Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1896-05-14
ALL DELAY REFUSED
Ford's Trial for Elsie Kreglo's Muir
der to Go on Monday.
PRISONERS APPLICATION REFUSED
His Counsel Appeal to the Court
in Vain.
THE MURDERER'S FATHER

THE MURDERERS FATHER
| The expected motion for a postpone
ment of the trial of Irving Ford, the muir
| derer of Elsie Kreglo, was made this morn
| ing by Messrs. Arthur Peter and r. New
| ton Donaldson, the young attorneys as
| signed by Judge Cole to defend him. The
| motion, however, was opposed by District
| Attorney Brney, and Judge Cole refused to
! grant it. holding that no good reason was
| giveR for the desired delay-that of two
| weeks-and directing that the trial proceed
before him next Monday morning.
In anticipation of the motion being made
! this morning, quite large crowd gathered
| in the court room many being under the
| Impression that Ford would be present.
| The prisoner, however. was not brought
up from jail much to the disappointment
| of the crowd. The motion was submitted
| in writing to the court by Mr.. Peter, and
requested Judge Cole to postpone the trial
| for two weeks from Monday next for the
| following reason That owing to the short
| ness of the time between the assignment of
counsel and day assigned for the trial, in
sufficient opportunity would be given the
prisoner or his counsel to prepare his de-
Tense. In the motion was an aiiidavlt OF
| the defendants counsel to the effect that
it not made for the purpose of mere
delay
Mr. Peter said that not unit! Tuesday at
ternoon were they assigned to the defense
and since then their other engagements
had been such as to prevent them from
even seeing the prisoner. The motion was
not made for mere delay, but solely because
they felt that in the short intervening time
they could not ftly prepare to defend a
| man whose life is at issue. In the Schneider
case, where the defendant had both friends
and money, three weeks interviewed between
OF Ford but week was given the man.
His counsel know absolutely nothing more
about the case than what they have learn
ed in the newspapers. The man has no
funds. and ii appears few, If any. friends,
but it is to be at least supposed he has
| some sort of a defense. Yet, his counsel
honestly believe that they cannot prepare
1t In the time remaining, three days, and
they had, therefore, asked for two weeks
more. There will be much technical evil
dence in the case, and that is another rea-
son, thought Mr.. Peter, why the snort time
asked for should be granted.
MIR. Birney Opposes.
In opposing the motion, District Attorney
Birney remarked that while it is of the ut
most Importance that Ford should have a
| fair and early trial, it is equally important
to the community that there shall be no
unnecessary delay in the trial. The court
could not ignore the horrible details of the
alleged crime any more than could the
community, or the necessity of making a
speedy trial and conviction an example.
And the court could not shut its eyes to
the fact that Ford, without any inducement
whatever, had voluntarily confessed his
guilt in open court when arraigned on the
indictment last Monday. That plea the
court had mercifully set aside, that the
man might be given a fair trial Had any
good reason for the postponement been
given he would not oppose il. but none had
been given. Therefore, he protested against
l doll hot, ~
the trial was postponed a few days only
because of other engagements of the mans
counsel. While he opposed any delay. Mr..
Birney said that ne will afford the pris-
oner counsel every opportunity for his
defense in his power, and will place before
them all the facts known to the govern
nent which may in any way avail them.
Mr.. Donaldson thought that the mere
fact that Ford pleaded guilty should have
no effect upon the court in disposing of the
motion. He spoke of the ineXperience and
youth of himself and associate. of the
many technical points in the case, which.
| he believes will arise during the trial, and
earnestly pleaded for the delay asked for
Delay Refused.
Judge Cole remarked that had he held
airy doubt to the ability of either Mr.
Peter o. Mr.. Donaldson, he certainly would
rot have assigned them to the case
But, your honor" replied Mr.. Donald
son, I'VE do not as yet know thing about
the case. and it certainly seems to us that
if We are to make any defense at all two
weeks time is little enough in which to
prepare it, especially when we have had no
time to consult with either the prisoner or
with his friends"
The place where the man lived and
where his friends live Is easily accessible
is it not?'' inquired Judge Cole.
Mr.. Peter said that it is eight miles out in
Maryland. and not easily accessible while
Mr.: Birney thought differently.
Il think you will have no difficulty in
getting at the prisoners relatives and
friends, remarked Judge Cole, land they
will render you all the assistance possible
Three questions, / apprehend will rise in
legged confession, and, imagine his men
tai responsibility. We WILL / think expe-
renee some difficulty in getting a jury. and
may not get one before Tuesday afternoon.
Then, by the time the government con-
cludeS its evidence, a day or two later
POSSIBLY, you will have had sufficient time
during which to sufficiently prepare to
meet the governments case, if at all. l
certainly see no reason in the motion for
granting any postponement nor has any
sufficient showing been made in the re-
rks of counsel. If l thought differently
| would grant a postponement of perhaps
week, but 1 see nothing now to justify
the slightest delay. and the trial must,
therefore. proceed next Monday morning."
The prisoners counsel then asked for a,
weeks delay, and when Judge Cole shook
his head for a postponement from Monday
to Wednesday of next week, but the judge
again stated that he saw no reason for
| even the delay of a day. He told Ford's
counsel, however, that he would place the
process Of the court at their disposal in
summoning witnesses for the defense, and
would bring them here, no matter where
| they might be found. They thanked the
court for that assistance, and then left to
cCLsult their self-accused client at the
| Jail.
The Fathers Disappearance.
The reported disappearance of Richard
Ford, father of the murderer, 1as given the
police no uneasiness, nor are any of them
| losing any time in effort to locate him.
1t was thought yesterday that the old
man had probably wandered off in the
woods somewhere, and had lost his rea-
| sonng powers, but today the police are
| satisfied that nothing of the kind has hap
pened to him. 1t now appears that before
| leaving home he put on his good clothes
and it may be that he had small sum Of
| money with him. This circumstance leads
| the police to believe that Ford has either
returned to North Carolina or Virginia
where he had friends ana relatives.