Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1895-11-19
WHEELING VA. TUESDAY MORNING, NOVEMBER 49, 1895

-Four or five DAYS afterwards, Mr.. Shoe
maker dictated the affidavit TO a steno-
grapher. This was before the woman
had been procured. After Sweckler had
been given the affidavit he turned II
over to Detective GeyeF, who said he
would procure the woman. MI.
Graham was pursuing the inquiry about
the making of the affidavit when Shoe
maker excitedly jumped to his feet and
said: Il will acknowledge that dlctat-
ed the affidavit to the stenographer.
"Sit down; don't say word" NUT
tered Rotan TO Shoemaker. During all
this scene Holmes sat in the dock,
HIS COLD. BLUE EYES
leveled at Shoemaker, a sneer upon his
lips
Shoemaker, his face livid with ex-
element, finally broke from his col
leagues and exclaimed: Il ask if | will
have an opportunity to refute these
charges. I"
"At the proper time sir, and in the
proper place" interrupted Judge Thay-
er severely.
But the attorney, almost in frenzy,
his voice hoarse and broken, cried: Il
am sure l can show my innocence Of
anything rejecting upon me as a mem
Der Of this bar. This is a trap-a dam
nable trap set by the District Attorney
to destroy the humblest member of this
bar. | appeal to the court to grant me
time to defend myself"
Judge Thayer again cautioned the
attorney. Under the present condition
OF affairs, sir, l think you will find
safety in silence" he said impressive
ly. The young lawyer sank exhausted
into his chair.
Mr.. Graham and the court united in
acquitting Mr.. Rotan of any part in
the alleged subornatiOn or perjured
evidence, and then the District Attor-
ney said that as this affidavit, with its
so-called new evidence, had been made
the basis of the application for the
continuance, and as it had been proved
a fabrication, the application should
fall
The court sustained him and ordered
the argument for new trial TO pro-
ceed.
Mr. Rotan made the closing address
to the court, but developed no new con-
tention, simply reiterating and en-
phasizing his former declarations and
maintaining that Pietzel
HAD COMMITTED SUICIDE
and that the Commonwealth had pro-
duced no evidence to cOntrovert that
assertion.
At the conclusion of the argument
Judge Thayer, speaking for the court,
said they would give the case their
gravest consideration. Then turning
to Mr.. Shoemaker. the judge said: Il
regret that now have a very disagree
able duty to perform towards you, a
member of this bar and an attorney OF
this court. In view Of the developments
Of this morning and the testimony Of
the witnesses whom you have heard
concerning the use you attempted TO
make of the affidavit you procured, the
court feel 1t to be their duty, no other
path being left open, to hold you IN
ST 800 bail TO answer the charge OF sub
orration Of perjury, and in oe-ault OF
bail to stand committed.
"The bail is here, you honor" said
the accused attorney.
Court was then adjourned and bail
was entered at the side bar, Milton
Jackson. Shoemaker's father-in-law,
becoming the bondsman. Judge Ar
mold stated privately that the court was
contemplating disbarment proceedings,
but nothing would be done in that re-
gard until after the disposition OF the
charge.
Mr. Shoemaker declined to be in
terviewed. He said that the blow was
a very cruel and a very sudden one, and
he felt that his whole future hung in
the balance. but he would not discuss
it at this time.