The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1894-07-25
WON EVERY CASE TRIED.
p. A. Johns Acquitted in Three cases.--Jury
Disagreed in the Fozrth.-L0oks
More Like Persecution
Than Prosecution

In the case of p. A. Johns. proprietor OF
the Merchants Hotel, lockwood, who
was called for trial last Wednesday in the
/ L. $ District Court. at Erie, Pa. for en-
bezzlement while acting as Deputy-Col-
lectoT Of Internal Revenue for Fayeste
and Somerset COUNTIES. the Government
| placed in evidence that johns had collect
I ed 81 from l. W. Nannear, retail deal
er in liquor at the Park Hotel, Somerset,
and S42 from William Bell, merchant Of
COnnellsville, who sold Oleonargarine.
In neither case had the license been re-
turned 10 the dealers by Johns.
These facts were not denied by the
defendant. but Johns stated that in the
case Of Ben, when he learned that Bell
Was using the oleomargarine in his own
consumption, he had paid him back the
money. As to Vannear, the defendant
testified that he received the s2j, but that
il was not accompanied by formal ap-
piication. He asked Vannear for formal
application, which he received. bat mis-
laid il, and, discovering the mistake he
returned the check, but Vannear refused
10 receive it. The jury acquitted Johns
in both of the above eases.
Johns was next placed upon trial under
indictments charging him with embez-
ziing two license fees paid by p. II. Ber-
ryhill, a Connellsville druggist, for the
years ISL 10 ls93, and the oleomargarine
tax paid by William Roland, huekster
of Fayette county.
Johns Testified "a, HI, ,.,,-,, ,4r,,,.,. H..
he had no recollection of Berryhill's first
check of So, but that the last check was
held awaiting Berryhill's formal applic=i-
ton upon blank eleven" Upon receiv-
ing notice from Berryhill Johns gave him
back the license fee and a penalty of 20
per cent 1t was admitted in the case of
William Roland that Johns had turned
over to his successor the fee, and license
was issued after delay of three months
The jury disagreed in the ease of Berry
hill and returned a verdict of mot gull
ty'' in the Roland case.
The other eases against Johns were con-
iinued until the Court meets again in Oc-
tober, at Pittsburg, at the request of the
District Attorney.
There are fourteen indictments hanging
over Johns yet. The alleged fraud WAS
in sending the vouchers for livery hire,
which, ii is alleged, was never performed.
Cashier r. 4. Hackney, of Uniontown,
became surety for Johns.
Hon. r. ii. Hopwood, of Uniontown,
who was one of Johns attorneys, is quot
ed by Pittsburg paper as saying that he
was personally interested in Johns on
account of the struggle he has made
against adverse fate. With no oppOrtuni-
| ~ 10 secure an education he studied hard
and tried to make something OF himself
While he was Deputy Collector he han
| died 5000 for the Government. In the IA
counts against Mr.. Johns, the lawyer
says, only SSs are involved, and Mr.. Hop
wood claims he can show that this money
was spent legitimately. He states that
there are certain parties who would like
70 send Johns to purgitory, and he blames
| them for the bitter and determined pros
ecutiOn.
Somerset parties who were at LIE for
the purpose Of testifying in the cases
d
satisfied that the defendant il the victim
of political persecution and that the
charges brought against him were insti-
gated by political enemies rthepurpose
Of satisfying personal grudge. and not
| for the purpose of sulHerving the public
good.
II viii be rerpembered that Mr.. Johns
was the Republican nominee in lSs2 for
/ Sheriff in Fayette county, but was de-
I feated by small majority, owing to
/ treachery in the ranks Of his party.
In lockwood, where Mr.. Johns has
resided for the past Is months, and in
/ Somerset, where he has been known for a
score of years, he enjoys most excellent
reputation for probity and honesty and
/ his many friends are gratified NJ the hap
py termination of the cases disposed Of
and hope for his triumphant vindicatiOn
when the remaining charges against him
| have been heard by the court.