The sun., 1901-11-28
AMUSING CASE
IN COURT
Gallsgher's Club Figured in Slot
Machine Trial.
DEFENDANT FOUND GUILTY
But tho Judges Grant Appeal for
Mercy and Suspend Sentence
Upon George Il. Durham
Until Saturday.
DEFENDANT FOUND GUILTY

After disposing of two cases the Court
OF General Sessions yesterday afternoon
adjourned until tomorrow morning at 10
o'clock and the jurors were discharged
until that time. Chief Justice Lore in
iischarging the jurors expressed the
hope that they would enjoy their Thanks
giving dinners.
Considerable amusement was furnished
.uring the trial of George r. Durham,
tolored, on the charge of operating slot
machine in his place of business last
May. The testimony of Samuel McCrea,
witness. and the statements of Durham
m the stand brought broad smiles on the
faces Of the judges as well as highly
lmusing the spectators and lawyers.
Galagher's club room figured consider
ably in the case.
AcCrea said he had played slot ma
rhine in GaLaghers club room but all
,lot machines looked alike to him, and
he could not swear it was the machine
in question. II got nothing when
played the machine" he said. THAT
was just my luck, never get anything"
He also said there was plenty Of beer
,bout and anyone who wanted a glass of
,eer could get it.
Durham said that during the campaign
he club had been run both backward
! and forward. At one time he was presi-
lent Of the club but not when he was
4rrrst-d He admitted that he was to
get half the profits of operating the ma
chine.
Making his statement he said: And
he police came in and ordered every
machine but mine out. Wey didn't they
rider mine out! speaking to Attorney
General Ward. II don't know" quietly
replied Mr. Ward without smile. This
! ally evoked laughter from everyone in
| the room.
| The jury returned a verdict Of guilty
| with a rrmmendation to the mercy Of
| he court. A sentence of thirty days
| Imprisonment was imposed, that being
the least the court could give, but on ap-
plication Of Herbert l.. Rice, who repre-
| 4ented Durham, sentence was suspended
| until Saturday morning and the case was
held open. -
This was done to permit Durham to
| pay fine and costs of prosecution If
he can raise the money. Meanwhile he
twas committed to the custody Of the
workhouse trustees.
James Spires. colored, was acquitted of
the charge of stealing four brass bolts,
valued at $lU from isaac CoiiinS, coi-
ored. The prisoner denied the charge
and said the bolts were brought to him
to sell. He defended himself and proved
good character.
Attorney General Ward said that in
view of the circumstances he thought the
defendant entitled to a verdict or not
guilty and the jury rendered verdict
Of acquittal as instructed by the court.
Dismissing Spires Chief Justice Lore
said: ave are very glad you were able
to prove such good character and hope
you will maintain 1t"
Mr.. Ward announced that he had moth
ing further ready for trial and about
io'clock court adjourned.
The case of Buck" Cunningham was
set for trial yesterday but was not call
cd owing to the absence of witnesses. II
will be called on Friday. The case OF
drs. Louisa Magnell. accused of having
performed criminal operation. is ready
for trial and may come before the court
tomorrow. Y
"Ruck" Cunningham was brought hefort
Attorney General Ward and stated that
he Is willing to plead guilty Of two
charges. He will be brought into court
tomorrow. He was arraigned on thre'
charges of larceny and pleaded not guilt!
to all Of them.