Bridgeton pioneer. (Bridgeton, N.J.) 1884-1919, 1893-01-05

In evidence, and the signatures proven
by Herbert Mason, 10 whose presence
it was signed. Mr.. Gage gave the
principal testimony, and fixed the
damage resulting from the shutting off
the water to figure about $500. Mr..
Gage was being cross-examined at the
time of closing this report.
TUESDAY AFTERNOON.
There was nothing especially inter-
esting in the proceedings Of Court this
afternoon. OF course it cannot be
said that the case In progress was dry,
for it was all about water, but it was
a matter of contracts. bills. checks,
receipts, etc., and as consequence
there was lack of enthusiasm and In
terest.
Down In the main corridor of the
frst floor there was more interest.
The Grand Jury was looked secretly
In the room usually used by that body,
and the closed door was zealously
guarded by Constables R. F. Ayars
and Lore.
All about were score or more of
witnesses who had been subpHned to
appear to give testimony in various
criminal cases. OF fcourse nothing leaks
out of the room, and especially secret
is the body of this Court. after the
charge made in the morning. A num-
ber of cases of trivial character en-
braced the session of to-day, and there
were quite number of people about
who were under bail, who were very
anxious to ascertain If true bills of in
dictment had been found against
them.
Upstairs Judge Reed and the jury
patiently listened to the case of Gage
against Keighley, in which the former
asked of the latter damages resulting
from Keighley having shut water off
from the residence Of Gage.
When the morning session closed
the plaintiff Mr.. Gage was upon the
stand, subjecting himself to an adroit
cress-examination by Mr.. Tuller, 'coun-
sci for Mr.. Keighley. He retired and
one other witness was sailed, and the
plaintiffs rested his case.
Mr. Tuller opened the case for the
defendants, and Mr.. Keighley was
called to the stand to tell his own side
of the story.
at this point Judge Reed announced
that all Jurors not on the panel were
excused until tomorrow morning,
when other cases will be taken up. In
1886, he said, he owned the water
works In Vineland. In 1887 he had a
business relation with Mr.. Gage, the
plaintiff, making a contract with him
to furnish water to him, for a certain
stipulation. The contract was made
through the negotiations of Herbert J.
Mason. The witness continued to sup
ply water to Gage until the Vineland
Water Company was formed in 1891,
when Keighley ceased to be the owner
Of the water plants. After that water
was supplied Gage by the Company.
Mr.. Gage had never paid Keigbley
personally any water rent, nor had
Mr.. Kelghley signed any receipts
personally, he having given his
son William authority to collect bills
and sign receipts.
The case continued, and as presented
went on to show that Mr.. Gage recog-
nized the Company after its formation
and did business with 1t, paying the
corporation money and taking It's re-.
ceipts. The defense then claimed that
Mr.. Gage had by this action agreed to
a substitution of the contract, and did
not think it possible to hold him re-
sponsible, individually and personally.
WEDNESDAY MORNING.
The first business of the morning
session of Court, was the charging of
the water jury by Judge Reed. The
charge indicated that the court be-
lieved that Keighley had violated his
contract with Gsge, and that the lat.
ter was entitled to damage for the
sinking of wells. the plumbing in his
house, and such reasonable damage
for inconvenience to which he was
put. The jury retired in charge of
Constable Creech.
The case OF Martha A. Sheppard VS..
Lafayette Elmer, Admir-, was called.
Col. Potter representing the plaintiff
stated Mrs. Sheppard was lady of
eighty-two years of age, and she was
present in the Court yesterday, but
upon returning home last night re-
ceived fall which 50 incapacitated her
that her presence could not be obtain
ed for a few days, and he was obliged
to ask for postponment. The case
went over for the term.
The Circuit Court issue of Michael
McGuigan VS.. Mahlon d. Mulford. in
tort, was moved, and jury en-
panelled. James 8. Ware represented