Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1898-02-24
HEARING THE DEFENSE.
ATTORNEY FERRIS CLAIMS THAT THE
DEPUTIES WERE JUSTIFIED.
Prosecution in the Martin Trial Closed
on Monday and the Witnesses for the
Other Side Are Giving Their Version
of the Affair.

The witnesses for the defense are now
being heard in the trial of Sheriff Mar
tin and his deputies. On Monday morn
ing two men gave testimony for the
commonwealth, after which the prose-
cution rested its case. One of these
was James Henahan, Of Scranton, who
was on the scene Immediately after the
shooting. He identified several of the
deputies and told Of a conversation he
held with Deputy Samuel Price. The
latter expressed his regret for the affair
and said he was glad he did not shoot.
The other witness was Bother Dem
shick, of Hazleton. who took the stand
to deny that his driver had been taken
from his wagon and pressed into the
ranks of the strikers, as alleged by the
defense.
The most important feature of the
trial this week was the ruling of Judge
Woodward, given when the defense
opened, which admits any evidence
tending to show that rioting and dis
order prevailed in the region before the
day of the shooting. On a somewhat
similar question earlier in the trial the
judge had ruled the opposite. His ac
tions, however, no longer cause surprise.
The opening address was made by At
torney George Ferris, Sheriff Martins
private counsel, and the orator gave
free rein to his vivid Imagination in
Hacnrihipn m condition of ffni In,
this region previous to the massacre.
Among other things said to justify the
Lattmer murders Mr.. Ferris grated as
follows:
"We shall show you that during the
week prior to the Lattmer shooting acts
of riot and outrage were Of more than
daily occurrence. The regn of law had
given place to "A reign of terror. The
highways were swept by surging masses
of armed and desperate men. Peaceful
citizens were forced into their ranks.
Those who resisted were set upon.
beaten, dubbed and wounded-some of
them nigh unto death. Those who fed
from the fury of the mob were pursued,
stoned and fired upon. The sanctity of
the home was violated. Dwelling houses
were broken into and men dragged out
or forced to flee to the woods for their
lives. Women were assaulted and
threatened with death. Robbery was
committed. Buildings were attacked
and windows smashed with stones, and
collieries taken by storm. Men were
driven from their work. The local au-
thorities were powerless, and law had
been supplanted by anarchy.
"SherilT Martin has tclegraphed to the
sheriffs of Carbon aud Schuylkill coun-
ties in which like depreciation has
occurred, to meet him in Hazleton.
They did 50. The three sheriffs pub
lshed their procamations, together
with the law relating to riots. These
procamations called upon all people to
keep the peace and refrain from all acts
Of violence and lawlessness.
'On the same evening Sheriff Martin
selected his posse. He did not choose
thugs, but good, law abiding cit zens,
men of good judgment, good character,
good standing in the community.
"When the crowd started for Lattimer
on September 10 its members were armed
with clubs, iron bolts, bars and rcvolvers.
They freely announced their purpose to
be to stop the works. They were
warned not to go there, as bullets might
be flying. The reply was: we no
'fraid. We got bullets, too
"Then, after being dispersed, the
strikers reorganized aud, going around
Hazleton, resumed their march to Latti-
mer. Their approach was heralded and
the inhabitants fled in terror. The
schools were dismissed. Boarding two
trolley cars, the sheriff and his posse
went to Lattimer and lined up along the
road. There were three men behind
them, two were John Welsh and George
Yeager. AS the strikers approached
Lattimer Mr.. Martin ordered them to
halt, which some in the front ranks did
for u moment, those behind the sheriff
closing up, some crowdng upon him,
Others passing by and closing in behind
them.
"lie asked them where they were
going, and several voices shouted back.
we are going to Lattimer to stop the
mines The sheriff told them, as he
had at West Hazleton, that they should
not do this, but must disperse and keep
the peace. He then tried to read his
proclamation, but the mob was in no
mood for talk. Several shouted Go on.
go on while one, who was near the
sheriff. called out, Go ahead. Him no
good
"The sheriff reached forward and
grasped the man to place him under
arrest, instantly there was tumut of
yells. Five or six men ponnced upon the
sheriff, seized him, showed him into a
ditch on the left side of the road and be-