New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1873-11-07
A II1RYMAN PUNISHED.
THE EIGHTH JU1sOE IN THE STOKES CASE SENT TO
JAIL FOR THIRTY DAYS.


JAIL FOR THIRTY DAYS.
In the Over and Terminer Court yesterday,
Assistant Allen called up the order to
show cause why James D. Center, one of tho jurors IN
the Stokes case should not be punished for contempt
The afndavt OF Thomas p French, one OF the deputy
sherJ who had charge Of the jury was read III sta'es
that he and Center visited low dancingsaloons ana BAR
rooms ,.s.that man named Clark whispered with
Center notwithstanding tho officers rcmonstrances,
and also that a man named Byrn, one OF
tbe witnesses for Stokes, spoke TO him
The affidavit also states that while Center. Clark and
the deponent in oyster saloon Clark said. You
con make mics stake-t is In your power, you Keep
auet." He asked, What Is 1t worthP Clark said,
About a. eD9 to yon" and the deponent said would
do good deal to make 1000 for Green hasn't paid mo
these three years past On their way back to the hotel
Mr. Center used filthy language in speaking OF the
Court and Dstrict-Attorney.
Later III the day Mr.. Howe end his client again ap
peared in court Mr.. Howe read an affidavit from MI
Center in which denies that he acted in suspicious
manner swIth Zone Clark. as Officer French swears
Clark had charge of his business during his absence
lie denies that Clark whispered to HIM in the pres
ence OF tho officer and the conversation they had
was purely on matters Of business. He denies every
one OF the allegations in the affidavit and also In those
of Harry Hill and the other officer, Hunt He SAYS he
was in the habit Of selling wine to Harry Ill., Reddy
the Blacksmith, and the other saloon Keepers whose
his visits were merely matters OF business and that
lie never convesed about the Stokes with any one
outside the court and did not understand that he was
restricted as 10 places he TO visit, and that he
had no intention Of acting in contempt of Court
Mr. Howe then said that il Center drank more than he
ought Ia these visits 1t not wilful contempt OF
Court to take stimuauts He certainly into Court
next morning ia fuIl possession OF his faculties, and be
certainly agreed with the other II jurors or they would
not have brought I'm q verdict Counsel then read an
affidavit Center's partner Warren Clark and from
Alfred b. Goodson Of No. 527 Broadway He also read
an affidavit from Mrs Seely, who accompanied Mrs.
Center TO the Astor House visit to her husband
She states that presence Mrs Center called her
husbands attention the newspaper comments that he
was favorable to the defense, &c. and French who
present said Mrs. Center. You are foolish; 1t is all
newspaper talk He never did anything wrong. He
always acted az perfect gentleman An additional
effect that tho first poll OF the jury SIX were for
Assistant Ds'ricAttorney Allen said If his honor mad
any doubt OF the truth OF Harry Hns and the other
witnesses in support Mr. Howe said the defendant left
the matter respectfullyhe was going TO say abjectly
to he discretion Of the Court denying any wilful con-
Judge Davi, sald If his mind was in much doubt he
would ORDER the production ana e1am mn OF wit
ment Of the jurors in close atmosphere he allowed
hs With WI sS an walk and only
walk In some instances he gave lurcrs permission TO
he allowed another to visit his father; Mr..
Center came TO the Bench and stated The had
Important business be attended to- and be got per
mission to visit hls place OF business In company with
on .er Hunt and then return; but no gave no In
fmaton that he was visit the places named In the
adayits Soon Information came 10 me Court that the
Juror had been visiting improper places and on the
officer admitting that they visited those places he was
removed from attendance the jurors. NOtwithstand
ing this the visits continued In company with
another officer. Nothing could be more Improper
than visits by juror on such trial to dis"
reputable places they conceded to be.
No wonder tho community were appalled, Mt the idea
OF suci things happening. and nothing could be more
calculated TO bring the administration OF justice Into
disrepute. Looking 1.-THE adavlts, his Honor could
see ia them denial OF the allegation that the Juror
visited tho places named. Whatever Hills character
mi ht be- deserves meedOf praise for having in
the interests of the public, made afdav that ena-
bled the court 10 take hold OF this matter II
conceivable why he should make such a statement
against a customer unless II was true. On the other
hand, the who could while juror on such a case
visit such places consecutive nights was capable Of
cOnvers.n ne about the case.
Judge Davis then said 1T IL my duty 10 convict Mr.
Center OF wllliul contempt Of Court In violating
directions In respect to the jurors being kept together
except where special permission given, and the
ground that no converted improperly about the case
with persons not connected with Ii. Tho sentence Ia
imprisoned the County jail for period OF
so days pay fine OF $780, and stand committed until
that ne Is paid for period not exceeding 80 days after
the other term"