The San Francisco Call. Newspaper, March 6, 1898, Page 16

16 THE SAN FRANCISCO CALL NDAY, MARCH 6, 1898. SACRAMENTO CORRUPTION How a San Francisco Cor-| poration Was “Held Up”~ in That County. McGrath, the Agent of Supervisors, Places Them and Himself in a Bad Light. Board of Superv County will have the riot act ) it at its meeting to-morrow by -k F ) attor; and unless the boa. nd Jury of Sacramento led in to probe into s on the surface to be a Letion ems to be whether or the board have ving bribes or question s nr liciting t cert ers « and recei B "B [} State of California, City and County of San Francisco.—ss. . B Willis G. Witter, President of the Golden Gate Dredging and Reclamation Company, being duly sworn, deposes and says that on the 17th day of February, 1898, in the rooms of the State Board of Sacramento County. the lawyer rep- | Examiners, at the Capitol building, at Sacramento, he had a con- versation with one P. H. McGrath regarding money that had been paid to him, P. H. McGrath, on behalf of the Board of Supervisors of At this interview was present also Mr. M. C. of this city and president of the Golden Gate Dredging and Reclamation Com- pany, a corporation that has done a large amount of work on the Sacramen- to River and its tributaries for several years past. Mr. Witter claims that the dredging company has been deliberately “held up” and deprived of its just dues either through b the manipulations of the rd or those of P. H. McGrath, now sistant secretary of the State Board Harris, manager of the Dredging and Reclamation Company, who heard all of the statements that were made. During that conversation Mr. McGrath stated that.$1440 had been received by him from the County of Sacramento as a part pay- ment of the contract with the Golden Gate Dredging and Reclama- tion Company for work done on Sutter Island, and that the same had been divided among certain members of the Sacramento Board of Supervisors, to-wit: Tom Jenkins (otherwise known as Thomas Jenkins) and Morrison (meaning J. M. Morrison of the board). At that meeting he refused to turn over any money to the Golden Gate Dredging and Reclamation Company, claiming that he owed the company no money, but later he admitted the claim to be just and returned to M. C. Harris and myself $1000 and promised to reimburse us for the remaining $440, being a part and portion of the $1440 formerly received by him from the Board of Supervisors of Sacramento County. We told him at the time that we would inform the Board of Examiners regarding the character of the official they had in their employ in case the payment demanded was not made. Secondly, that we would present the matter to the Grand Jury unless the claim was paid, as no doubt there was a case of em- bezzlement; and Thirdly, that inside of ten days we would bring a civil action for the recovery of the money. Mr. McGrath at that time stated that William A. Gett, attor- ney for Reclamation District No. 349, aside from Jenkins and Morrison, had received a portion of the $1440, and that he (Mc- Grath) had little or nothing left of the money, and stated further that the board desired to receive $600 more before passing the bal- ance of the demand. After some conversation Mr. McGrath asked for time in which to pay the amount we demanded as being due from the County of Sacramento to the Golden Gate Dredging and Reclamation Company, and after a consultation we agreed to give him until the next morning. At that time he admitted that our claim was just by pay- ing us $100 on account of the $1440 that was due. We gave him a receipt for $1440, being more than pleased to get that much after we had heen kept out of our money so long, and he agreed at the 1898. California. time to pay us the remainder of $440. that the first and only payment had been divided between mem- bers of the Sacramento Board of Supervisors and William A. Gett, attorney for Reclamation District No. 349. Subscribed and sworn to before me this 5th day of March, Notary Public in the City and County of San Francisco, State of This was after he had said W. T. HESS, The Affidavit That Will Cause a Grand Jury Iuvestigation Official Corruption in Sacramento County. whether a certain Sacramento politi- cian now holding a State position has been “doing business” on his own hook. The man who will place the board on | the grill and will demand to know whether'or not his concern is to receive its just dues or whether it is being de- liberately held up because not enough in- money ws produced to purchase its ADVERTISEMENTS. BABY SKIN In all the world there is no other treatment 80 pure, so sweet, 8o safe, so speedy, for pre- serving, purifying, and beautifying the skin, scalp, and hair, and eradicating every hu- mor, a8 warm baths with CUTICURA SOAP, and gentle anointings witk CUTICURA (oint- ment), the great skin cure. uticura Te wold throughoat the world. Davs awp Cwes. Conr.. Sole . Boston. 07 “All About the Skin, Scalp and Hair,” free. EVERY HUMOR ™%l toncons. Cured by Cumicuna. of Examiners, and formerly superin- tendent of the work that the dredging company did on the Sutter Island Rec lamation District, known as Reclama- tion District 349. He will demand that the claim be paid or some good reason given for re- fusing, and in case satisfaction is not obtained will at once draw up a com- plaint asking that the Grand Jury in- vestigate the methods of the board. It is probable that the Grand Jury | will take the matter up whether Mr. ‘Witter files a complaint or not, for the attorney has sworn to an affidavit charging that McGrath, claiming to act as the representative of the board, has demanded a specific sum of money to influence the board to pass the claim of the company. Moreover, he swears that McGrath has asserted that cer- tain members of the board have already received money to purchase their influ. ence and votes in favor of the demand. The history of the transaction lead- ing up to this remarkable state of af- fairs is as follows: Early in October, 1896, the Sutter fs- land taxpayers, having paid their dues to the county for nearly forty years and having received no adequate re- turns from the same, petitioned the Board of Supervisors to do a certain amount of reclamation and road work, offering to dedicate their main levee as a public highway. The cost of the work | requested was estimated at $10,000, of which the district agreed to nay one- half if the Supervisors would appro- priate the remainder. After some hesitation the board passed a resolution in cenformity with the wishes of the Sutter Island peo- ple, appointing P. H. McGrath its rep- rs of Sacra- | fluence is Willis G. Witter, an attorney | resentative in the matter. | Under this resolution a contract was entered into between Reclamation Dis- | trict No. 349, by Henry Elliot, pres i dent | den Gate Dredging and Reclamation | Company, by Willis G. Witter, its pres- ident, and P. H. McGrath, representing the Board of Supervisors. President Witter of the dredging | company desired the contract to be made with the Supervisors direct in- stead of with McGrath, but was told that it was all right, to go ahead with the work, that McGrath ‘was the representative of the board, and that |the share of the county would be | promptly paid. Under these representa- tions the contract was signed, sealed and delivered, and the company’s dred- gers began the desired work. McGrath was made superintendent. By January 1, 1897, sufficient work had been done to warrant a demand for a portion of the contract price | amounting to $2880. President Witter | of the company went to Sacramento and issued a demand. Not being able to wait until the meeting of the board when he expected the demand would be passed, he instructed McGrath to draw the money. In making out the demand on the county McGrath, with- | out authority, represented himself as | the agent of the company and received | $1440, the share of the county in the transaction. This demand was drawn on January 2, 1897, and was paid on January 13. From that date until Feb- ruary 18, 1898, the company was not able to get one dollar out of McGrath, | nor out of the Board of Supervisors. ‘When the work of reclamation was | finished District No. 349 paid its share of the indebtedness, admitting that the work was properly done, and that the claims were just. Yet McGrath “held out” the $1440, the Board of Supervisors refused to pass | resolutions authorizing the payment of | the balance on the contract and the dredging company was kept out of its | money. Both President Witter and | Manager Harris of the dredging com- | | pany made repeated demands that the | $1440 be turned over. Sometimes they were met with the reply that McGrath | had no money belonging to the com- pany, at others they were told that if they insisted on the payment of the sum drawn by McGrath they would never get another cent, as the board would “stand by” McGrath and refuse all payment of the claim. This went on for over a year, and finally the company decided that pa- tience had ceased to be a virtue and | concluded to get its money despite the objections of McGrath. President Witter and Manager Harris called on McGrath in the rooms of the State Board of Examiners in the Capi- tol building and made a point-blank de- mand for the $1440. McGrath at first denied that he had | any money belonging to the concern, but when he was given the alternatives | of exposure to the head of the depart- ment, indictment by the Grand Jury or | ac suit for the return of the money he asked for time. He was given un- til the next morning to pay the amount or stand the consequences. At the appointed time next day he | produced $1000, demanding a receipt for $1440. Elated at being able to recover anything at all, Manager Harris took | the $1000, and gave the receipt for $1440, | McGrath promising, however, to pay | the balance of $440 as soon as he was able to raise it. He stated as the reason he had not paid the money before that it had been distributed among other parties, includ- ing Supervisors Jenkins and Morrigson and Attorney Gett of the reclamation district, and that he had received very little of it himself. Believing for the first time that cor- rupt influence was at work in (hei board, President Witter of the compa- ny decided to make a peremptory de- of its Board of Trustees, the Gol- | those who have embarrassed us toe the mark or stand the consequences. | _ “The money that we received from McGrath came in the form of a certi- of Sacramento and was deposited in another interior bank controlled by connections of Mr. Harris, so that we have absolute proof that we were forced to use extreme measures to com- | pel McGrath to render us our just dues, and can show that the receipt for $1440 was given on payment of $1000.” T0 LAY THE CORNERSTONE Elaborate Preparations for the Dedication of Holy Cross Church. | Archbishop Riordan Will Preside Over the Ceremonies—Progres- sive Work. Holy Cross Church, one of the land- marks of California, which has a record possibly that no other church not alone in the United States but in the world has has been christened, well as having | changed locations, three times. It was first placed, in the early forties, where the Palace Hotel now {s. and named St. Patrick. It was found by the fied check on the California State Bank | tributed it in no small measure to the fond memories which the old building awakened in their breasts. The Rev. John McGinty, who was | warmly received, thanked those present for their attendance, and explained the | object of the meeting. He said it was to | #ppoint a committee of arrangements for | the laying of the cornerstone in connec- | tion with which will be a grand parade, which will be attended by the Young Men’s Society of Holy Cross parish, the League of the Cross, the Hibernians, various sodality institutes and kindred so- cieties. There will be a large platform erected on the grounds on which the Archbishop will preside, and several dis- tinguished guests have promised to_at- tend. He also announced that Rev..P. C. Yorke would dellver the discourse. | < The Young Men's Society and Ladies’ | Sodality, under the leadership of Miss A. | G. Regan, are rehearsing some appropri- | ate choruses speclally composed for the | occasion, and co 1l-Know | Doy couple of well-known | have charge of - mental programme. - ey John Spotiswood ‘was elected chairman of the committee of arrangements, and A. J. Bu grand marshal of the parade, assisted by the following gentle- men: Dr. J. Oliver, John Grant, J. Mc- Donald Sr., Edward Hartrick, James Den- ley and James McGinty. special committee on invitations w. chosen as follows: Messrs. D. Bowers, James Sullivan and C. Carroll. John J. QToole, George Conmolly and John W. McDonald Jr. were appointed on the press committee. J. J. Geary, who wa$ ap- | pointed secretary, was instructed to send | out noti stating that a committee | meeting would be held Wednesday even- arch 9, at § o'clock, and that the | regular meeting would be held Wednes- day evening, March 16, at 8 o'clock, in the | hall of the Young Men's Soclety attached | o church, where final arra | v‘ it Vet al arrangements | ————— | An Independent Kennel League. | The result of the annual meeting of the i = for Smmzgms ouid Mt pd ot [ “The items of which are hereunto annexed I do solemniy swcar that, the aboe is ey A ) items hereunto annexed are true and cor that no part thereof has been paid. Sworn t and subscribed before me.y this__ 2 @Y+ fary 18975 = : Lactamentn ey 2 H7T /L (TAAL___ presents this demand on the, COUNTY R OF SACRAMENTO. for the sum of § _ [ X 440 == I e T Chscte ol k. ond Aepoeitin S S ol of _Sorard of o STATE OF CALIFORNIA. ) COUNTY OF SACRAMENTO. §{** Sacramento, at the sercico therein has been done and performed. by me, that the - g, ; which demand is authorized by e a tridé account against the z DBavoty aney wmre S rect tn every print and particularsand DEMAND ON THE GOUNTY TREASURY I Hasi o Clink ontysion e (_? 75 C;éwf . Deputy el ITEMS OF THE FOREGOING DEMAND {r I ‘OLNINVYHOYS 40 ALNND: st ey AR e YFoo0 can. fancte of Earth- ¢ - Popso=> ' @ 6 = | % _1_—4,7,“—(17 Joe Go | P. H. McGrath’s Demard on the Sacramento County Treasury for the Money of the Golden Gate Dredging and Reclamation Company. congregation too small, and about eigh- teen years a street, St. John's, Mary’s Cathedral, on Van Ness avenue, it was again found Mountain, where it was used by the con- gregation of Holy Cross parish, as well as named after the parish. Much speculation was abroad whether the exemplary congregation of Holy Cross parish and their genial pastor, John J. McGints of the new chu American Kennel Club, which took place | on the 23d ult., may fatally affect the revenues of the New York canine oligar- chy. The concensus of opinion among the local fanciers is that their wishes have been entirely disregarded, inasmuch as they have secured not even one of their desired amendments to the classi- fication. The classes for the shows, as now amended, are: Puppy, novice, limit, open and winners. The changes are un- important and will not tend to encourage the Pacific Coast Club to hold bench shows. Hence the anger of the promi- nent fanciers, who are debating very seriously the question of establishing an 0 taken on rollers to Eddy ere it was again rechristened and on completion of St. and Lone about of put to to right its way the foot Father | . would, on the building | . have it again dis- | WELL ESTABLISHED | missed, but all speculation was at an end last evening when it was announced | | that in future it would be used as a hall | | and rest in its old age among a grate- | ful people. | The Rev. J. McQualde, assistant pastor, | independent Pacific Coast Kennel League | in the near future. If secession from the | American Kennel Club be decided on th | next show of the San Francisco Kennel Club will be held under the auspices of the local association. LONG LEASE AT LOW RENT Apply or address arrange for the stone of the take place Palm he was astonish ance from all parts of the city, and at- | ‘ who had sent out notices for a meeting to ng of the foundation | e e church, which Sunday, April 3, said 1 at_the large attend- ne and bruises. mand on the board for the balance due the corporation. He is prepared to show that the work was done accord- ing to contract, that he has made re- peated demands for his money and will | | produce evidence if necessary to show | | why his demands have not been paid. | So it looks as though there may be a | hot time in Sacramento to-morrow. “It appears to us,” said President Witter of the Dredging Company yes- terday, “that the time for ferbearance and patience has passed. We have waited for a year for money that is justly due us, and have received less | | than one ‘quarter of it. That sum we | recovered because we forced this man | McGrath to disgorge it after we had | hounded him a year and more. He has | | tcld us enough to show that either the | Board of Supervisors or certain mem- bers of it are corrupt, or that McGrath is himself a natural-born reacher. “He claimed to me repeatedly that the $1440 that we have demanded of him on a score of occasions was paid to Supervisors Jenkins and Morrison and Attorney Gett of the reclamation district, anl that he kept very litile for himself. All of this may or may not be true, but whether it is or not we are going to get our money or raise a ADVERTISEMENTS. PARIS. o NOVELTY WASH ' FABRICS! | howl in Sacramento that will force the | & OPEN WORK FRENCH ORGANDIES, “A Novelty”- 400 per yard Grand Jury; o take e hand in the1 PLAID ORGANDIES, “Large Floral Designs’.... 250 per yard “More((s;\'er.h there are othe; :hlngs | STRIPED ORGANDIES, ““Choice Patterns’...... égo per yl:g that McGrath sald that must be looked | 7 SILK-STRIPED SCOTCH ZEPHYRS.. ¢ per yai e ome of our periodica; demands on | & 30-INCH PLATD AND STRIPED ZEPHYRS. 200 por yard | him he made the statement that the | SCOTCH MADRAS FOR WAISTS, Ete... 400 per yard board not only wanted the $1440 he had collected, but would also like a little bonus of $600 more before it would audit the demands. This was the state- ment that put us on our mettle and made us decide to force the matter to an issue. ““This ‘hold out’ of McGrath’s was not only a dishonest action, but came near causing the ruin of the Dredging and Reclamation Company. We were being pressed for money by the bank that we deal with in San Francisco, and, hoping that the money would be paid after each meeting of the Board of Super- visors, staked our reputations and credit on the result. Each time we were disappointed, and the bank finally became so impatient that we were com- | pelled to look to outside sources for funds to tide us over. ‘‘Since that time we have taken sev- eral contracts that have placed us firmly on our feet and have made the situation one where we can make .00@00@@@OOOOOO@6@‘@@;k?@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@0@@0@@6@@@ 30-INCH 0XFORD MADRAS STRIPES AND CHECKS... ....250 and 350 per yard A Choice Line of 36-INCE PERCALES, PLAIDS, STRIPES, DOTS AND FLORAL EFFECTS, both in light and dark colorings. -12%¢ per yard PRINTED SILK ORGANDIE, ““Very Swell”. 800 per yard FRENCH PIQUES FOR WAISTS, both white and colored, dots, stripes and small figures ; also embroidered effects..... ..From 250 to $1 per yard SEE OUR SHOW WINDOWS. SAMPLES SENT ON APPLICATION. +SMMAIL ORDERS CAREFULLY AND PROMPTLY FILLED. < ARTISTIC WORK IN SUIT, CLOAK AND MILLINERY DEPARTMENTS. CITY OF PARIS DRY GOODS COMPANY, SE. Corner Geary and Stockton Streets, S. F. UNION SQUARE. 0000000000000 P00P00 0000000000000 00OS Powdered rice is said to be of great efficacy in checking bleeding from cuts | SESE B et v oty LR RO R RN RN RORRRORCRORCRCRC R R R R R R R AT A ADVERTISEMENTS. S NEW WASH GOODS. We will open this week a magni= ficent collection of NEW FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC WASH DRESS GOODs. The special lines to be offered this week are as follows: ; 12 cases (480 pieces)‘36-INCH EXTRA QUALITY PRINTED PERCALES, in light, medium and dark grounds. 1216 v 250 va (256 v4 250 v [36 v 250 v cases (210 pieces) PRINTED IRISH DIMITIES, in 100 different desigus, all fast eolors..ais o cases (360 pieces) GENUINE COT- TON COVERT CLOTHS, in an elegant variety of new mixtures.... cases (150 pieces) PRINTED FRENCH ORGANDIES, very hand- some designs, full 31 inches wide.... cases (160 pieces) GENUINE SCIN- DIA MADRAS, 31 inches wide, 18 differesit’ desightsy. .. ..oovanuatitive vd cases (120 pieces) _G ENUINE SCOTCH ZEPHYRS, in handsome plaids and stripesc.ic oo chaiianl. . SEND FOR SAMPLES. s (Z¢2(7% %4 1, 113, U5, 17, 119, 121 POST STREET. 0000000000000 000000000000000L000 $5,00090 WILL BUY A | } | | GOOD PAYING . DOWN TOWN Notion and Stationery Store st Cor. Kearny and Commercial SAWED OAK ROCKER, WITH CANE BOTTOM, IS WHAT.... WILL BUY NEXT WEEK AT J. NOONAN, 516 to 532 MINNA STREET, Above Sixth. PERNAU BROS. 543 v 7 S.F. | Cash or Little-at-a-Time Payments. Phone South 14. Open Evenings. I 00 0000000000000 00 0000000000000 000 A HIGHLY POLISHED QUARTER- $1.75 1017 to 1023 MISSION STREET» 0000000000000000000000000000000° [ A young lady of my acquaintance in St. Louis was for a long time a chronic sufferer from dyspepsia. She used to make use of a mixture prepared by the druggist where the family traded, but one time when the supply was exhausted and she was abseat {rom home and had not a copy of the prescription with her, she was at a loss to know what to do and | secommended her to make trial of Ripans Tabules, She purchased some and was so greatly benefited hy their use that she has been a regular customer and a walking advestisement for them ever since SR S ot