Bridgeton pioneer. (Bridgeton, N.J.) 1884-1919, 1896-01-09
Charles Sheppard,
Harry Newcomb,
Henry J. Bradford,
Thomas j. Lore,

The Grand Jury received no special
charge, and retired in charge of Con-
stables Lore and Reed,
This list of causes was called and cases
noted for trial.
Then came great disappointment to
many persons. The case of Bateman VS..
Polhamus was called. Messrs. D. ].
Pancoast and Walter Fl. Bacon represent
ing the defense, were present, but Col.
Potter was not in the room. The Court
announced that he had called upon Col.
Potter this morning and found him suf-
fering greatly, and his physician had Or
dered him to go south. Under these cir
cumstances the Judge said that he sng-
! gested the case go over for the term.
Judge Pancoast arose, and said that the
defendants he represented were anxious
to push the case. Last term the case had
been ordered off by the Court. 1t was a
great disappointment and about one hun
dred witnesses had been present. Now
the same number of witnesses were pres
ent, and they would not consent for the
case to go over. Mr.. Pancoast realized
felt for him keenly.
The Court felt that there was nothing
else to do but to put the case off for the
term, which he did, the costs to be paid
by the plaintiff.
The case of Chew VS.. Cosier also took
| the same course.
The Court then adjourned until this af-
l fav-r 81
| Court cases will be called.
Tuesdsy Afternoon.
| When two o'clock arrived this
afternoon, the Court was on the. Bench
and the room was filled with spectators,
jurors, witnesses, etc., and after the
usual opening, the first case in the Circuit
Court issues was called. This was mark
ed Seymour Spencer VS.. Andrew II.
Wilson in tort. Lawyers-John S. Nit
chell and Leverett Newcomb.
The case proved an interesting one for
the spectators gathered, as it was for
malicious prosecution, an issue that is
seldom raised in these Courts. Mr.. Nit
chell represented the plaintiff, Seymour
lSpencer, and his opening was made in
detail. The declaration in the suit was
read in full and stripped of the lega
verbibage, alleged that Wilson had malici
ously caused the arrest of Spencer las
May, upon charge of keeping a disordsa
ly house. For twenty-four hours Spen
! Ger was in the lookup in Vineland, ant
after hearing before Justice Louis III
Miller, Spencer was discharged, ther,
being no evidence to hold him. 1t wa:
further related that Spencer kept res
taurant in Vineland, and by reason of the
arrest, his business, fame and good name
was greatly injured, and 5000 damages
were asked for by Spencer as balm fol
his wounded feelings.
Wilson is prominent figure in Vine.
land and Lands Township, and is vel
known as an active, ardent prohibition
lst, and he has carried resistless wal
upon the alleged dealers in liquor in thai
locality. Spencer has had something of 6
reputation over i'll Landis and has beer
once convicted for the sale of liquor il.
legal, and served a sentence for the mis-.
demeanor.
After the opening Mr.. Mitchell called
to the stand Justice Louis II. Miller, Of
Vineland, and he recalled the fact thai
the complaint against Spencer was
made before him by Wilson, and upor
warrant Spencer was apprehended and
brought before him for trial; hearing
followed, and Wilson failed to substanti.
ate the charges made, and the defendant
was discharged. Mr.. Spencer did moi
present any witnesses before the justice
the case failing by reason of a lack of evi.
dence by the complainant.
The plaintiff in this suit was then
called, and Mr.. Spencer took the stand
Mr.. Spencer is a large man with f1orid
face and auburn hair. He began his tale
of woe by stating that his present home
was in Millville, but previous to month
ago he was resident of Vineland, where
he maintained restaurant or oyster
saloon, and also accommodating his
patrons with warm soft drinks. All the
while he was in that place Spencer did
not handle or sell anything of an intoxi.
eating nature. In fact Spencer did moi
drink then or does he now.
After his arrest a hearing was held and
witnesses produced against him, but the
Testimony was not sufficient to hold him
and he was discharged.
Spencer said prior to this prosecution
his business was fairly prosperous and he
was saving little money. After the
complaint had been made and the case
dismissed his BUSINESS fell off and he was
obliged to leave the town.
Mr.. Newcomb has seldom appeared in
these Courts in the trial of causes, but in
his cross examination he showed that he
was skillful, and as he puzzled Spencer he
was relentless in his cross-examination
He showed Spencer had been in several
locations in Vineland, moving from place
to place, at times not paying his rent
Mr.. Mitchell objected strenuously to
some of this testimony, but the Court
held that the door had been opened wide