New-York tribune., 1901-07-16
DEMAND THAT KELLER SIZE
oiiiAkNS OF ARLINGTON APPROVE LET
TER URGING HIM TO BRING ACTION
FOR DEFAMATION AGAINST
MRS. BARKER

Arlington ~ j.. July Is (SpeciaD.-With mild ap-
pause and unanimous vote two hundred citi-
AeHs Oh Arlington n. j., tonight approved let
Ter calling on the Rev. John Keller to bring suit
AGAINST Mrs Thomas G. Barker for criminal libel
| Ihe meeting in Arlington Hail. at which the letter
vas read and approved called by the Thomas
1' barker Defence Association, which was formed
~ assist Barker in his trial the charge of
! shooting Mr. Keller
| Many members of the association s.,d last NIGH,
mat If Mr.. Keller did not bring a suit for defama-
non against Mrs. Barker they would consider him
s"ii's Oh the offence with which she charges him.
some even went far to say that they would
see 'hat Arlington rid of his presence unless he
cleared himself
II any of Mr.. Keller's supporters attended the
meeting they failed to make their presence known
MOI a word was spoken in his defence. although
opportunity given. Only half dozen women
were present Mrs. Barker not one OF them
The speeches had been carefully prepared and
were read from manuscript. John Sumner
elected chairman and started off with definition
of reputation
Reputation" he said is the most precous
'h,ns man can possess, fragile glass. taking
years In the building II be broken in single
smash"
ne said that the purposes Of the defence
soc1ation had been misunderstood. It's members
uld not pretend to uphold the 'unwrtten law.
we do believe. however" he continued, that
other crime has been committed most abominable
crime one difficult to prove and punish. 1t is for
tue purpose of further investigation OF this other
alleged crime that the association owes it's being.
ne said that the minister could not plead the
statute or limitation before the public"
we oelieVe the woman" said r. j. Victor. who
read fiery paper. He demanded that the Same
hsh standard of morality be put upon the man
as Is put on woman" There not adjectives
enough in his vocabulary express his apprecia-
ton OF Miss Germond who is Mrs. Barker's closest
friend.
l would rather trust to the sweet intuitiveness
of that sublime character" he cried. than all
the struck turies in New-Jersey."
j. Abbott Stowe chairman of the committee that
crew up the letter. said that the committee had
acted simply as citizens trying get at the truth
of sad affair. He said that Mrs. Barker would
take refuge behind legal technicaIites and
stood ready to repeat her accusation in way
that would leave no doubt as 10 Mr.. Kelier's cause
OF action He said she had way of bringing
action against Mr.. Keller. except by suit for
damages. And what woman would seek money
as satisfaction for such a crime?' he added.
''As long this charge is shrOuded in mystery"
said Mr.. Stowe. 1T will continue a demoral lizing
subject OF conversation 1t is tending to ruin the
morals OF this community We mrst sft II. and
tEen put II aside forever"
The following letter was then offered for sigma
lures:
We. the undersigned citizens, who desire the
whole truth respecting the tragedy OF February 3
beg to remind you that Mrs Barker. during the
trial OF her husband. testified under oath that you
had committed a criminal outrage upon her person.
This charge. thus solemnly made by a woman OF
good reputation. has been public record
several weeks. yet. far know, you have
taken steps beyond simple denial to show
forth your innocence OF the alleged crime
The way Is clearly open for you TO obtain
searching and complete judicial inquiry by which
the truth can be established beyond question. Your
seming hesitation 70 take this course is arousing
public suspicion Refusal OF investigation would be
equivalent TO confession.
We therefore respectfully urge. you to bring suit
law against Mrs Barker for defamation OF your
character
Half of the audience left the hall after the vote.
although members OF the association tried to get
them To go forward and sign. None OF the women
present signed the letter.
We will get whole lot OF names during the
next few days said Mr. Stowe "and then send the
letter 10 MIR Keller by messenger. We will that
It reaches him. The only place for the second act
OF this tragedy is In New-Jersey court and there
he take It."