“His honor seemed uneasy, but at the careful prompting of Secretary Keane, he called for ‘communications from executive officers.’

“Keane then announced, ‘From his honor, the Mayor,’ and read Gallagher’s letter suspending District Attorney Langdon ‘for neglect of duty’ and sundry other charges.

“During the reading of the long document there was no sound In the hall save the hoarse voice of Secretary Keane, and on its completion Supervisor Sanderson arose.

“Gallagher explained that Langdon would ‘be given an opportunity next Thursday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock to appear before the board and defend himself against the charges.’

“He then recognized Sanderson, who offered a motion accepting the communication from the Mayor and directing that Langdon be directed to appear to answer.

“Supervisor Wilson seconded the motion.

“Upon the call for the ‘ayes,’ although the Supervisors usually let silence Indicate their consent, there was a chorus of approval, and upon the call for the ‘noes’ there was dead silence.

“Supervisors L. A. Rea and J. J. Furey were not present.”

[97]

At the trial of The People vs. Ruef, No. 1437, page of Transcript 2654, Wilson testified: “I told him (Ruef) that I thought it was a bad move at this time and that the papers in the morning would state it was simply a confession of guilt; and I said that I had stood there and taken my program on the matter, but I felt it would ruin my chances in the face of an election, running for Railroad Commissioner, and he said I would feel better after I had something to eat, and we went over to Tait’s and had supper. On the way over he (Ruef) sent Charlie Hagerty in to notify Mr. Heney of his removal.”