New-York tribune., 1895-12-12
MILCH'S FIFTH DAY OF 1T.
HIS EXAMINATION IN THE GORDON ARSON
TRIAL.
AN AMUSING INCIDENT IN WHICH EX-JuDGE
CURTIS ACCUSED THE WITNESS or TRYING
TO ARRoGATE TO HIMSELF THE DUTIES
OF THE RIcT-ATToRNEY.


OF THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY.
Yesterday was Samuel Milch's fifth day on the
stand in the Gordon trial in Judge Fitzseraids
part of General Sessions His cross-examination by
ex-Judge George NJ Curtis competed. and hr
Davis began the redirect questioning.
Mr. DAVIS asked who paid for the champagne the
consplrators drank the meeting In the wineroom
near the Harlem Bridge. Mich said he paid tor
some OF it and Hyman Cohen paid for more Wit
ness denied that there three indictments
against MIN.
Mr. Davis asked the witness how long he knew
the Rosenthalls other fire adiusters. Witness said
several years lie said the Rosenthalls were al the
Gordon fire. There three of them, Joseph
George and Isaac They helped to adjust the GOT
don fire loss
Mr. Davis asked the witness if the agreement made
with Glueckn7an as 10 the division of the fire In
money on Gcrdons factory was afterward
reduced 10 writing. The witness answered yes
before Mr.. Curtis could get in his objection Inc
written agreement offered in evidence. but as
It bore only the signature Of Mich 1t was ruled Out
as incompetent Adoph ". Manheimer Gordon
clerk who mas been trying 10 aid Mr. Curtis during
the trial kept jumping up and suggesting things TO
Mr.. Curtis who making objections to Mlicn
testimony. Ex-Judge Curtis waved him aside sew
era times. but just often would the litt.e clerk
bob up with some more advice.
will YOU sit down, sir?' finally exclaimed Mr.
Curtis losing patience. as a smile went about the
court.
Mr., Davis asked the witness about the value of
Cordon's stock.
we would only get 50 per cent OF the Insurance..
the witness said. I'VE wanted s52,O0O and must
therefore value tine stock at $4,000 We thought il
said that figure it would look suspicious. so We
made it s64.91S" This finished the redirect exam
naton
Ex-Judge Curtis then asked Mich If it had become
before the present trial that he had been the
arch-conspirator in Cohen's fire. The witness said
he did not know
'Didn't You promise to reveal all your crimes to
the District-A ttorney?''
How many crimes have you committed that you
have not revealed hereg'
Il have told all about the Gordon fire. the witness
Put how many crimes. haze you not revealed p
Il have list Of them" Mich said 49,
How many hres have you set to dwellings where
women and children were burned|
NO, any. ard you can't prove one against me
the course of the trial
You ddn't apply the torch perhaps. but you were
the brains" said ex-Judge Curtis. ~
How many lncendiary fires have you started?'
y cant say" answered Mlch but if you wish
will write out a list for you"
After recess. when court reconvened. ex-Judge
o ctous sa m0T made ae the Are The
pressib.e and dappeT clerk. Manhelmer continued
ms nrssrs 70 st down and remain auet were
Ex-Judre curtis asked Mich to point out on page
l OF the typewriter inventory one item that was
The witness rustIed the book for moment and
Suppose We get to page 49,
Il think not, my ncendiary friend. We will re-
main at page until | get ready to leave II. Have
you go. the sublime assurance to think you can take
on yourself the duties of Assistant District Attorney
Davis?
Judge Fitzgerald and the lawyers smiled at the
cool efrontery Of the witness and he smiled too as
though the Joke on Mr.. Curtis.
The examination was held 10 page
Court here adjourned until II o'clock to-day.