The San Francisco call., 1898-06-03
HARRY THOMAS IS ON TRIAL TaleSmen'S Politics Are
 Being Searched. A HAPPY FARMER TALKS
A HAPPY FARMER TALKS
HAD NEVER HEARD OF THE OAKLAND SCANDALS.
Strong Array of Counsel on Behalf of the Defendant and Indications . of a Bitter Con-
 test.
Oakland orice San Francisco Call,

908 Broadway, June ?.
 The trial of Harry Thomas, secretary of the Board of Public Works, for suborna- ton of perjury under an indictment by the Grand Jury, promises to be fought out laregly on political lines. During the ex- animation of talesmen to-day, politics were very conspicuous. The political af- fliatiQnS of the talesmen were closely searched and along those lines they were accepted or excused.
 Mayor Thomas was in court with his son and almost as many questions were asked regarding the acquaintance of possible jurors with the father as with the son. Attorneys. M. c. Chapman, Emil Nus baumer and A. L. Prick are taking care of the defendants interests, while the people are represented by Deputies L. S. Church and A. A. Moore, Jr.
 Considerable amusement was afforded the bench and the lobby by the examina- ton of J.. Donlan, a farmer of Murray Township.
 MT Donlan says he had never heard anything of the case till he came in court this morning. He remembered seeing some headlines about it a few months ago, but he plainly inferred that he did not think Oakland political scandals deserving of any serious attention. When asked if he would prefer to convict or to acquit the defendant, MT. Donlan replied: Well, am; laying for these fellows If they are
 
 Chapman to repeat the remark, which he did, and MT. Donlan by way of explana- tion, said that he was in favor of always convfcting the guilty and letting the inno- cent go free, Although it seems to me that this ain't always the case"
 MT. Donlan further stated that he knew Judge Nusbaumer's father and mother we'll. but he knew nothing about ''the boy ''The boy'' is about 50 years of age and is a leading counsel for the defend ant. After thorough examination Judge Midsummer excused MT. Donlan.
 Another juror, MT. Doanes, of East Oak land, was. excused because he had done some politics for MT. Dow, whom the de- fendant's attorneys fear Is interested in securing the conviction of Harry Thomas
 Several members of the Grand Jury have been subpoenaed and several mem bers of the police force, as we'll as ex- Chief Lloyd, have also been subpoenaed. Harry Thomas was mildly scored by Judge Ellsworth this afternoon for not fifteen minutes and then asked. of the attorneys for the defense, "Gentlemen, have you any idea as to the whereabouts of your client?' Judge Midsummer re- piled that they had not, but were expect ing him any minute. Forty-fve minutes after the court had convened, Harry Thomas walked into the court room and took his seat.
 Judge Ellsworth said, MT. Thomas, the court would like. to know why you have thus detained it." "I do not know, your Honor" replied Thomas. But we must know said Judge Ellsworth.
 I was not aware that was detaining the court, not knowing at what time 1t met" said the defendant.
 The Judge warned him to be careful not to repeat the offense and the examination of jurors continued.