Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-06-13
TWO CENTS.

SoN eaopuc Tuuofs TSoCucu Luc IciAtof cdre
that he was publicly accused of criminal
negligence in the premises, and he was 80 ac-
cused In the public press OF this District.
THE SCENE AT THE INQUEST.
That upon the 18th day Of June, at II o'clock
a m. the respondent, Edward NJ. Schaeffer,
who is deputy coroner Of this District, held
session Of his coroner's court. with Jury in
attendance, in the said District OF Columbia.
That the reator then first appeared in said
court with Mr.. r. Ross Perry as his coun-
sel That at said session Of said court witnesses
were for the first time examined before
of John Z. Chaplin. who was Killed
by the fall of the said building. That during
the said examination certain witnesses gave
testimony tending If unexplained to impute to
the relator criminal negligence in connection
with the said death. That the relator by his
said counsel requested OF the said deputy
coroner permission to cross-examine the said
witnesses, but that the said deputy coroner re-
fused said permission and would not allow the
relator or his said counsel to ask any witness
any question.
That subsequently, during the said session. the
relator was falsely accused of iutimidating
witnesses under examination; was charged with
murder by sundry persons In attendance upon
said inquest, and was finally called uIon to
withdraw from said court by said deputy
coroner, and by one Of the members Of the
jury. That thereupon a riotous mob surrounded
the relator and his counsel and threatened his
life: that the deputy coroner then adjourned
his court until IL O'Clock of Tuesday. June l3.
1898. That during tho whole of the said session
the relator and his said counsel conducted
themselves in quiet and orderly manner doing
nothing to make their presence in the said
court improper.
RIGHT TO BE PRESENT.
That the relator has lereinbefore stated 90
fully the facts of his case because be is con-
vinced that fair inquiry into the said facts
will result in his acquittal Of all blame by any
coroners jury or committing magistrate.
That he is advised by his counsel that no
man can be legally tried in coroners court
without being present in said court, il
he so desired. and having an opportunity Of
cross-examining accusing witnesses, both with
the aid OF counsel That the relator is in fact
now on trial in the said Coroner's Court, and IL
the verdict Of the said jury should charge him
with responsibility for the death of the
said John i. Chaplin, the said deputy
coroner has authority to commit him for trial.
That under euch circumstances to deny him
the right to be present in court to meet his ac-
cusers face to face, to cross-examine them, to
examine his own witnesses, all by the help Of
counsel, is to deprive him Of his legal rights as
an American citizen.
DEMANDS PROTECTION.
That the relator is prepared to prove all Of the
preceding averments by good and reputable
witnesses. and that he desires to produce and
examine the said witnesses in the said coroner
court, rs also 10 cross-examine the adverse wit
nesses who have been and NAV be produced
against him. That the relator has no other
legal remedy in the premises
Wherefore. the premises considered. the re-
lator prays that your honor will grant unto
him the writ of mandamus to be directed to
the said Edward NJ. Schaeffer, deputy coroner
Of the District Of Columbia commanding him
to permit the relator and his counsel to be
present during the sessions Of his said coroner's
court and to cross-examine witnesses who have
testified or who may hereafter testify
in said court touching any alleged
criminal negligence of the relntor in
the premises, and 10 adduce the testimony oi
In his own behalf and TO examine the same with
the aid Of his said counsel, and further COM
manding the said deputy coroner to inforc,
order in his said court and to adopt such
measures rs may be required to protect the lif,
Of the relator which has been afore said
threatened and menaced in the said coroner
court
The Deputy Coroner's Demurrer.
District Attorney Birney. on behalf Of tn,
Of q demurrer, to the petition for the man
damus.
Now comes here the respondent. Edward
NJ. Schaeffer, deputy coroner of tn,
District of Columbia, and not con.
Tossing or admitting any Of the averments o.
the petition OF the said relatol
to be true. therein set forth
doth demur to the said petition and
show cause of demurrer showeth tina
the said relator hath not by his sait
petition set forth any matter or thing which
entities him to the writ OF mandamus in tn,
premises"