The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-03-26
IT WAS ALL ON
GROWERS ACCOUNT,
SHERIFF WHELAN WAS FINED
FIVE DOLLARS FOR Con-
TEMPT OF COURT.
HE IS AN INNOCENT VICTIM.
ACTOR LEONARD GROVER HAS
PROMISED TO PAY WHAT He
OWES NEXT THURSDAY.
HE IS AN INNOCENT VICTIM.

Sheriff Whelan was fined So for con-
tempt of court by Justice of the Peace
Groezinger yesterday in connection with
case wherein he was said to have
been too lenient with Leonard Grover,
the manager of Stockwell's Theater, who
had been cited to appear in court and
make statement as to what property he
possessed which could go toward the pay
ment of certain debts.
Grover was originally up on an order of
examination before Justice Cook. He proved
to his Honor's satisfaction that it was an
lmpossibility for him to Gquidate the debt
at that time and he was allowed to go. The
proprietor of the William Tell House was,
nevertheless, determined to get his money,
so he had the case removed to Justice
Groezinger's court, and another order of
examination was issued
justice Cook told him that as no one had
appeared to examine him he would better
go home, which the actor gladly did. Next
day Justice Groezinger adiudged Grover
guilty of contempt and fined him 500 or
one days imprisonment, The order was
placed in the hands of the Sheriff to serve,
and one OF his deputies called upon Grover
at 1880 p NJ, just when he was about to go
on the stage at Stockwell' s Theater. He
assured the deputy that the case had been
dismissed in Justice Cooks court, so, I'M
der the circumstances, the warrant was
not served.
When Justice Groezinger heard that
Grover had not been arrested he was very
angry and at once cited the Sheriff to show
cause why ne should not be adludged
guilty of contempt. The case came up
yesterday, and j., J. Kennedy, in the alb
sence of Reddy Campbell & Nelson, the
Sheriff's regular attorneys, raised the point
that Grover had the alternative of serving
day IN jail or paying $50 into the treas
ury. The Sheriff could not receive the
money and Grover could not pay it into
the treasury at $50 o'clock at night. Sec
ond, that the law provides that, except in
felony cases, no warrant shall be served
after P. NJ. unless specially so Endorsed,
and, third, that the Sheriff's authority was
merely an order of court and not commit
ment.
Justice Groezinger overruled all the OBJ
jections and fined the Sheriff So. A stay of
two days was granted and in that time
Sheriff Whelan will carry the case to the
Superior Court.
Having thus disposed of the Sheriff the
Justice turned his attention to Grover and
made him tell what he possessed in the
way of valuables.
Have you any money!" was asked.
eyes" admitted the actor, rather cheer
fully have 81 in Wells, Fargo & Co.'s
Bank"
Anything else?"
"Well, l own five shares of stock in the
San Francisco Amusement Company,
but''-with almost sigh-"I don't think
they are OF any value. In fact, 1 know
they are not.''
.'Is that all" queried the court in more
tones.
Mr.. Grover then admitted that he also
owned city lot. "But," he added, as the
court frightened up bit, sit is plastered
over with mortgages to its full value" and
once again there was a gloomy shadow
passed between the court and the witness.
'But will pay this $40" said Grover, as
the attorneys and court were scratching
their heads TO think what to ask him next.
''When?' was the prompt question.
Next Thursday, sure" replied Grover"