Evening star., 1900-10-01
LARGE CROWD EXPECTED
INTEREST IN SHEA CASE WILL, At
TRACT MANY TO COURT.
Friends of the Sheriff Anxious for His
Speedy Trial-POlitical Meet
ing Tomorrow.
Special Correspondence Of The Evening Star.
UPPER MARLBORO', Md,


September 30, 1900.
The fall term Of the circuit court con-
venes tomorrow, and because Of the un-
usually heavy criminal docket 1t Is be-
lieved the session will last fully month
instead Of two weeks, as is usually the
case. There are thrty-six prisoners in Jail
and all sorts of offenses are charged against
them. Besides those in JAIL there are near
ly twenty persons out on bail. At the time
the sherif's report was filed with the clerk
last week there were thirty-one prisoners
In Jail, sixteen on bail and twelve violators
OF law who had not been captured.
On account of the heavy docket and the
Importance of many cases 1t Is expected
the town will be. filled with people early
tomorrow morning Many of them will
come because they expect early action will
be taken In the case of Sheriff Edwaru T.
Shea anu the four other young men who
were committed to Jail Saturday on a
charge of having committed a felOnious as
sault on Lucy Hart. 1t was stated this
morning that the witnesses in the case had
been already summoned to appear before
the grand jury, and it is probable that some
action will be taken in the case tomorrow
afternoon. Friends of the prisoners, and
particularly those of the sheriff, are anx-
ious that the case should be disposed of be-
fore the other business of the court is taken
up. In the event of his being indicted they
want a speedy trial, that the sheriff may
attend to his duties in the event of his ac-
quittal On the other hand, it is stated,
Judge Merrick has written letter to Gov
ernor Smith reciting the charges pending
against the sheriff and asking the governor
to designate some one to fill the office.
Samuel Sweeney Acting SheriR.
After Magistrate Sears held Sheriff Shea
and his four fellow prisoners for the grand
jury yesterday afternoon and committed
them without bond. Judge Merrick appoint
ed Samuel e. Sweeney a former town
bailiff eisor. and the latter named Arthur
B. Suit as his deputy. and James R. Tighe
as guard. The elisor and his guard accom-
panied the prisoners to the Jail. A large
cell on the lower floor of the little building
was used the place for the safe keeping
of the five young men. New beds were fur
nshed them and their meals were sent from
the Farmers Hotel. The fathers of Fox
Smith and Boteler accompanied the party
to the Jail, and the parting was a sad scene.
Yesterday and today a number of their
friends called to see them.
Sheriff Shea is a republican, having been
elected at the state election held year
ago. and those who were appointed to look
out for him while he Is prisoner are demo-
Gratis. Arthur b. Suit was the democratic
candidate who ran against Shea last year,
under Sheriff Middleton. Samuel E. Swee-
ney was town bailiff for several years.
Matters Before Grand Jury.
The violations Of the liquor law will claim
a large share of the grand jury's attention.
1t is stated that there will probably be a
large number Of indictments returned
against the keepers OF resorts in the vicin-
ity Of Chesapeake Junction, about which so
many complaints were made during the
summer months. Constable Arthur B. Suit,
who was directed by Judge Merrick to pay
some attention to these places, has evidence
to present to- the grand jury against the
proprietors of some of the resorts, and it is
believed that at least twenty indictments
for violations OF the liquor law will result
There will be a republican meeting held
here at 2po'cfock Tuesday afternoon. Rep
resentative Sydney E. Mudd. Senator Nc
Comas and other prominent republicans are
booked to speak. 1t Is expected that in ad-
dftion to those attending court many others
will come to town to hear the speaking The
hotels have made extra preparations to ac-
commodate the crowds, and lunch stands
have been erected near the court house to
assist in feeding the visitors.