The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1875-09-08
rnE cnARLEY ROSS cAsE.
Progress Of Westcrveit's Trint in Philadcl-
phiR-A Kew YOrk Policeman on the
stand The Boys Nurse and Uncle Testify.

Stnud The hoy Nurse ana I nclc TefUits
philadelphia, sept. THE first witness
examined this morning In the wc-tcryelt trial
was Sarah Kerr, who at the time Of the abduc-
tlon was chIld's nurse IN the family of Mr.. Ross.
Her testimony consisted entirely Of Gescfip-
ton Of the manner IN which Charley was dressed
On the morning Of his abduction. She described
particularly the ribbon that bound the child's
hair.
Mr.. Ross was then recalled and questioned as
to the ailmcnt under which Charley suffered.
and which was referred to IN one Of the auony-
nous letters OF the abductors.
Detective Moran " the New York police force
testified to having watched the Astoria ferry at
different times for Moshcr and Douglass. In his
cross-examination he testified to having seen
Wcstervelt ON Aug. 20, 1874 while in the per-
Torrance Of his duty. lie was asked when he
saw wcstctvelt previous to this time. This was
objected to ~ not being strictly "A tross-eXami-
nation. The Court. however. permitted the
question a. an Indulgence. The next question
was as to whether Ncstcrvclt looked then as
now. This question brought out prompt oh
lection from MIR. llager, and after considerable
animated discussion the question was ruled out
1hc witness ON leaving the stand was requested
hv the pr spner's counsel not to go away until
the conglu lon Of the case.
Capt. Hines was recalled, and asked by the
prosecuting attorney to state in a general " y
VIII q measures were adopted 10y the police
force at Phtiadclnhil for the discovery and re-
covcry Of the lost child. THIS was strenuously
objected &C.. and the discussion that followed
was brisk aud interesting. The Court finally
modified the question, 49, as to include only
what witness did himself and directed to be
done. witness then began to detail what the
Mayor told him, when another objection and
another discussion eusucd.
Mr.. Ford suggested that this was the trial Of
VIM. estcrvelt, and not at all au occasion for
introducing an apology or an explanation for
tne -Iortcomings OF the police authorize In the
conduct Of the case. These authorities and
their servants had ample opportunity for trial
az the bar Of public opinion but at this particu-
tar only Westeryelt - TO be tried.
The witness was nnallv directed to leave out
what tie Mayor told him and conilnc himself o
what he did aud directed.
At the cross-cxanination the fact was incl
dcntaly brought out tina the witness, In all he
DID, WIS acting under the authority Of the chief
81 Police. One point Illustrating how the pc
Ice authorities operated, was brought out in
reference 20 the letter received from Supcrin-
t,Hdcnt Wnliinr, stating wherc Moshcr aud
DuuSla-a mad lived IN tins citf. and giving some
facis relative To- the horse aud wagon.
This letter demanded especially that this iniur-
nation should not be- given to Mr.. Ross or the
Il certain detective ageu ", and so livc the on
GERS OF that force n clue 10 work upon. The de-
mand wa compiled with, aad the iuf9rmati On
wa not communicated - the accnc, for the
reason, as tdpt. Hines states, that lr did not
think moro than two men were required TO " run
tine thing out Witness was Informed that the
detective agency was employed by the commit
tee OF citizens to search Tor the lust boy, but
this clue was kept from these agents in order
that CAPT. wood aud detective Fry. tie two
men selected to run tue thing OUT might
have the uppnr.uLitv TO themselves. and SO "a
possibility was sacrificed. NClthcr the two men
toned nor any others Of tho Philadelphia force.
anew Mu-hcr or Douglass. bat with the chance
existing that these other tlctNcs might know
tine men sought or, and SO work cfcciuaily, this
ran Out successfully
joseph Ross. uncle OF the los, Charley. was
next examined relative 90 the letters received
while hir brother was sick. Ills examination
wa brief. and there was no cross quest Oning.