New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1884-01-29
CHARGED WITH LIBELLING A PUBLISHER
GEORGE ALFRED TOWNSEND SUED FOR 100000
TRUTHS TREATMENT or GARFIELD.

cropcr ALFRED TOWNSEND SUED FOR $4,000
TRUTHS TREATMENT or GARFIELD.
The suit of Joseph Hart, the publisher Of
Truth, against George Alfred Townsend for $4,000 for
damages to his character by reason Of an alleged libel
published in Tic Cincinnati Enquirer, in which it was
stated that Truth was established by Hart for purpose Of
punder was begun yesterday the Supreme Court be-
fore Judge Hooper c. Van Worst and jury. Richard
NewcoInbe appeared for the plaintiff and John D. Town
send for the defendant The court well filed
and a number OF weu-known newspapcr-men were
present.
Joseph Hart testified that he was the principal owner
and publisher Of Truth the time of the publication Of
the alleged ibeOus article, and that the publication had
injured him in character and reputation When John d.
Townsend began the examination, be
had piled up before him files OF Truth
since the beginning of its publica-
ton lie puTpoIed to prove he said that the paper had
man In answer to questions Mr.. Hart admitted that he
did not ask denial OF the MOTey leter nom GeneId
Garfield, and that, although he had seen aiac-simle OF
General Garfeds denial Of the authorship Of the letter
in me Herald he continued MS attacGs on 14lorW Wo
asked why he had refused produce the original OF tho
Morey letter after he had been indicted for criminal libel
the case Mr.. Hart replied 81 was AFRAID some good
Democrat or Republican would get hold OF II and destroy
Mr.. Townsend-Do you remember of having been
charged with perjury III connection with this easel
Mr.. townsend read some extracts from the paper,
showing that perjury had been charged The witness
The Times which had not been brought 10 trial.
MT TOwnsend-Did you know, at the time you were as
sociated with MeSsTs. Howe 81 Hummell. that Mr.
Hume had been disbarred rascalities and that Mr.
Howe an English convict who was wanted on the
other side 10 serve out sentencef
Mr.. NewcOmbe-I Obieco TO the question.
Mr.. TOwnsend-I merely wish 10 show your Honor the
character OF this friends and to show the Jury how
much ne can injured I'm reputation by any publication
The question was admitted and the witness denied hay
ing such knowledge. .
Mr. Townsend began to read some extracts from Truth,
to show that that paper had Indignantly sandeTed zen
era Garfield from the time OF his nomination until MS
election Counsel for the plaintiff objected 10 the read
ing but Judge Van Worst permitted a..
Mr. Hart said that he could give no reason why the
paper should apply the epithets OF "per1urer" and
"bribeaker" TO President Garfield except from COM
mon report. -, -
MIR Townsend dndignantly)-This man, who has Sian
dered systematically nearly every pubic man IN the
country on no better foundation than common report
must he have $4,000 damages for the publication OF
statement that he'll find we are abundantly abe 10
proyel His very paper shows on It's race that sys-
tematically plumbers both Of character and money
The examination TO the political course OF the paper
brought out the fact that II had been started originally
to support General Grant for third term " Ana now,
said Mr. Townsend "it is Thompsonian Kelly cohoiha
ton paper"
The examination Will be continued to-day.