Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-03-11
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
Comment of Spectators Upon Scene in the
Police Court.
Attorney Moss Makes q Remark
Which is Interpreted as q Re-
Election ON the Judge.

much ado about nothing" remarked one
Of the spectators in Judge Kimbalrs court
this morning, when there had been a per.
formance in which Attorney John A. Moss
of Anacostia and HilIsdale was the CHIEF
actor. When Judge Kmball had decided
against Moss client, the attorney express
ed regret that persons charged with va
grancy were not entitled to trials by jury.
He hoped to see the time, he said, when
such persons will have that right
Prosecuting Attorney Pugh regarded the
attorneys remarks as a reflection on the
court, and 1t was his opinion that the at
torney should be called to account for con-
tempt.
Mr.. Moss ridiculed the idea that he had
been guilty Of contempt So far as that
question was concerned. Judge Kimball did
not express himself. He did say, however.
that such remarks were out of order and
not allowable in any decent court.
You must behave decently and in or
DER" said the court to the attorney.
William Moran had appeared as defend
ant In the case, Charge of vagrancy hav-
ing been preferred against him by Police
man Hospital. Moran is a pensioner. and
II was charged that when he drew his pen
sion money last week he proceeded to spend
II in saloons. When he was well under the
influence of liquor yesterday he called at
the house Of Alfred Garner, colored, and
sire tched himself at full length upon the
sofa.
Call ME at 4 O'clock" he said. and he
was soon asleep. Yesterdays conduct
was all that was known about Moran. and
the court was about to decide the case In
favor OF the prisoner. when Policeman
Arguste offered to tell what he knew about
the case. He said he had seen him drunk a
number of times. Attorney Moss declared
that the policeman had 1t in for him be-
cause he had ''annihilated' him in another
case.
You couldn't annihilate anybody" was
Prosecutor Pugh's rejoinder.
1t was after the imposition of a sentence
of fifteen days on the defendant that Moss
made use of the alleged Objectionable re-
mark.
The prisoner returned to the dock, and
it vas thought the spectators would be no
further entertained, but Judge kimball
opened the second act when the attorney
made motion to accept Moran's employer
on his bond. saving there was another
phase of the case that he wanted ex-
planned. He had been told by a policeman
that the attorney had made threats toward
the officer within the precincts of the
court. An explanation was requested.
1.-THE statement is absolutely untrue.
was what Moss said. land 1 would not
believe the policeman under oath"
stop right there, Mr.. Moss" said the
judge. Il won't listen to such. state
ment."
But, your honor said the attorney.
measuring his words, "a charge has been
made and I am ready to meet 1T. 1 was
told by a gentleman that the officer had
clenched his fist and was ready to strike
me. And I said that If ne did he would
drop from blow from my fist. I'm not
so foolish as to get in a fight in court,
but If l am attacked on the outside Ill
look out for myself every time
Attorney Moss was anxious to have the
matter fully aired, but when Prosecuting
Attorney Pugh communicated to the court
what witness had told him. Judge Kim
ball announced that 10 further action in
the case would be taken.