The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1901-03-25
THE WEEK In THE COURTS
important Trials Scheduled for the
Criminal Branch.

violation OF Postal Laws Charged
Against the Rev. Liston y. Bass
Murdcrous Assault Case Against j.
| W. Gaines - The Rodney Divorce.
| The trial of the Rev. Iiston N. Bass,
| indicted for violation of the United States
postal laws, which will be begun tomorrow
| morning before Justice Barnard in Grim
| inal Court, No. /, will no doubt be
watched with much interest. The ac-
| cused il is alleged. had advertised him
| self widely as the President of the Blu
reau of Civil Service Instruction. and
had, it is claimed by the Government,
ohJained money from many persons in
| different parts of the United States, under
the pretence of fitting them for exami-
nations before the Board of Civil Ser
vice, with view of securing employ
mcnt in one of the Government depart
ments.
The Indictment upon which Bass is now
being called to trial is the second of its
kind which has been reported against
him by the grand jury of the District
within the last year. 1t was returned on
December 81 last. Nearly year ago.
however, a similar charge was made
against Bass, but that was nolle pressed
by the District Attorney.
Bass is also known as Prof. Bass
because of his connection with the Blu
reau OF Civil Service instruction.
In the present indictment found against
him by the grand jury ii is alleged that
Bass caused to be distributed circular
letters sent through the mail, and by
false prctences and artful devices
obtained money from many persons. 1t
s.,lf ,s,,
that Bass is described in the circular let
tiers as a member of the gospel, man
eminent for his virtues. talents. and
abilities, and for many years engaged
in educational work and known to the
leading educators in the United States.
1t is also stated that he is a man VINO
possesses IA strong mind, wise head, IN
tegrity of purpose, and catholic sympa-
thies; statesman by nature, with me
presence, an eye for beauty, magnl-
ficent voice, and whose speeches as well
as his pulpit service attracted large
audiences. BY those who know Kim he
is held in high esteem for his earnest
spirit of humanity and noble sympathy
of character"
Bass will be represented by Attorneys
Leckie * Fulton.
Another trial of interest and which viii
take place soon in the criminal franch
of the Supreme Court of the district is
that of John W. Gaines, who is charged
with assault with intent TO Kill Mrs
Elizabeth Welch on January 20 last.
Gaines is now in the District Jail 1t Is
said to be probable that he Will make
insanity a plea of defence. Within the
last few days, at the suggestion of Dis
trict Attorney Anderson, the prisoners
mental condition has been examined by
Dr. Richardson, Superintendent CT st.
Elzabeths Hospital for the Insane. DIR.
Richardson declines to make known the
result OF his examination at this time,
because he will probably be called upon
to give expert testimony at he trial.
1t is said that disappointment in love
drove Gaines to commit the assault upon
Mrs. Welsh. He was desperately In love
with her, i. is said and upon her refus-
her. After the alleged assault, Gaines, 1t
is said, attempted to commit suicide
Both parties were taken to the Elmer
gency Hospital. where their wounds were
dressed and they soon recovered.
In answer to a rule issued by Justice
Hagner one day last week Lieut.. Robert
Burton Rodney will be required to show
cause this morning why he has failed to
obey the order of the court commanding
E Rodney during the tendency of her
suit against him for separate support
and maintenance. BY the terms OF me
order of the court. soon after Mrs. Rod
ney filed her suit her husband was or
dered to pay her S45 per month as all
mony until the case came to final near
ing.
In her petition to the court last week
Mrs Rodney stated that her husband had
paid her only so on account of the ali
mony due for the month ending March
r. This she said she accepted on his
promise to pay the balance. she claims
he failed to do.so.