The Savannah morning news., 1901-04-02
ANTHONY'S CRUSADE
FOREMAN SHELDON SAYS GRAND
JURY KNEW WHAT 1T WAS
DOING.
LICENSE ANNULMENT CLAUSE
WAS STRICKEN OUT OF INDICT-
MENTS IN JURY ROOM.

Foreman of the Jury Suggests Tint
MIR. Anthony Use More Discretion
in Selecting His Witnesses-SOIici-
tor General Declined TO Discuss
the NFatter-MayOr Myers Does Not
Remember Having Smiled With
Trinfty's PastOr-Mr. Anthony Will
Appeal to Judge FaIliEant.
The sensational attack upon the grand
Jury of the Superior Court by Rev. Bas-
com Anthony of Trinity Methodist
Church, Sunday night, was the talk of
the town yesterday If it was the purpose
of Mr.. Anthony to cause discussion. he
accomplished it.
Maj James B. Sheldon, foreman of the
grand jury, was asked by a Morning
News reporter what he had to say about
Rev Mr.. Anthony's sermon.
1.-THE time has not arrived" said Maj
Sheldon, when the grand jury is called
upon TO make any response whatever to
such charges What was done by the
grand jury was done knowingly and with
full realization of its effect. The grand
jury understood that TO include in the
presentments a clause alleging that the
defendants, charged with keeping open
their places of business on Sunday, were
licensed liquor sellers, would mean the
forfeiture of their licenses. The grand
jury quite understood that to omit this
clause would prevent a forfeiture of the
defendants license necessarily following
his conviction. Under these circumstances
and with a full understanding OF what
we did and it's effect, the grand jury de-
clined to include the clause referred to
in the presentments."
Maj. Sheldon, of course, was not in
Clined to treat Mr.. Anthony's criticisms
very seriously. IF Mr.. Anthony" he said,
laughingly, would use more discretion in
selecting his witnesses and find some who
could testify before the grand jury with
a greater degree of clearness. we might
be able 20 return presentments more to
his liking" t
Solicitor General w. w. Osborne was
also asked for a statement of opinion or
some comment upon what had been said
by Mr.. Anthony. He declined to make
any statement, whatever, or to discuss
the matter in any way.
From those well acquainted with the
facts the entire truth was readily obtain
ments and, at the instance of counsel for
the Law and Order League, inserted the
clause alleging that the defendants we're
licensed liquor dealers. When he handed
the papers to the foreman of the grand
jury they contained this clause The So
Hector general stated TO the grand jury
what the effect of a conviction upon such
an indictment would be and left the fur
ther consideration of the matter to the
ORR
arding any suggestions as to their duty.
In every case the grand jury erased the
clause before making the presentment
The grand jurymen did not think that
they would be justified, considering the
conditions that have so long prevailed in
Savannah, in framing an indictment
against liquor dealer for keeping open
on Sunday, in such wise that he would
forfeit his license upon conviction. For
this action the members of the grand Jury
assume entire responsibility.
Rev. Bascom Anthony was asked what
steps, if any, the Law and Order League
will take in future He said that he
himself would see Judge Falligant some
time this week, and would ask that the
indictments already returned ,be quashed,
and that the whole matter be gone over
from the first. 1--WE would rather have
no indictments at ALL" he said, than to
AuNt NilShl lHelI pTeSefll
You might remind Mr.. Anthony" said
an Alderman, that he will have to get in
his formal application for the office by
u o'clock Wednesday. That is demanded
by law. If he does not get his applica-
ton in, he certainly will not be consider
ed in connection with the position. Coun-
ell is not seeking to elect a man who
does not care enough for the place to
put in his application. We certainly will
not present the position to Mr.. Anthony
in that way.
Il observe that he says he does not
care for the salary that is attached to
the position. have no doubt If he would
only approach Council in the proper way.
offering to divide his salary among the
members, that he could be elected super
intendent of police"
Mayor Myers was asked yesterday IL
he had any reply to the charges made by
Rev. Mr.. Anthony. but answered In the
negative, saying that he did not care to
discuss the matter. II recall the visit
Mr.. Anthony mentioned" said the Mayor
but do not remember having had a
tsmile' with him."