Bridgeton pioneer. (Bridgeton, N.J.) 1884-1919, 1901-07-18
STILES DECLINED
TO PLEAD GUILTY.
Case Was Tried Before a Struck
Jury Thursday.

John Stiles, of Millville, was tried
Thursday upon a charge of the IL
legal sale of liquor. The case was set
down for that day to be tried be-
fore a struck jury. There were many
in the panel that had hoped the case
would be disposed of as was the
Schlachter indictment, but Stiles
wouldn't agree with the prosecution
that he was guilty.
The evidence presented by the State
showed that Stiles was up to tricks
and had carefully planned to avoid
trouble if it came his way.
In the first place as contended by
State witnesses, Stiles employed
James Cox to work for him. He gave
him $40 per week and board. Then
Stiles had Cox take out the Govern
ment license in his name, Stiles pay
ing tie bill Then Stiles had Cox
ship the beer to the place in Cox's
name. Stiles orders to Cox were that
he should not sell less than three
bottles.
Another precaution Stiles took was
to have his customers sign an order
for two cases, five gallons.
Officers were called to testify to the
disorderly character of the place.
There was plenty of evidence to
show that beer was sold there in
quantities of but three bottles.
AS the case proceeded it was quite
evident that the Indictment had merit
to it. One witness, Charles Square
wood, had a smart fit on him and dis
agreeably and unwillingly answered
questions. Prosecutor Fithian ap-
pealed to the Court and Judge
Trenchard gave the young man to un-
derstand that he would be jailed for
contempt if he persisted. He sim
mered down.
The evidence presented by the State
showed clearly that Stiles had been
doing everything possible over in
Millville to evade the law. He tried
to have it appear that he was not re-
sponsible for the establishment. He
tried slick game of making it ap-
pear that he was selling liquor IN
legal quantities. Orders OF two cases
with deliveries of two or three bottles
at time seemed to Stiles to evade the
law, but Stiles has another guess
coming. Such stuff didn't go down
the representative jury Thursday.
Stiles was the only witness in his
own defense. He played the baby act.
He said he now lived at Trenton
where he was engaged in the saloon
business. He said that year ago last
Nav he was tried in the Cumberland
Courts for the illegal sale of liquor,
but was not convicted. At once, ne
said, he made an effort to dispose OF
his speakeasies, and claimed before
the jury that James Cox bought 1t
and was to pay him $500 for the first
year and $4O0 the second, settlements
to be made in weekly installments.
If there was any illegal selling then,
Cox was responsible was the claim OF
Stiles. He knew absolutely nothing
about the place and had no response
bility.
It was pretty story, cleverly told,
but the jury didn't believe it. That
made it unfortunate for Stiles.
When Prosecutor Fithian argued
the matter for the State he made an
exceptionally good argument He
was very much in earnest and i'm
pressed not only the jury with the
logic of his contention, but the people
gathered in the Court room as well.
The jury retired directly after the
charge of the Court and the finding OF
a verdict of guilty resulted in ten
minutes
Stiles was immediately remanded to
the bar for sentence, and Judge
Trenchard dealt knock out blow to
the speak easy enterprise. The SEN
tence of Stiles was fixed at conine
ment in the State Prison, at Trenton,
for six months, fine of $50 with
costs added and the prisoner must
stand confined until the fine and costs
are paid Struck jury trials are ex-
pensive and it will require some three
hundred dollars to settle the taxed
bill of costs.
Court Immediately adjourned.