The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1901-02-18
HISLATEST BREAK
Prosecutor Erwin Examines
Barker Despite Van Win
kle's Protest.
DIVORCE DETECTIVE METHODS"
So Counsel for the Defence
Characterizes Work of
States Representative.

The attempt of Prosecutor James S.
Erwin on Saturday to subject Thomas G.
Barker, the would-be slayer of the Rev.
John Kellar of Arlington, to an examina-
tion as to his sanity, has aroused the
| indignation of Lawyer Marshall A. Van
| Wrinkle, the prisoners counsel.
Mr.. Van Wrinkle said that when the
Prosecutor spoke to him about the pro-
posed examination he replied that he
would certainly resent any such action
Despite this Mr.. Erwin, accompanied by
DIR. William Fisher, of Hoboken and Dr.
John d. McGill, of Jersey City, went to
the Jail for the purpose of examining
Barker as to his mental condition. In
commenting on this Lawyer Van Wrinkle
said this morning.
''The Prosecutor is a remarkable man.
| told him several days ago that he could
not have permission to examine my clienr.
Mr.. Barker is in Jail. but he has some
rights. These the Prosecutor seems will
ing to violate. The visit was timed for
Saturday afternoon when 1 was out of
town and could not protect my client.
The methods of a divorce detective should
not be pursued by the States representa-
tive.'
When the Prosecutors attention was
called to Mr.. Van Wrinkles criticism of
his action of Saturday by News re-
porter this morning, he refused to make
reply.
There was considerable secrecy about
the attemtp to examine Barker at the
time selected, Saturday afternoon, the
neighborhood of the Court House is
usually deserted.
Detective Charles Relay and DR.. McGill
left the court house together by the front
door, Prosecutor Erwin left by one side
door, and DR.. Fisher by another The four
men met Immediately afterwards in the
Jail office.
Barker was brought from the corridor
of Ward No. 8, where he is confined 1t
is not believed that the Prosecutor ex-
pected that the prisoner would
submit to an examination and
the object of the visit was to
induce the prisoner to show proper CO.
ordination by responding by muscular
action or suggestion. In this the States
representatives were, to a degree, sue
cessful.
After the two physicians were intro
duced to the prisoners by the Prosecutor,
the latter said
These gentlemen would like to examine
into your physical condition.
''By advice of counsel I refuse to be ex-
amined or submit to any questioning, re-
piled Barker.
who is your counsel?" asked the
Prosecutor.
''Mr. Van Wrinkle" was the prompt
answer
1--WE will not ask any questions apper-
tanning to your case" assured Mr.. Erwin.
Barker did not respond.
'It will only take short time" added
Dr.. McGin.
The prisoner still refused to speak and
the Prosecutor, evidently with the inter-
tion of catching Barker mapping and in
ducing him to respond to a question by
muscular action said suddenly
"Will you be seated?''
What appeared to be a smile appeared
In the prisoners face, but he made no
movement towards accepting the pro-
ferred chair.
II guess that will do,' said Mr.. Erwin
and Barker was taken back to the Jail.
The same sececy that was maintained
by members of the party on entering the
jail marked their departure.
Barker had no visitors all day yes
terday nor up to noon today
Barker spends smost of his time in his
cell writing and reading, and when he
goes into the corridor he walks rapidly up
and down for exercise but does not speak
to anyone.
The Grand Jury will met again on We'd
nesday but 1t is not likely that the case
against Barker win be considered on that
day.