After parleying with Mays for several hours in an effort to convince him that I would not stand to be indicted, and that the proceedings must be stopped, he assured me that I was taking the wrong course; that the best way would be to court such a proceeding, explaining, as he did. that it was bound to come sooner or later, and that, because of his influence with Mr. Hall, matters would terminate to my entire satisfaction at the proper time.
Mays argued that Hall's term of office had already expired, and that someone else might be appointed as his successor at any moment, and if, perchance, the new incumbent should develop into a political or professional enemy, the status of affairs might assume a very serious aspect. On the other hand, if indictments were brought against myself and colleagues at this time, while District Attorney Hall was yet in office, it was reasonable to believe that the latter would be retained by the Government to prosecute the suits, and with Hall in office, Mays could have the cases postponed from term to term and eventually wear the Government out, or arrange to have them dismissed altogether.
While admitting the force of Mr. Mays' argument, as well as his ability to influence the actions of United States Attorney Hall, at the same time I could not bring myself to view the situation in the same light as he did, nor could I acquiesce in his method of procedure as applicable to my case. However, I explained to him that it would be necessary for me to go on to Chicago, where I contemplated closing a big land deal, and requested, before leaving Portland about three weeks later, that he keep me posted regarding any action that might be taken by Hall during my absence.
I had been in Chicago but a short time when I received word from Mays to the effect that indictments had been found against Mrs. Emma L. Watson, Miss Marie L. Ware, Dan W. Tarpley, Horace G. McKinley and myself, and advising that I return to Portland forthwith, as my failure to do so would result in the dispatch of a United States deputy marshal after me. Upon receipt of this intelligence, I wrote Mays, urging him to see Hall with a view of arranging for me to remain East a few weeks longer, at the same time explaining that I expected to consummate a deal of considerable importance, and must have additional time in which to adjust its details.
Mays as a reply notified me that he had talked with Hall about my case, and that everything had been "fixed," but suggested that, in order to show my good faith, and to square Hall, it would be well for me to wire the United States Attorney's office at Portland, and outline my position to him. This I did, and subsequent events indicated that Mays had not misled me relative to Hall being "fixed," and that my attorney knew what he was talking about. Immediately after closing my deal I returned to Portland, and in the meanwhile I was not molested.
Upon arrival in Portland, I called to see Mays, and was informed that I had been indicted in the Tp 24 S., R. 1 E. case, and that I had no cause to worry, as everything would come out all right. I then made a visit to Hall's office, and, acting under the advice of Mays, treated the incident in the nature of a friendly call, and was received accordingly by the Government prosecutor. Nothing was said about giving bonds by Hall, and I did not deem it expedient to broach the subject myself. Before leaving Portland a few weeks later, however, I again called upon Hall, and furnished bail for my appearance when wanted in the sum of $4000.
It might be stated here that Marie L. Ware, Dan W. Tarpley and Horace G. McKinley had already given security before my arrival from Chicago, and that with the exception of Mrs. Emma L. Watson, I was the only one delinquent in that respect.
Just before leaving for California, I called upon Mays again and inquired if it would be advisable to have Mrs. Watson appear and furnish the required bonds, to which he replied that if it were possible, it would be better to keep her under cover, for the time being, at least.
