The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1899-06-04

judge Benson and his advisers In hto
Jury scandal Investigation contemplate. 1t
Is said an about face movement In the
proceedings which have been begun to
bring the alleged jury bribers 10 account
1t Will be remembered that more than a
week ago . commission consisting Of three
well known lawyers was appointed to con-
duct the investigation. Prosecuting Attor-
ney McElroy holding that he could not
legally do %. This commission has held
two meetings to consider the course Of pro-
cedure, with the result. It Is said, that Sc
rious doubt has arisen regarding the legal
ity OF the proposed investigation, The re-
suit viii be. II 10 stated, that the proceed
ings 80 far had win be undons and new
start made.
The new proceeding. 1t = stated. win be
In the nature Of disbarment proceedings
against Attorney John w. Corson, at pres
emf the only person by name accused Of
having represented himself as able
to swing Judge Bensons jury. although
two others are mentioned In the Jurors az
6dayit by the time honored fictitious APP
pelIations OF John Doe" and Richard
Roe" and in the gossip OF the streets by
other names easily found In the Seattle de
rectory.
Prosecuting Attorney to Act.
Prosecuting Attorney McEiroy admitted
yesterday evening that he had just been
called upon to draw up for signature by
Judge Benson tomorrow morning form
of a citation calling upon Attorney Cor
son to show cause why he should not be
disbarred for his alleged connection with
the jury bribery scandal. This citation. to-
gether with copy Of the charges made.
Will be served upon Attorney Coreon to-
morrow, probably. and then will follow
considerable delay during which the issues
in the case. consisting OF Corson's answer
and the courts further plea. II any, Will
be made up. Then the court win either try
the case or refer II to the present commits
sion for hearing. All this means that 1t
will be several weeks before the jury In
vestigation begins.
According to Mr.. McElroy, the reason
for the change in Judge Benson's plans IS
that were the investigation prosecuted by
the commission in accordance with its ORR
ginal appointment. its report would amount
to nothing II unfavorable to Attorney Cor
son, and would not even suffice as basis
for diebarment proceedings.
Mr.. McElroy is unable to say what VIII
become Of John Doe" and Richard Roe"
during the disbarment proceedings against
Attorney Corson. He intimates, however.
that should their real names be revealed
during the hearing they will be proceeded
against N some manner.
3utt Took the Initiative.
The initiative against the alleged jury
bribers was taken. II will be remembered.
By the discharged Jurors themselves.
number OF whom fled lengthy affidavit
with Judge Benson setting forth the de-
tails OF the scandal charging that num-
Der OF well-known lawyers had been ap.,
preached by Corson ard two others and
asked to buy verdicts. To investigate
these charges cSmm:c,on eona 3 GAIN on
and J. w. Langley was appointed II was
at a meeting OF this commission held yes
terday that 1t was resolved to change the
plan Of procedure and institute disbarment
proceedings against Corson.
OF interest in connection with the jury
bribery investigation Is a ruling made by
Judge Benson yesterday in the case OF Ber.
Sheriff Van De vanter The suit was for
the recovery of goods attached by the sher-
iff while In the possession OF Berlin Bros
from Iceland" who decamped after a brief
career as grocer, leaving numerous
mourning creditors
Berlin Bros claimed to have purchased
trial vigfussen's creditors succeeded in
obtaining a verdict that the sale was
fraudulent and in retaining possession OF
the goods attached.
jury panel. which was discharged by Judge
Benson. A motion for new trial was
filed by Berlin Bros. on the ground that the
attorneys who defended the suit for the
sheriff and Vigfusseu's creditors had at
that time already been retained by the
taeitly impeached jurors to represent them
in the investigation. although the jurors
made no mention OF the fact when exam
ined regarding their qualifications to sit in
Judgment on the case.
Judge Benson yesterday granted new
trial. He did not rule that the verdict had
been influenced by the fact that the pri-
vate attorneys OF the jurors were engaged
In the case. but merely that 10 preserve the
honor OF his court II would be necessary
trial.