The record-union., 1893-01-12
JEFFERIS' EXAMINATION.
1t Is Again Postponed Until TO-mor-
row Afternoon.
In the Meantime. the Grand Jury is
Expected to Either Indict or
Exonerate Him.

The little courtroom of Justice Henry
was densely packed yesterday by a crowd
drawn thither through A desire, appa-
rently, to gaze at the much-talked-of
George B. Jefferis, who it was expected
would be examined on the charge OF hav-
ing murdered Miss L. O. Ayres, the rail-
road telegraph operator at Brighton, two
weeks ago.
Jeferis was brought into court, accom-
panied by his wife from Oakland, whose
features showed the effects of the mental
suffering which she had undergone since
the day of her husbands arrest. She did
not remain in the courtroom, however,
because she was not able to Withstand the
strain upon her nerves.
District Attorney Ryan and Charles t.
Jones appeared for the prosecution, and
General A. /. Hart for the defense. Mr..
Ryan informed the court that the case Of
Jefferis had been under investigation by
the Grand Jury for two days, and he pre-
ferred to have the examination deferred
until the result of that investigation
should be announced, as he proposed to
be governed in the matter by the action
o. that body.
General Hart made long and vigorous
argument against any postponement OF
the examination. He claimed that the
defendant was entitled to prompt hear
ing, and charged he was outrageously
treated by being kept in prison pending
the inquiry by the Grand jury. He de-
manded that Jetleris be at once released
or the examination be proceeded with.
Mr.. Ryan held that the Grand Jury had
right to investigate the case. and that it
was its duty to do so. The only purpose
of the prosecution was to determine
whether or not there was sufficient
ground for holding Jetferis for trial.
Apparently counsel was endeavoring to
manufacture public sentiment for the
prisoner.
Mr.. Jones challenged General Hart to
name a serious crime committed while
the Grand Jury was in session that was
not investigated by that body. The
Grand Jury was in session when the
Brighton depot was burned, and it was
their duty and their privilege to investi-
gate the matter. An examination would do
no good, as the Grand Jury has the mat
ter in charge, and its decision will be final.
The matter was debated further by
General Hart and the District Attorney,
and then Justice Henry took a hand. He
said that any responsibility in the matter
would rest with him. He fully appreci-
ated the rights of the prisoner, but could
not ignore the existence of the Grand
Jury. Under the circumstances he would
continue the examination until Friday al
1870 2. NJ.
General Hart then demanded that
Coroner Clark be summoned before the
Grand Jury and required to testify to a
statement made to him the day after the
Brighton fire by Miss Cox, a friend OF
Miss Ayres.
Mr.. Ryan replied that the proper per-
son for General Hart to apply to in such
matter was the foreman of the Grand
Jury.
A wordy wrangle ensued between
counsel, which Justice Henry cut short
by adjourning his court.
1t appears that Miss Cox told Coroner
Clark on the day following the tragedy
that Miss Ayres was not married, but al
the inquest, and when under oath, she
testified that the deceased had told hel
she was the wife of Jefferis.
The Grand Jury took recess at moor
yesterday until 10 A. NJ. to-day.