New-York tribune., 1899-07-22
ROSSIT,ER WAS ARRESTED.
LIBEL, CHARGED AGAINST HIM BY AL
BERT JOHNSON.
THE RAPID TRANSIT PRESIDENT PARoLED
UNTIL NEXT THURsDAY-PLEA OF
NOT. GUILTY ENTERED-CAsEY
HELD FOR TRIAL.


Clinton L. Rossiter, president of the Brooklyn
Rapid Transit Company. was arrested yesterday
on a charge of libel preferred by Aiperl JONI
son who with his brother. Tom l.. Johhsol'
formerly controlled the Nassau Railroad. Inc
complainant alleged that his friends were prac-
ticaIIv accused by Mr. Rossiter of having been
responsible for the dynamite outrage at fllth-
ave and Thirty-sixth-st early Wednesday
morning John Weldon. reporter In sworn
statement. substantiated the declaration of Mr..
Johnson.
The latter was in court to testify as to the
good character of Thomas ]. Casey, former
sunerintendent OF the Nassau Railroad. when 1t
was managed by the Johnsons. Mr. casey de-
MED that he had acted disorderly or had melted
naonle to riot He was held for the Court Of
snecial Sessions. and bail in $500 was promptly
furnished.
When this case had been disposed Of Mr..
Johnson went into Magistrate Brenner's private
office and swore to an affidavit charging Mr..
Rossiter with libel. John Weldon was swearing
in effect at the same time that Mr.. ROsster
had told him that "Al" Johnson was largely re-
sponsible for the dynamite outrage. The af-
davit of Mr. Johnson embodied the statements
Of Mr. Weldon and made a direct charge of
criminal libel Clerk Earl made out the papers.
ana they We're given to Charles L. Howard. a
court officer who went at once to the otrces OF
the Brooklyn Rapid Transit Company, at Mon
tague and Clinton SITS '-
Howard did not like his mission. He was go
ing straight toward Mr.. Rossiter's private office
when the alert young man who guards the presi-
dents door, barred his way and said:
What is your busness?"
.'I want TO see Mr. Rossiter" replied Howard.
cant. unless you're business is important"
said the young man.
ut is important. and It is personal" said
Howard. whose duties have been ground into
him. and who. perhaps may have fancied that
Mr. Rossiter would evade him.
"Give me your card, then" said the young
man.
81 have no card. I'm an officer form the
Adams-st station. and. young man. want TO
see Mr. Rosslter." said Howard.
'Nhy didn't you say so before?" asked the
young man. who opened the door at once and
ushered Howard into the presence of Mr.. Ros-
sitter Howard later repeated the conversation
that he had had with the president.
What is it?' asked Mr.. Rossiter.
You are my prisoner" said Howard extend
ing the warrant.
"AII right" said Mr.. Rosslter. Let me see
the warrant"
He glanced over 1t hastily, and evidently
did not see that Albert Johnsons name was at
tached to the paper. for he said: Il suppose Mr.,
All Johnson is at the other end of this
Yes" replied Howard.
''I am glad of that said Mr.. Rosster. Now
we'll have this thing out"
Mr. Rosster held a hurried consultation with
John l.. Wells OF the law firm Of Sheehan *
Colin, and then they. with Howard went
around TO the Adams-st. police court. Magis-
trate Brenner called the prisoner to the desk
and said:
What is your nameY
Clinton L. Rossiter" the reply.
Where do you live?"
mo % Montgomery Place"
You are charged" said the Magistrate. "by
Albert Johnson with having made libellous dec
larations to a reporter named John Weldon.
What have you to say?"
Mr. ROssiter through his counsel pleaded not
guilty and asked for a speedy settlement of the
case but as the complainant not in court
the Magistrate decided TO adjourn the case for
a hearing to 10 o'clock next Thursday morning.
Mr. Rossiter was paroled in the custody or his
lawyer.
The affidavits Of Mr.. Johnson and Mr.. Weldon
are long and bristling with the usual legal
phrases, but the gist Of them is contained in
the statement made by Mr.. Weldon in his afit-
davit that President Rossiter asserted that AL
bert Johnson was the leader of the men who
are alleged to have had something to do with
the dynamite explosion.