Luke Dillon. John F. Beggs. John Moss. Pat McGarry.
Police Capt. Officer Brown. Chief of Police Mrs. T. T. Conklin. O'Donnell. Hubbard.
PRINCIPAL WITNESSES BEFORE THE CORONER'S JURY.]
It was not until June the 7th, in the closing days of the inquest, that Luke Dillon, one of the nine members of the Executive Committee of the Clan-na-Gael in America, and who had taken a leading and determined part in the movement to unravel the mystery which enshrouded the murder of Dr. Cronin, was called as a witness. Those who were in the court room when he ascended the stand, saw a man above the medium statue, broad shouldered, of well-knit figure, square cut face and well moulded features. His dark blonde hair receded slightly from his forehead; while a full blonde mustache of lighter hue shaded his firm compressed lips. His chin was square, indicating tremendous energy and great determination of character. His voice was full, resonant and well modulated, and he spoke fluently and yet in a measured way that indicated caution. In answer to the questions of the Coroner he said that he was a member of the Clan-na-Gael, but that there was nothing in the obligation which he had taken that conflicted with the laws of the United States. He went on to say that Dr. Cronin, shortly before his murder, had said to him that the personal ambition of Alexander Sullivan, to rule both in Ireland and American politics would be the cause of his (Cronin's) death, for he felt that the man had no more blood than a fish and would not hesitate to take his life. The witness related the circumstances connected with the meetings of the trial committee at Buffalo and New York, and the examination proceeded in this wise:
"Can you give the jury any other reason why Alexander Sullivan should be an enemy of Dr. Cronin?"
"I can give none except personal revenge."
"Because this man found him guilty of crime, of theft."
"Yes sir; and also because of treacherous conduct to members of the organization."
"Do you believe, Mr. Dillon, that Dr. Cronin's opinion of Sullivan was correct?"
"I do now. I used to think he exaggerated Sullivan's importance. I looked upon him then as only an ordinary villain. But Cronin looked upon him as a very dangerous man and a very able man."