The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1896-01-23
FAILED TO PROSECUTE
SHELBYVILLE CASES AGAINST
"SPOTTERS" ARE DISMISSED.
Simpsons Attorney Charges that the
Arrests Were Part Of n Conspiracy
to Mob the Detectives.
Special to the indianapolis Journal.

Special to the Indianapolis Journal.
SHELBYVILLE, Ind, Jan. 22.-The Good
Citizens League of this city this morning
scored a victory in the saloon cases which
have been engaging public attention for some
time. Tbs saloon n.en through their at
torney, Lee F. Wilson, drew up affidavits
against detectives Simpson and Weirick
charging them with selling liquor without
a license. To-day both cases were thrown
out. Notwithstanding threats of violence
from an evening paper of this city and
from hangers-on of the saloons, simpson
and Weirick showed up this morning all
ready for trial. There were no lawless
demonstrations whatever, but the streets
apd the Justices office were crowded with
members of the Good Citizens League to
listen to the trial and assist the movement.
Thomas Il. Adams, of the law firm of
Adams & Carter, of this city, represented
Simpson, while the prosecuting attorney
was represented by his partner, Senator
Albert f. Wray. Mr.. Adams stated that he
was ready for trial and asked that the
signer of the affidavit, William w. Moore
be subpoenaed. The prosecution at once
asked permission to dismiss the case
against the policeman. He said that after
consultation with attorneys employed to
that in order to introduce evidence TO con-
vict Simpson and Weirick it would be
necessary to have evidence from witnesses
who would have to convict themselves and
that of course the State could not ask a
witness to do. He stated, however, that the
matter would probably be Investigated by
the next grand jury.
This backdown of the part of the prose-
oI
raigned the prosecution saying that the
mob which started after the detectives
last Wednesday night was not without
previous preparation and that the affidavits
were prepared and served at tie time for
the sole purpose of getting the two men into
the hands Of the mob to do them violence.
Mr.. Wray denied that he had any part in
the preparation of the affidavits and stated
that they were served before being SUBJ
mitted to him or to the prosecutor.
Squire Higgins, in acting on the motion,
said that he was glad that the case had
been dismissed because he had good friends
on both sides of the saloon fight and it
did not matter which way he should de-
eide he would make enemies and that
would not be to his interest. Sheriff Burk.
Revs. Fan, Lathrop, Groom and Pollock and
Attorney-general ketcham were present as
well as large number of other prominent
citizens. The case against Weirick was
also dismissed.
Attorney y-general Ketcham while here ex-
amined the affidavits which have already
been filed and expressed his Judgment
that they were drawn up properly and
would hold in the Circuit Court. He called
said, told them that they would have TO
act square" in these cases or they might
get into trouble.
against saloon keepers for selling liquor
without license and in one case the fines
will amount to nearly 500. These cases are
against "speak-easies,' which have cper-
ated in violation of law for years. An
other big batch of cases is ready to be
filed as socn as these are disposed of. j.
+. Callan. secretary of the Indiana Liquor
League. was in the city last night in con-
sultation with the attorneys and members
OF the local league.
John B. Cochran. operating under a gov
ernment license, pleaded guilty this even
ing in two cases to selling liquor without
city license and was fined - in each. Both
liams, charged with selling liquor at IL
legal hours, has been set for next Tuesday
progress when the mob tried TO get pos
session of the detectives last Wednesday
night.
The Good Citizens League does not in
tend to abandon the prosecution of saloon
law violators, but has employed attorneys
e assist in all 5hs Appealed in the
strengthened In unexpected quarters. Many
liberal-mtnded men who visit saloons oc-
employment of outside men. are coming into
the organization for law and order and are
assisting the movement with money. 1t is
not probable that there VIII be another
attempt al violence OF any kind unless
some OF the trials come off after night
when some disturbances may occur. Mar
shall Sparks and the other officers have
prepared themselves to meet any trouble
that may come up. The saloon men will
fight the cases to the end. and In pursuance
OF that end they are securing the country
to secure evidence. Attorney Robertson.
OF North Salem. Hendricks county, urhoro