The morning call., 1890-11-07
ABSENT OFFICIALS.
Postponement of the Nelson
Libel Case.
Judge Murphy Complains Of the Dilatory
Tactics Of the Defense-Neither Clerk
nor stenographer on Hand.

Judge D. J. Murphy of the Superior Court
was one of the first to enter the courtroom
of Department of the Police judges Court
yesterday afternoon, that being the time set
for resuming the hearing of the charge OF
libel against William NJ Nelson.
The courtroom was crowded with People
eager to hear the testimony.
After Police Judge Joachimsen had taken
his seat, Clarence Gray. special counsel for
the defendant, asked for a continuance, staf-
irg that everybody was tired out after the
election, and for the further reason that
Nelson had some private business to attend
to during tie afternoon.
c. b. Darwin. who appears for ~ Judge
Murphy in tile prosecution, strenuously OBJ
jected to continuance. He wanted to know
how long Judge Murphy was to be badgered,
and said there was most wonderful liber-
atty in the Court in allowing questions.
ORDERED TO PROCEED.
Attorney Gray answered that he did not
know how long Judge Murphy's cross-ex-
animation would last, but promised that if
the case was continued to Monday. next he
would ask for 70 further postponements.
Judge Joachimsen replied that he would
grant no continuance. There were num-
Der of witnesses on hand. some of whom are
city officials, and it was a hardship on them
to keep them from their business.
Nelson cleared his throat preparatory 10
asking questions.
"Wait moment" exclaimed Clarence
Gray There is no clerk"
Clerk Kenny was looked for, but was not
found to be present. Balliff Duncan, who
knows the Salmon alley statesman Is small
aid sometimes sleeps in the day, looked I'M
der the tall desk and behind the waste-paper
basket, but Kenny was not to be seen taking
his usual sieSIa.
1t was discovered that Kenny was out cele-
brating the occasion that he did not obtain
nomination for County Clerk OH the Demo-
cratic ticket. Judge Joachimsen instructed
Charles II. j. Mcdonald, Kenny's assistant,
to act as clerk and ordered the case to pro-
coed
NO CLERK AND NO REPORTER.
Judge Murphy" began Nelson.
'StopW again exclaimed Clarence Gray.
"Ihere is no shorthand reporter"
Another long wait was had, and finally a
stenographer was secured. Attorney Gray
objected to this shorthand reporter because
lie is not the one who had taken notes at pre-
yious hearings. He wanted the same one or
none at all.
Judge Joachimsen still refused to grant a
continuance, and ordered the bailiff to 90
after the missing sIenoSrapher.
Il hope this will do others as much good
as me-" said Nelson.
Il want no discussion" returned the Court
I'VE might have a friendly talk about the
matter" suggested Clarence Gray.
81 don't feel disposed TO have any friendly
talks outside of the business of the court,
answ cred Judge Joachimsen.
As the missing stenographer could not be
found, and C. b. Darwin saw it was the
object Of the defense TO secure a contnu-
ance by delaying business, he at last con-
scented to have the hearing postponed till
to-day at o'clock.
wrangie about a D stpOnement silence, but
after the adjournment of court he COM
planned bitterly OF Tie dilatory tactics Of the