Evening star., 1897-02-08
WITH THE AID OF x-RAYS
Used to Show Thss Hsdss Fiahefs Arm Was
Really Broken.
No Abatement of Interest In the Case
which Involves the Conduct
of the Two Policemen.

Interest in the case Of Madge Fisher who
was arrested Thursday evening In house
In the Division, as the outcome of which
serious charges are hanging over Police
men Mellen and Carlson Of the first pre-
cinct continues unabated and Is the sole
topic Of conversation In police circles
There were no developments in the case to-
day, and the anxious ones must rest con-
tent until the hearing In the Police Court
Thursday next
Whether or not the Fisher girls arm is
fractured Is perhaps the most important
feature In the case. AS heretofore stated,
the defense Of Policeman Mellen In the as
sault charge preferred against him will be
that the arm Is not broken. Dr. Hooe of
the Emergency Hospital will testify that
when the girl was discharged from that in
stitution after treatment by him TO homes
were broken. On the other hand. several
surgeons who acted at the request Of At
torney Sillers, and who carefully examined
the arm Friday, while Madge was under
the influence Of an anaesthetic, will swear
positively that q serious fracture exists.
Although Attorney Sillers declines to be
interviewed on the subject, 1t is understood
graphed with the X-rays and that the neg
ative demonstrates beyond any question Of
doubt that the arm is not only fractured.
but the ngaments are injured SO severely
that the arm will be practically useless In
the future, even though the shattered bone
should knit properly. The X-rays may con-
stitute an important part Of the hearing
Thursday next. At all events. several Of
the leading surgeons of the city are ex-
pected to be called upon to testify in re-
gard to the conditi IN Of the arm. The girl
was reported today to be suffering great
pain from the injury.
Proceedings In Court.
AS Policeman Mellen is charged with as
sault the hearing must necessarily take
place in the United States branch Of the
court. and from all precedents the
vagrancy charge against the girl will also
be transferred to Judge Miller's court.
For several days past Judge Miller has
been confined to his home by illness. and
a great deal depends on whether or not
he is on the bench Thursday. If Judge
Kfmbal tries the case Madge will unQues-
tionably be convicted of vagrancy, and
that decision will practically arquit the
policeman of the assault charge. Judge
Kimball has always held that a prostitute
is, under the law. vagrant at all times
whether the woman is en- the street at the
time of the arrest or indoors. Judge Mil
Ter. however, takes the opposite view. 1t
being his custom to rule that a woman can
not possibly be adjudged guilty of vagrancy
unless she be arrested outdoors and not
in house. AS the chances are greatly in
favor Of the case being heard before Judge
nllleT, tnOSe IfleuOly 10 the girl CONNdently
expect that sne Will be promptly acquitted.
1t Is believed that Prosecuting Attorney
Pugh is Of the opinion that the case
against Madge will not stand in court. OF
course Mr.. Pugh refuses to talk on the
subject. but 1t Is well known that his views
agree with those Of Judge Miller, so fas
as vagrancy is concerned. When the case
was first called to his attention Mr.. Pugh
was strongly inclined to enter a nolle
on the ground that vagrancy was
Lot the proper charge. and that the girl
could not be held for disorderly conduct
on the statements Of the policemen. for the
reason that, according to their story, she
was disorderly before they arrived at the
house. and from personal knowledge they
were unaware of improper or unlawful
conduct on her part. 1t Is possible that
Proseo outinS Attorney Mullowney. in the
event that he is on duty Thursday, will
call Prosecuting Attorney Pugh to the
stand to testify about statements made to
him Friday by parties connected with the
case.