Mr, William James Davey said that he was chairman of directors of the Shanghai Mercury, Ld.
Mr. Greggson:—How long have you been connected with journalism? As far as the "Mercury" ig concern ed, T have been there eight or nine years. Ihave had practical experience in India and Monmouthshire, I had experience the "Pioneer" in India. My original profession was a publisher and printer.
Witness said that when he inter= viewed the plaintiff with regard to the latter's application for a position on the staff he knew nothing about Mr. Haynes's past. Mr. Haynes was not qualified as a reporter, but witness agreed to give him a chance, Had he been qualified, he would have started at not less' than $300 a month. He was engaged to assist in the editorial office and to work exclusively for the "Mercury." Shortly afterwards, Mr. Donaldson, who was on holiday, wrote to wit. ness, saying that, when he returned, he did not want to be associated with ex-gaolbirds, whatever witness wanted to do, and that was the first intimation witness had of Mr. Haynes's past. He asked for an exe planation and Mr. Haynes told his story, stating that he only served six weeks arid that he won his case fon appeal. He Was very humble and apologetic and arked for a chance to make good. Witness only recently had seen the articles in "Trath" and did not know of them at that time, He replied that he was the last man who would put
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.