The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1897-10-16

A flfteen-year-o boy, Dennis Nc
Mahon, of Providence, was committed
to the county jail for contempt of court
yesterday by Judge Archibald
Dennis was called as q witness for
the prosecution in the case in which
his father, John Mcmahon, charged
James A. Wilson with assault and bat
terry. The lawyers for either side ques-
toned and cross-questioned him at
length and as he is a rather dense and
stupid sort of lad he became sullen
and reticent under the aggravating
cross-fire. Judge Archibald tried to get
him to make answer to several ques-
tions, but he only snarled something
to the effect that he wouldn't or didn't
have to. Thereupon the judge called
in Deputy Sheriff Price and gave the
lad into his custody. He was kept in
the prisoners pen until o'clock and
then went up with the rest Of the pris-
oners in the Black Maria.
The case itself was occasioned by the
incorrigibility of Dennis. His father
went to chastize him one day last June
and their next door neighbor, Mr.. Will
son interfered to prevent it, believing
that the father was drunk and in no
fit condition to inflict chastisement
The interference was of q rather rough
nature, the evidence Of the prosecutor
tended to show, and the charge of as
sault and battery resulted.
TRIED TO WRECK A TRAIN.
Another feature of the trial was the
refusal of one of the witnesses, Mrs.
John Whattley. to take the prescribed
oath. She was allowed to make an
affirmation. The reason she gave was
that no Christian woman in her con-
dition should raise her hand to take
an oath. Her very honest and straight
forward wav of giving her testimony
showed that she was conscientious.
The jury had not reached an agree
ment at adjourning time. Attorney
Thomas P. Duffy represented the prose-
cution, and A. A. Vosburg the defense.
Michael Moyinsky was tried before
Judge Edwards forattempting to wreck
Delaware and Hudson passenger
train near Dickson City, Sept. Z, last.
He was seen to place coupling pin
on the rail by James Heffron, a section
boss, and was captured after q chase
of a quarter Of a mile. He denied the
act and said it was a companion of
his who had done 1t.
had no counsel and court assigned At
torney w. r. Lewis to defend him.
The understanding was general that
the defendant is not altogether respon-
sible for his acts.
The main court room had the major
ity of spectators yesterday afternoon.
The attraction was the case of Luther
Foster against James Ruane, in which
N Oh,
sault and battery on the plaintiffs s
eighteen-year-old daughter. The par
ties live in the Bunker Hill district of
Dunmore. Ruane is q rather natty-
looking youth and Miss Foster is a
very pretty miss. They were at a pic
mic, July 5, last in Laurel Hill park
and returned home together. More
than month later the girls father
had young Ruane arrested for assault
and battery. The alleged crime was
committed during the walk home.
Ruane said he only held her hand and
drew her gently to his side. She says
he caught her hand and forcibly pulled
her to the ground. She admits that
this was the extent of his assault and
also that he made no improper ad-
vances. Mr.. Duggan, attorney for the
defense, told the jury that his client
had done nothing more than what
every man in the box had often done
in his younger days-hugged the girl
he was taking home from a picnic. Mr..
Chase assisted District Attorney Jones
in the prosecution. The jury was not
in at adjournment.
HAPPY FAMILY, THIS.
July 2, last. Mary Connors' father
married Mary Jane Sheldon's mother
and in the evening he took his wife
and her four children to his home on
the West Side. Miss ConnOrs refused
to adopt the Sheldons and a general
row ensued, during which it is alleged
Miss Sheldon did beat and otherwise
maltreat Miss Connors. A bloody
shirt-waist was offered by Miss Con-
nors as testimony of the viciousness of
Miss Sheldon's attack. The jury said
not guilty, and directed each party ia
pay half the costs.
Owing to the nOn-appearance of the
prosecutor the case of assault and bat
terry brought byMartin Mangan against
William Repp was dismissed.