Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-11-21
THE CASE OF NoRvELL.
Not Brougbt Into Court for Sentence Today
Expected.

1t was generally expected that Willard S.
Norvell, the treasury clerk who appropriated
$500 OF government money to his own use DC
tober 3. would be brought up be-
fore the Criminal Court this morning
for sentence. and consequently large crowd
assembled III the court room. Norveli. how
ever, was not the only attraction, as it was
also understood that B. Shepard White would
appear. AID the combination proved drawing
card But the curiosity seekers were disap-
pom ted. neither prisoner Was brought up
from the jail
When Norvell pleaded guilty TO the charges of
larceny and embezzlement from the United
States Ihursd afternoon il was suggested by
Assistant District Attorney ClaSett that be be
brought ND today Tor sentence. and Judge
Bradley acquesced. No order was issued by
the court. and accordingly the marshal was
given no instruction this morning to produce
the prisoner at the city hall.
PECULIAR PHASES OF THE CASE.
good many surmises were made to the
reason for this change, but it is understco cd
that it is not the intention of the District at
torncy, Capt Cole, to hurry the case in the
least He has become interested in
it because Of its rather mysterious phases. the
apparent lack of motive for the theft. the
attitude of Norvell subsequent to his arrest
and the position of the mother and sister
1nasmuch Norvell has acknowledged the
crime and pleaded guilty there remains but his
sentence by the court, and the only question
pending is IS to its severity.
Judge Bradley also has taken interest in
the care. and he IL rather looking TO the Dis
trict attorney for information that Will guide
him IN his judgment The point in issue is
based mainly on Norvells motive for taking the
money. Ii, as he asserted yeste ID " to a STAR
reporter. he had no reason or dill not need
the money there would seem to be implied a
sort of kleptomaniaism, perhaps, that may or
niiy not be cured
There are those who believe there is a reason
hi,iden beneath the apparent surface of things
and many hint AT things that would go to make
the Case even more dramatic than il is at pres
sut-
COURT OFFICIALS PUZZLED.
Norvell crime contrasted with his prev
ious good record. his excellent ways. his
reasonably good habits and his simple tastes
puzzles the officials of the court as well as those
of the treasury. and il is said at the city hall
that seldom has there been a case OF such in
teresting and perplexing features
The District attorney Is anxious to void
doing anything that might ruin Noryelrs future
IN case there Is anything IL him worth. saving
II this crime is the one bad thing about his life,
that VIII never be repeated. a long term in
prison might eventually cause him to abandon
all hope and lead a wre;ched existence after
ward. le. if the theft were COM
mitted with lack of moral APP
probation Of his offense there would seem to
be Little use III mitigating his sentence.
these aGd other considerations are crowding in
upon Capt. Cole when he examines the case
and iinal action IS DELAYED in consequence.
II - not certain whether or not the prisoner
viii lie brought up for sentence next SATURDAY,
he vii probably say IL. Jail in the meantime
~ be does hot desire to obtain bail