Evening star., 1901-04-01
WOMAN A WITNESS
But Mrs Francis Refuses to Testify
in Patrick Case.
II WOULD lNeRIMINATE HERSELF
Judge Jerome Much Puzzled b,
Her Strange Confession.
FEARED DISTRICT ATTORNEY

NEW YORK, April 1.-The first witness
today at the hearing of Albert T. Patrick,
the lawyer, charged with causing the death
of VIM. Marsh Rice last September, was
Mrs. A. NJ. Francis, who kept the house
where Patrick formerly boarded. When
she had been sworn and the assistant dis
trict attorney was about to put his first
question, Mr.. Moore, Patrick's lawyer. said
he thought the witness ought to- be eau
toned against testifying to anything that
might incriminate herself
Mrs. Francis testified that she had known
Patrick since January, 1895. Patrick was
her boarder at several places where she
conducted boarding houses. and boarded
with her at the time of his arrest. She
was acquainted with David l.. Short and
Norris Meyers and with Potts. all of whom
have figured in the case.
Patrick occupied the back parlor in her
house. She herself had no stated room,
she said in reply to question by Mr..
Osborne
when did Patrick begin to speak to
you about Mr. Rice?'' asked Mr.. Osborne.
4 decline to answer on the advice of
my lawyer" witness replied.
"On what ground?" asked Mr.. Osborne.
Would Incriminate the Witness.
"On the Sound that it would incriminate
me- Mrs. Francis answered.
Assistant District Attorney Osborne said
there was no intention of duplicating the
witness with Patrick but she still refused
to testify.
Justice Jerome then asked the witness:
''Do you believe the answer to this ques-
ton would tend to convict you of a crime?
Understand not Patrick. nor Short. nor
Meyers, nor anybody else but yourself?'
The witness thought a while. II do think
1t would tend to incriminate me-, she said
There some more argument, and
finally Justice jerome said:
IF the witness is willing to place her
self in such a position in the community
as the witness does through her testimony.
/ don't see that I can compel her to an
swer. She is an intelligent woman, and
fully understands this question. Are you
jerome added, turning to witness.
I am the witness said
Mrs. Francis said she had known Jones
since January, 1900. but she refused to re-
Jones, on the ground that the answers
might incriminate her. For the same rea-
son she refused to say whether Patrick
remained in the house all day on September
% last year
Mrs. Francis was too Ill to appear as a
witness on Friday. Today she testified that
she was down to the Tombs on Saturday,
where she spent several hours talking to
Patrick ,,
Did you discuss the case with hIm?"
81 did" ~
What did you say?"
Nothing of any Importance at ALL"
Witness Feared Arrest.
1t came out in the testimony that the
witness had been told by a lawyer that If
she said anything favorable to Patrick the
district attorney would have her arrested
Mr. Osborne then handed the witness a
letter, which she identified as one that she
wrote him last year. 1t was marked and
placed In evidence
You were not at tRsae1sfrne afraid of in
Il was not"
What has made you change your mind
since that time?"
My counsers advice. my own opinion
tt Ihat u would lncriminate me. and the
threats Of the assistant district attorney
Of you." she said her eyes flashing and
her head erect.
Did ! ever threaten you personally o.
asked MI. Osborne.
No"
why do you believe would have YOU
arrested?"
Il saw In the papers on Saturday night
that you were to make more arrests
And do you believe. after my declara-
tion in open court. that I would arrest you.
though innocent?"
II do" she replied
Justice Jerome interrupted here and said:
The testimony Of this witness shows
that she Is a woman previously held in
high esteem in the community. I do not
propose that she shall go out Of this court
room with q stigma on her name for la ok
OF time to consider this matter We Will
take recess. During the recess, madame,
l would advise YOU to see some frfend-not
necessarily a lawyer-but some man or
woman with sound business sense. who can
give you counsel and advice"