Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1894-05-24

WAsmSGroN, May ol.-Coxoy. Browne
and Jones were sentenced by Judge Miller
in the Police Court this afternoon to 20
days in jail for violating the statute of the
United States prohibiting the display of
partisan banners in the capitol grounds and
CoNcy and Browne were fined - each addi-
tional for trespassing on the grass, the
alternative being another 10 days in jail.
Jones was acquitted on this last charge.
The Police Court room was crowded this
morning when the Coxcyites were called for
sentence Judge Miller asked if the defend
ants had anything TO say why sentence
should not be passed.
Representative Hudson of Kansas. one of
CoXey's counsel, Immediately rose and de
livered political address He said that he
had considerable contempt for the govern
ment in its prosecution of this case. Every
point had been decided against the defend
ants 1t was little difficult for the un-
trained mind 10 understand how Congress
could SET aside grounds from which peace
able people were kept ont.
Mr. Hudson quoted "A decision of Justice
Brewer of the Federal Supreme Court in
support of his contention that an informa-
ton unsupported by an oath or affidavit as
III blllo 'dSt, was nun anu NultI ne HtN
ernment, he claimed, had arrested the men
on one charge and prosecuted them on au-
other.
"GoG know and know, - he said ''that
he lCoXeyl was not arrested and convicted
because he stepped on the grass, but because
he carried banner in opposition to the
political ideas of those who are powerful in
the administration of this government.
They "a ~ ttlaA tba IF bo-
men.
"Who are they = asked Judge Miller.
"The parties who are dominant. who are
all-powerful, answered Mr. Hudson
"Who are these myths, these ghosts -
asked Miller
"ThoNe who are in favor of gold stand
ard. " Mr. Hudson replied.
"lf that is So they haven't reached thi,
court, vas the judges reply.
Nr. Hudson launched off into politics and
was called down by the Judge. "The sen
tence of this court, he said. twill make
people think this government is undertaking
a policy of suppression.
Fortunately, said the Judge. 'tht
courts pronounce sentence without taking
into consideration what people think. o."
'On one side you have the money power
on the other the poor and struggling masse.
by which will your honor be Influenced .
asked Mr. Hudson. Neither. responded
the court CURLY.
Mr. Hynan of the defence made an ap
peal for nominal sentence and then Car
| Browne had his say. He withdrew the ap
peals made in his behalf. He had asked foi
a jury trial, but he now believed he made G
| mistake. 81 do not believe he said in
loud voice. that the people of the United
! States believe that such a lot of filth ant
| staGnatiOn exists as is in the courts here
| ! do not mean your honor; your are differ
| ent."
| Then Browne proceeded in blasphemou
strain, comparing the jury to those whc
had participated in the crucfixion. He sale
! he believed the few hours or DAYS or month";
he would pass in Jail would do more to hel,
| the cause than his feeble voice could
! He asserted that he made no resistance
when arrested and that his life was Savec
from the policeman's club by a colore,
| man. He stated that he asked for II,
money. but would accept his punishment
| cheerfully.
Coxcv rose next 1t was the first time
| no said, that he had over stoo,
| before court for sentence and il was
| pleasing thought that he was innocent. II
| told how his arrest was made and main
| tanned that he was not walking OF
| the grass and he carried no banner
6ut he was not surprised that the iur,
| brought III such a verdict and n
blamed the newspapers for it in represent
| ing his commonwcalers AS a band of desper
ADDE'S II do not appeal for mercy becaus
| have committed no crime - he said. blu
| do ask for justice.