The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1901-07-02

AYERS DIAMOND CASE.
Another Skfrmish in the Lively
Legal Battle Is Fought.
Court Room Looks Like a MILL
merry Shop.

Jerry Belts cOIOred, aged 50 years, dled
in Hale Ritchie's barn at 111S Quincy
Ben Haiston, a colored man known as
Red were driving up Monroe street to
work Monday morning about o clock
Both were Intoxicated and were driving
recklessly. Near the corner of Twelfth
street the buggy capsized- Haiston right
ed the buggy and drove on, leaving
was found by Hale Ritchie, Frank Ritchie
Ritchie. Belts was carried over to
R1tchie's barn and laid on the hay as
he was thought to be dead drunk. About
$50 p n. Hardy went to the barn to see
II Bets had revived, and found him dead
The body was taken to NJ. E. Stoker
was with Belts RED Haiston. was ar
rested near the corner Of Twelfth and
he had Completely wrecked the buggy BY
driving into the curb. He was still
helplessly intoxicated and attempting to
vey. Later in the afternoon L. Black
man, Tor whom Aaiston works, came in
70 the police station and paid Haistqs.
until sufficiently sober to travel and then
and was needed at the brick yard.
Police Judge Lindsay had set about a
dozen of the 50 or so cases on hand to
come up Monday, July / He intended to
dispose of the Matte Ayers case, which
Justice to a few of his regular Gus
toners, the jointists. By the appointed
nesses and lawyers Every available seat
was taken by persons directly concerned
in the affair, and standing room was at
premium. The court began to think that
he might possibly be late to supper, but
and the ball opened. Attorneys Reed,
Ensminger and Urnay for the prosecution.
were matched against Jetmore & .Jetmore
and J. T. Ward for the defense. All of
the SIX lawyers took a turn at question
ing Mrs Shelby, who lost the diamonds.
Three Of them simultaneously objected
W. t-hiZZ0neTt' began
before the end of the first round. The
defense made a gallant effort Ia show a
motive for the prosecution, but made lit
show that the defendant Vyould natnraliy
keep the stolen feathers, lace or trinkets
a year and a half without removing the
tags and costmarks by which they could
be readily identified. and that the fact
Stahl permission to search her room
without any authority, knowing that he
would find the stolen property When
Chief Stahl was on the stand Attorney
Jetmore asked his opinion as an expert
officer" The chief declined to answer as
an expert. but gave his ideas as an or
binary person All the articles found in
dence and the court looked like a mil
tags With costnnarx formerly used by
Mrs. Shelby When she was in the millin-
cry rg business ;s i9 St Louis
til O'Clock when Judge Lindsay ad-
journed court until this morning
Here's poem ascribed to Eugene Field
In his early days which might have been
written in Topeka today:
We met fiery officer
With sad and fearful eye,
And as we bid him howdydo
He heaved a solemn sigh.
We asked him what his sorrow was,
And pausing heard him say,
''Alas, my trade is very dull
I've shot no one today
'.Ahar' we cried. ssyour cartridges
Must all expended be,
Or you find citizen
To pop at merr1ly2
Or have the board forbidden it,
Or why. we mildly pray,
Dost thou so sadly aspirate
I've shot no one today?"
No answer made that officer,
But drew his pistol out.
And with q wild and desperate air
He cast his eye about,
And in a husky tone he said,
L fear they'll dock my pay,
Unless I strike a streak Of luck,
And shoot a man today