New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1895-06-14
PART ii.
PAGES II TO "a.
HOT SHOT FROM CHOATE.
RUSSELL SAGE UNDER A RACKING FIRE
or OSS-EXAMINATION.
MADE DECIDEDLY UNCOMFORTABLE BY THE
LAWYERS QUEsTIONs-AN IMPoLITc RE-
MARK ABOUT FORMER JvRYMAN-


CROWDS IN THE COURTROOM
There was standing room only in Part III
of the Supreme Court where Justice Ingraham
presiding yesterday. because in the place
where Justice is supposed to exceedingly
tight bandage over her eyes and keep UNI
usually stern and solemn expression on her coun-
tenance while she balances her scales. there was
being performed the serio-comic torturing act
In the biennial comedy known the Ladlaw
Sage suit. Russell Sage. the millionaire defend
ant. again being turned and toasted on the
spit of cross-examnation by Joseph H. Choate.
the grand high tormentor for the plaintiff to the
great delight Of the spectators.
1t was free show but the grim visaged door
keeper backed by a stout policeman with club.
turned away hundreds of people after the court
room was full. and only those who got in early
were able to enjoy the treat. If the Judges
of the Supreme Court would allow the next per-
Torrance in which Mr.. Sage and Mr.. Choate
are the chief actors TO take place at the Madi-
son Square Garden. and permit the plaintiff to
take the money collected at the box Office. Mr..
Laidlaw might be able 10 get the $4,000 which
he has been persistently suing for on account
of the injuries which he received when Mr..
Sages Office wrecked by dynamite bomb
dropped by the maniac Norcross.
MIR. CHOATE'S FIRST APPEARANCE.
Mr.. Choate yesterday made his first appear
ance in court in the present trial of the suit.
and he had not heard the beginning of Mr. Sages
examination on Wednesday. He shook hands with
Colonel James. of Mr.. Sage's counsel. but did
not offer to shake hands with Mr. Sage. who
had arrived early. Mr.. Sage was dressed in
gray suit. not much the worse for wear. and he
looked unhappy when Mr.. Choate appeared and
began 10 confer in an apparently friendly man.
ner with Colonel James
Mr. Choate came up to the reporters table and
took seat. He asked If Mr. Sage was in good
FORM" and on being told that the millionaire APP
peared TO be in excellent spirits he said. smil
ingy:
That's good"
Mr.. Sage took his seat the stand at 1850
O'clock He took drink of water before he took
his seat After a few questions had been asked by
Colonel James. Mr. Choate took the witness in
hand.
Il hope you are very we'll this morning. said
Mr.. Choate.
no reply.
do you remember swearing TO the answer in
this case?"
IL didn't hear YOU sir" replied Mr. Sage.
Which is your best ear. Mr.. sage?' pursued
Mr.. Choate
Mr. Sage made no reply. One Of the jurors here
said he couldn't hear Mr. Sage.
Speak up. Mr. Sage" said Mr. Choate Just
imagine you are on the STOCK EXCHANGE.
Then Mr.. ChOate read a portion of the answer
in the case 10 which Mr.. Sage had sworn. The
answer stated that Mr.. Laidlaw was in Mr. Sages
ofice while Norcross was conversing with Mr..
Sage. Mr. Sage raised his hand and waved II in
the air.
Keep down your hand. sir said Mr., Choate.
There was great laughter In court at this and
Mr.. Sages hand dropped. This must cease.
said Justice Ingraham.
Il object 10 the witness assuming a tneaten-
ing attitude" replied Mr. Choate
MR. SAGE EXPLAINS.
Mr.. Sage endeavored to explain that Laid
law was in his office when Norcross handed
him the note but Mr.. Choate insisted that
sage's sworn answer was to the effect that the
note was handed to Sage before Laidlaw APP
peared on the scene.
Was Ladaw present when the contents OF
the note were discussed between you and Nor
cross?" asked Mr.. Choate.
"Mr Laidlaw entered the room before Nor
cross entered IT,"
was Laidlaw near enough to hear the con-
versation?"
Il think so"
that YOU had no knowledge TO lead you to
believe that Laidlaw knew the contents OF the
Mr.. Sage twisted in the chair and tried to
explain what he meant in his answer 49,
Haven't you been hostile to Laidlaw?
Eyes, sir" .
Haven't you denounced him as black
mailer?" ,.
0dDIe.
Haven't you sworn you would see Laidaw
a tramp before the trial was ended?'
Il don't think So ....
"Didn't YOU say you would spend 100000 In
this case rather than pay cent to Laidiaw!
Mr. Sage got much excited at this. i said
! would bring II 10 a higher court, sain 'nr
millionaire swinging his right arm wildly. Il
want TO know If l am to be held responsible
If any crank enters my office. for everything
he does" 49,, ,,
"A Juror swore here that Mrs. Sage told him
at Tinany's after the last trial that you
wouldn't pay cent TO La,dia avo, .sorufs" ou,
"Did Won ever meet Mr. Laidlaw after his
injuries. while he was in the hospital!
why didn't you?"
II wasn't well enough. for one reason
But ten days after the explosion you "e'o
at business" ,., ror,,,od Mr.
Ibid Won care whether he got well or not?'
Mr.. Sage almost jumped from his CHAIR al 'h'S
question. . go. och eucb =
q..That's an extraordinary remark. interjected
Mr. Choate. quizzcally .,o and an
Mr. Sage clenched his hands togetner anu az
neared greatly excited. while Mr. Choate KEEP,
nroyokingly cool. Mr.. Choate then quesuonen
the millionaire about newspaPer n The article
nv his nephew, a man named Chapii i II" :, a.d
Vas headed Chat with Russell sage. ana
snneared December s. 1891 four days aitei .ne
explos.on Mr. Choate read portion Oh sme
entr,c,e which went on to say that Mt sage
10 traces OF the terrible ordeal through
Witch he had passed. and that there were scarce
lv any marks on his face: .., uoss ox-
"The article" said Mr. Sage. rs a gross eA
aoaaration / was injured very seriously ana
made no fuss about Il: ~ .,. ,.u,s-
Mr. Sage then gave his opinion ap ,base "r racv
sarticies are exaggerated. reporter Jots Gown ma
taw notes and hurries away and writes pase.
we have got to be very careiui IN Wa VIC
Mr. sage looked at the reporters taoe' .ors
Take care!' said Mr. Choate; me repo' 'e''
are taking down all you are saying .,s Mr.
II am saying II ior tns,r o on the reporters
table. ,ioo,a, In tho presence
OF Norcross"' 49,"
~, ,.o,, DO ANYTHING without deliberaton or