | infant, two other giris, aged four and six, respectively, from their beds and hurled them from' a window thirty | feet to the frozen ground, after find- | ing two stairways enveloped in flames. A 15 year old boy dso as- sisted to the“sash and pushed out The frenzied mother and daughter then attempted to reach the room (Coiitinued on Page Fiven) occupled by George. ten and Waller 13, but were driven back repeatedly FAS SENATOR EDWARDS NAMEDAS LINK IN NEW JERSEY RUM ASSOCIATION SENATOR EDWARDS JUDGHENT OF 527,000 IN ROSENBERG SUTT Court Upholds Claims of Stepsons David and Harry Judgment for $27,000 against Mrs. Samuel Rosenberg, formerly of this city, has been handed down in a Beattle, Wash,, court in favor of her stepsons, David and Harry' Rosen- berg, who alleged fraudulent sale in 1919 of the Sorrento hote), & part of the estate of the late Samuel Rosen- berg. Mrs. Rosenberg, who'is the daugh- ter of Mr. and Mrs. I. H. Solomon of 857 Maln street, this city, Joseph Levinson and Isaac Himeloch were executors of the estate. The two men were lifelong friends of the de- ceased capitalist who died in 1916, Mrs. Rosenberg was charged by her two stepsons with being the beneficlary of the fraudulent saie of the hotel, The three executors of the half million dollar estats,. it Was charged, effectsd & mythical sale of the hotel property to the Manhattan Inyvestment company, of which Levinson was president, for $120,000, 'Their stepmother was the actual Jurchaser of the property, they charged, Socretly paying $140,- (Continued on Page 13.) DROPS DEAD IN HALL Ansonia Man, Exhausted From Over- work Succumbs to Heart Attack ~Wife Finds Body. Ansonfa, Jan, 20.—George Trosko, 49, a mill laborer was found dead in the hallway of his home at 8 Maple street at 5:30 o'clock this morning by his wife. His death was caused by, heart failure, the man being 'stricken after § o’clock Jlast nighf in the hallway while refurning after working overtime. The body remained unfound until this morn- |ing. When discovered the corpse ! sas In a sitting posture at the bot- | tom of the stairs, the man evidently | having felt the heart attack coming | and sat down on the stairs. He is survived by a wife and one daugh- | ter, Russian-Japanese Pact Probably Ready Tonight By The Assoclated Press. Peking, Jan. 20.—The Russo-Jap- anese negotiations, which have been under way for some fime, were con- cluded today and it is expetted that the treaty between the two countries | will be signed tonight. | by flames. Finally, losing: hope, | mother and daughter flung them- | | selves from the window, both being hurt in the fall. The mothgr is also suffering from severe burns, but re- fused to go to a hospital, A few minutes later firemen found the two | lads, suffocated. Resuscitation meth- | ods failed to revive them. ‘ Three patrolmen of the police re. serves; learning that the Jads were trapped in the houee, dashed. into it in an effort to save themf, but werc dragged out, half blinded by smoke and flames a few momerts later, by | | firemen. { The father of the family was at work at the New Haven raliroad | when the fire bpoke out. The blase originated in the kitchen on the first fioor of the house and destroyed the rear of the stryciure in ifs rapid spread, B EDWARDS REFUSESTO [Tre Dey COMNENT ON CHARGES Prosecutor Is Consldering Laying All Facts Before Grand Jury ‘Washington, Jan, 20.—8enator Ed- wards of New Jersey today declined to, pomment on testimony given in cqurt in Jersey City today bringing his name into the Weehawken rum scandal. The senator told the Assoclated Preas that he would reply to the charge at the proper time and added that anyone who undertook to quote him as commenting dfd so wholly without authority. Jersey City, N. J., Jan. 20.—~Wil- llam 8. Stuhr, counsel for the in- dicted Weehawken policemen on trial 28 wholesale rum running conspira- tors, told newspapermen immediate- ly after witnesses had implicated Senator Edwards today in the scan- dal that he was attempting to reach Mr. BEdwards by telephone in Wash- ington, Mr. Stuhr said he wanted the eenator to deny the story. John Miiton, prosécuting attorney at the trial of 12 Weehawken police- men indicted for prohibition viola- tions, said today that after the trial he would give very serjous consider- ation to the question of presenting to a grand jury the evidence implicat- ing Senator Edward I, Edwards, of- fered in court today. SATURDAY’S WEATHER Forecasters Making No Definite Pre- dictions, But Figure Ohances For Clear Day Not Too Good. ‘Washington, Jan. 20.—The weath- er bureau today threw somewhat of a damper over the hopes of some of those who hope to study the eclipse of the sun next Saturday, although it was emphasized that no special eclipse forecast would be possible before Friday afternoon. 4 R, H. Weightman, who prepares the forecasts, -o,? today that al- though he would'llke to be able to “hold out strong hope for everyone,” a study of the records for many ytars past covering the period did not justify him in “seeing things in a very favorable light.” “If the av- erages of the past hold good for Saturday,” He sald, “and regardless of disturbances that may arise in the meantime, we are going to have a rather difficult time studying the cclipse. Duluth and eastern New York may get a glimpse of it but the Lake regions are not favorably situated on the wdather map. “However, this all conjecture, 1hope the skies wiit be kind. We ought to know fairly ‘well by mnext Priday afternoon.” LOSES HIS MEHORY * L] Boston Man, Missing Since January / 1, Is Found Wandering About At Summit, N, J. Summit, N, J., Jan. 20.—A young man who =~ was found about in a dazed condition here yes- terday, was identified today as George H. Jefts of 163 Dartmouth street, Boston, a 28 year old illus- trator who disappeared from the Home of his guardian Theodore Hutchines, on New Year's day when he went to the Charles river to do some sketching. ldentification was established through Jefts partly recovering his normal condition today and giving the authorities of Overlook hospital the' name and address of Hutchines. The latter completed the identifica- tion by a telegram in which he ask- ed that Jefts be held until his ar- rival here. Jefts is said to have had $100 in his pockets when he left home but had nothing when found here. suffering from amnesia Ibangz Replies to King, ) « ‘Calls Him Crowned Liar Paris, Jan. 20.—Vicente Blasco Ibanez, Spanish author, replying to a speech delivered by King Alfonso of Spain at Cordova last week in whieh the king made a counter-thrust at | Mentone today Which excoriates the | | monarch for his intemperate habits | and alludes to him as “this crowned Har.” THE McCLINTOCK CASE Chicago, Jan. 20.—Pending fur- ther investigation of ‘the death last month of Willlam H. McClintock, millionaire orphan, the inquest again was postponed today for thirty days at the joint requests of Chief Justice Harry Olson of the municipal court, Chiet of Police Morgun Collins, and counsel - for Miss Isabelle Pope, fancee of McClintock P THE WEATHER o Hartford, Jan. 20—Forecast for New Britain and vicinity: Saow, with slowly rising tem- perature tonight; Wednesday partly “eloady, | —_— wandering | He is believed to have been | || was “eonceived in fraud and Agents Tes- tify In Weehawken Scandal That He Act- ed As Go-between In Financial Deal —Grif- fin Positively Identi- fied As One of “Ring.” ! Jersey City, N, J, Jan. 20.—8ena- tor Edward I, Edwards of New Jer- sey was implicated today in the New Jersey rum scandal. At tho trial of twelve Weehawken policemen Indict- ed for prohibition law viglations two prohibition agents testitied that the former governor had served as a link between bootleg liquor buyers and Willlam F. Griffen, alleged “master mind” of the conspiracy. d Edwards Is Accused. Charles L. Hurlbut, a general pro- hibition agent under Divisional Chief Merrick of New York, testified that on November 14, 1923, he had givea Senator Edwards $3,800, which was placed in Escrow to be held for pay« ment to Griffin for Scoteh whiskey to be delivered. Griffin became sus- plclous, the witness sald, the deal did not go through, and the money wag returned. Lionel Wilson ,an- other agent, corroborated Hurlbut's testimony, Arthur Van Tessel, also a dry agent, also corrohorated the testl- mony, declaring he had seen Hurlbut and Wilson in conference with a man believed by him to have been Sena- tor Edwards, who is president of the Fltut National Bank of Jersey City. Called On Senator, son, representing themselves to be New York city bootleggers ' on & large scale, called on 'Griffin, a Jer- sey City insurance broker, on Octo- ber 29, 1923, After agreeing to sell them Scotch whiskey at $38 a case in 100 case lots, Hurlbut testified, Griffin told them to call upon Sena- tor Edwards at his bank. He and Wilson called on the senator in; his offices in the bank on November 14, the witness gaid, and had a Nalt- hour conference with him. |'¥-v. Recites Conversation. responsibility,” Hurlbut _testified. “Edwards assured us that Griffin | was u ‘strajght shooter’ and a ‘wise boy.' Then, sald Hurlbut, he gave Ed- wards $3,800 in currency, the price of 100 cases of Bcotch whiskey, to | be ‘held in eserow for payment to Griffin on delivery of the contra- band. The senator, he said, count- ed the money over, placed it in an ‘envelope, sealed it, had Hurlbut write his name on it and gave the depogit into the charge of the bank cashier, Hurlbut said that he and Wilson then went to Griffin's offices, which are on the second floor of the bank building. Griffin was un- easy, Hurlbut said, quoting him as having said: Griftin Was Nervous. business, but I'm not so sure about you. I'll have to sce about this.” Hurlbut said that Griffin asked them to return. the next day, Novem- ber 16, when he suggested that they got back the $3,800 from Senator Ydwards and pay it to him. They told the senator what had hap- pened, whereupon the senator re- turned the money, Hurlbut and again assured them that “Grif- fin 48 0. K.” and that they would “get & square deal” from him. Griftin continued suspiclous, how- ever, the witness sald, and the deal did not go through. Watched Transaction Wilson did not add to Hurlbut" story, but corroborated it in eve | particular. Van Tassel, ~third | the stand, told of having been sta- | tioned in the bank to watch the ac- tions of his two fellow agents. All three denied upon cross- examination in- | timations of counsel for the defend- |ants that their testimony was part | of a plot to “frame” Senator Ed- | wards through his former secretary, State Commissioner of Weights and Measutes Jroley, now under indict ment for liquor conspiracy in New York. The testimony of the three agents the government directly bringing Griffin into the case as the aileged “master mind” of the wholesale conspiracy. The Rev. George F. | Bennett,’ Roman Catholic priest ments in this case, failed to tified at the trial's opening y day, Wigh Powered Liquor. | power af the liquor dispensed by the {ring when he testified that a bot- {tle of Ol1a Smnggler Scotch which | was said by another witness to have been given him by Griffin, was | shown to contain 42 per cent alco- | hol. fin and Police Commissioner Harry J. Stearns of Weehawken, also- un- der indictment. would be called George Gutley, counsel for the de- | fense, in his opinion address to the | jury, sald the present prosecution in hatres Hurlbut testified that he and Wil- “We taiked liquor, the quality of lquor and the qQuestion of Griifin's “You know that I'm in the liquor | said, | | on | witnesses emphatically | was the first evidence produced by | whose activities led to ‘the indict- | link | Griffin with the case when he tes- | Christopher L. Deavitt, city chem. | ist of Jersey City, another witnoess | today, dispelled any doubt as to the | | The prosecution rested at 11:50.| Coungél for the defense announced that four witnesses, incinding Grif- | \ CONNECTICUT, TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, 1925, —EIGHTEEN PAGES. OF LAST FALL’S Landis Furnishes Him With Testimony in Case and Prosecution Will Take Place ' if Facts Warrant. New York, Jan, 20.—District At- torney Banton today ordered an in- vestigation of the baseball scandal Outfielder Jimmy O'Connell have attempted to bribe Nationals to “throw a game.” ed from Baseball Landis’ Letter ter received Landis: priate, I am transmitting herewith with a New York-Philadelphia ball game last fall. ‘A perusal ¢® thege pages, having in mind the provision of section 399, of the code of civil procedure, that a convetion cannot be had upon the testimony of an ac- complice unless he be corroborated by such other evidence (so far not obtained) as tends to connect the defendant with the commission of the crime, will disclose practical dif- ficulties, apparently not 'generally appreciated in the way of successful prosectuion of anybody O'Connell under either the under the conspiracy law. “But for this any other way.” District Attorney Banton, formal acknowledgement in of to Assistant District a thorough investigation. Bascball Men Surprised The action of Landis, the way for legal action in Dolan-0'Connell scandal, came as a surprise to baseball men, who had belleved that officials of the game, balked in their own investigation, would take no initative in other channels. President Heydler of the Natlonal league had béen quoted as saying he did not favor such a step, expressing the belief that O'Conneli had been punished enough by being banished from ghe game. The statute under which the dis- | trict attorney will proceed classifies baseball bribery or attempted brib- ery as a felony, punishable by im- prisonment of from one to five years and a fine of fot more than $10,000. | GRAFT CHARGES HURLED | IN MEANS' CASE TODAY | Who Are Said to Be Easy to “Reach” Read. | New York, Jan. 20.—A letter in | which referende was made to ru- mors among bootleggers that certain high government ofticials at Wash- ington could be “reached” to balk prosecutions, aroused a storm today | at the federal court trial of Gaston B. Means, former department of | justice agent, and Thomas B. Felder, | former attorney for Means. The letter was admitted as evi- | dence, and was read by the jury, but Judge Lindley said he did not be- lieve it should be printed in the newspapers. Frank P. Walsh, coun- sol for Felder, made strenuous o | jection to the introduétion of the | letter on the plea that the men mentionell in it “be spared the af- front of having their names dragged | into the case.” | The letter dated January 20, 1 | was written to Felder by Eimer W | Jarnecke, Means' former secretary. In it Jarpecke asked Felder if he could stop the rumors referred to, { stating that they were ridiculous | and “absolutely untrue.” m.su' and Meansgare on trial on charges of bribing ‘government officials to:| prevent prosecution of the Crager | System glass casket case. DOCTOR HELD AS ROBBER Chicago, Jan. 20.—Dr. Percy Pue, | a practicing chiropractor, was held | today as the leader of a robber band | whieh police said had stolen jevmry\ | and money valued at $100,000 with. |in the last month. Several vietim identified Pue, and thrye men are | held as his confederates last fall in ‘which Cozy Dolan and of the New York Glants were alleged to Inflelder Heinfe Sands of the Philadelphia Mr. Banton sald the case would be presented to the grand jury if his investigatiog should show that pro- cedure to be warranted under a speclal New York state law specifi- cally covering baseball bribery. The district attorney said he had receiv- Commissioner Landig a transcript of all the testi- mony taken by Landis in the case. Mr. Banton made publie the let- from Commissioner “For your consideration and what- eyer action may be deemed appro- | transcript of the testimony respect- ing the offer of a bribe in connection exenpt statute creating the mibstantive offense. or consideration the matter would have been submitted | to you heretofore, Should you desire the presence of any persons connect- ed with baseball who are beyond the | Etate of New York, I shall be glad to | cooperate along ‘that line, and in | a the commissioner’s letter, disclosed that he had turned the investigation over Attorney Brothers with instructions to make | in paving | the | ments in U. S Signing Agreement ‘Washington, Jan, 20.—The Hughes stateemnt denying that the Paris statement denying that the United States in European commitments is held by President Coolidge to cover the issue which has been raised by the irreconcilable group in the sen- ate. . The president holds no commit- ments were undertaken by the United States under the settlement and that Becretary Hughes has made clear the whole question. All that remains, the president feels, can be consideted as unimportant gossip. Mr. Coolidge previously has in- dictated that he regards the Parls settlement as fair to the United States, In that it recognized the justness of American claims for war damages and Imposed no obligation beyond the receiving of payments. The impression given at the White House today was that the president is disposed to look upon the Hughes statement as closing the matter. RASCHKOW IN TROUBLE " WITH REVENUE DEPT. Local Man, Suing, Testifies to Income But Files No Retuin Hartford, Jan. 20. — David A. Raschkow of New Britain in superiro court today held the attention of in- ternal revenue officials during testimony in his suit against Jullus Kulehor of Bridgeport. Mr. Ras- chkow is asking §10,000 damages as a result of an automobile accident in Bridgeport last summer for which he claims the Bridgeport man 1s to blame. In testifying as to losses be- cause of the accident he testified that he made $4,000 in 1923 and $175 a week last year. Asked if he had filed an income tax return he gaid he had not, and he added that he was single. A stenographer from the income tax division of the inter- nal revenue bureau made notes of the testimony. ENGLISHMAN APOLOGIZES Taken to Task for Insulting Ameri- can People, Lord Cecil is Prompt to Express Regrets, By The Assoclated Press Geneva, Jan. 20.—Accusing Lord Cecll of Chelwood of slandering the American people when he asserted they were consuming more opium than the people of India, Represen- | tative Stephen G. Porter of Pennsyl- vanla today was the center of the -} investiyation by the partment. o his’| GRAFT IN BUILDING DEPARTMENT; PROSECUTOR PROMISES ASSISTANCE N. Y. DIST. ATTORNEY ORDERS PROBE BASEBALL SCANDAL PRESIDENT BACKS UP STATEMENT BY HUGHES Sees N 0 Foreign Entangle- Mayor Paonessa And Members of Council Have Secret Confer- ence And Decide To Push Inquiry. , Disruption of Commission Paves Way for Running Down Stories of Alleged Irregularities in Govern- ment. i The sensation which attend- ed developments in the build- ing department during the past week and which resulted in the resignations of three members of the board, was completely eclipsed this afternoon when it became known that the may- or’s office, the common couneil, and the office of the prosecut- ing attorney had received ru- mors of graft in that branch of the, eity government pre- sided over by the building com- mission, and they have insti- tuted a formal investigation. Mayor A. M. Paonessa made’ plain his displeasure with con- ditions that have given rise to rumors of improper d 5 at a conference held in fice last night and he ed of Prosecutor Joseph Woods, who was present that ' something be done at onge, The prosecutor assured the mayor of his willingness to eo- operate and suggested his of- for ice - Three Tell of Alleged Deals e Alderman C. J. Dehm of the firs ward who has taken an active part in the informal probe of eonditions in the building department and wis active in the preliminary investiga- tion made at a special session of the common councll last Monday, alted his views on the subject at Jast night's conference. Councilman Ar- thur N..Rutherford of the secomtd ward whose attack on the bullding commission at the December theet- ing of the common council caused the building commission crash, was present at the meeting as was slso Bernard Moffitt, leader of remon- strants against a new store on Farm- ington avenue, and three witnesses to alleged irreguiarities on the’ part of certain city servants, Mayor Paonessa refused to dis- cuss the conference today as did also Prosecutor Woods. Councilman Rutherford was in Hartford through- out the day and could not be reached, Soft Pedal on Investigation It was intendcd that the investi- gation be kept a state secret, but so widespread and persistent have the |reports of malifeasance become that | the officlals were powerless to n’er vent its leaking out. o Persons who have had occasion to do business with the branch of ‘the | city government now under. surweils) lance have made widespread accusa- most dramatic session of the inter-|tions to various city officials, notably pational opium conference yet held.|members éf the common council. 1t The stern rebuke administered hy" the head of the American delegation almost every instance the remon- strant had in mind the censure of was followed by Lord Cecil’s immo-fflje person he involved rather than diately withdrawing his charge and |discharge or prosecution, but it Is statement. Names of High Government Officials | oypressing his regret that he had|the intention of the investigating | been misted into making an untrue | officials to enter their statements in | the record of the case either by their The conference had scarcely re-|Yoluntary appearance or by issuance T Porter-Cecil incident exploitation of the east in and by his warning that the worl was threatened with bolshevism. THis latter declaration deeply to impress his auditors, be- as relations committee of the house of represen- cause of Mr. Potter's position chairman of the forelgn tatives. SHOAL Wa house hington, J eaders dei n. wood bill for Muscle Shoals. private leasing overed from the tension over th when it hegrd | | Porter's appeal for the west to cease opium, 4 |plain from residents of the morth- BILL TO CONFERENCE 20.—Republican initely decided to- day to_send to conference the Under- of Sells Holdings, Now Awaits World’s End ot East Patchogue, N. Y., ~—Robert Reidt of East Palch- ogue, believes that the world will come to an end at midnight, February 6. He has disposed of all his properties, including his household effects and winter po- tatoes, to settle his accounts with the worid and will go with his Jan 20, family at the appoloted hour, to | a high hill near Port Jefferson to await the end. & sale of his effects In a Jocal newspaper on Saturday and found ready buyers who believe that the world will keep functioning for some time. B Heldt advertised | e | Of subpoena, it was said today. Solicited Contributions Several months ago a member of |the common council received a com- western section of the city that a sesmed | bullding contractor had demanded and secured from them, contribu- tions of $10 each to “buy up the building commission,” and that he had subsequently appeared hbefore the commissioners to present their | opposition to a permit, and the per: mit was rejected. The complaingnts. all of whom were foreigners, wanted |to know what steps they might tak ! toget back their money. At that time the prosecutor was advised of the complaint by tele. phone, but no further informatior | was furnished him and as a resu! nothing was done. Farmington Aienue Case The Farmington avenue store per { mit which has been under disens sion for the past week was talked over 2t length. This permit was is lsucd several weeks ago and cellar has been dug. A remom {strance signed by 42 property owm- {ers in the immediate neighborhood was filed with the buliding commis- | sion mearly a month before the per- {mit was granted. and there was Do hearing prior to issuance of the per- = mit. It has come to the attention of city officials that the person build- ing the store are said to bave stated that it cost them $500 mside from architectural and bullding fees: to get the permit and start work. JThil and numerons other complaints with |be probed in the present investigas .