The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1893-06-21
WHERE AM I AT?
That's What William j. KeeIan Said Yes
terday-A Novel Law Point.

William J. Keelan, formerly fireman at
the city building, lately lost his wife at
Providence, as is well known. He arrived
at his home in this city few days ago
and yesterday morning was under the
surveillance:of the liquor deputies. After
it had been supposed that these officers
had got through with him, he was unex-
pectedly met by Deputy United States
Marshal Smith, who arrested him. The
United States deputy marshals have had
warrant for the arrest of,Keelan for some
time, but have not been able to get him
as he has been out of the state.
The case of the man is complex one.
During Mayor Ingraham's term the then
fireman was arrested and brought before
the police court on search and seizure
He pleaded not guilty, but the court
found him SO, and imposed fine of 500
and costs and sixty days in jail An APP
peal was made and the case went to the
superior court, where decision similar
to that in the lower court was arrived at.
The respondent was still persistent and
followed this up by filing exceptions to
the law court. The story. will be for a
third time heard by the law court which
sits in this city next month.
On the 22d day Of March last Keelan
was again brought before Judge Could s
tribunal on a couple Of search and seizure
cases. The customary fine and sentence
was imposed, from which he furnished
bonds in his appeal. In May the grand
jury indicted him and on the 10Th day of
last month his case was to be heard be-
fore Judge Bonney. The respondent
failed to appear and his bond was de-
faulted. He had gone to Providence, R.
l., where until very recently he has re-
manned.
Yesterday morning two mittimuses to
cover the two search and seizure cases
were issued. This is the first instance of
the kind that has happened in this coun-
ty under recent law. Last winter the
legislature passed law that when per-
son 'sskips'' his bond on a liquor case,
the officers may arrest him on his return,
and without the formality of trial the
prisoner can at once be committed to Jail
to serve out his appealed sentence, what
ever it may be. So that for the next 100
days at least this respondent will have to
be in jail, and if his two fines and costs,
amounting to over 5000, are not paid, a
longer sentence will have to be served.
A default of each 800 means 60 days.
Keelan also has an indictment case
hanging over him. But yesterday morn
ing he gave the necessary bonds of $1,000
for his appearance in September. In all
he jumped bonds amounting to $1,000.
The offence for which the government
arrested the man was for selling liquors
without having paid United States tax.
He pleaded guilty before Commissioner
Bradley yesterday morning and was
bound over to the September term of the
circuit court which meets at Bath. Bonds
were furnished.
Then the liquor sheriffs entered and
served the two mittimuses on Keelan,
who will serve his two months in Jail
Then Keelan cried in despair, "Where
am / at?''
After this sentence is served, the query
arises as to which officers can take the
man. The county officers will be ready
to have him before the superior court.
On the other hand, the United States of
ficials will be'prepared to take the pris-
oner before the circuit court. Local
officers say that this is the first instance
of the kind on record.