New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1901-07-10
BARKER AID FOR KELLER.
FRIENDS OF THE PRISONER WILL LET
MINISTER DRAW OK THEIR FUND
TO DEFEND HIMSELF.

The friends of both the Rev. John Keller and OF
Thomas G. Barker, Of Arlington, y. j.. are con-
STEERING plans by which investigation may be
had 20 sift the allegation Of Mrs. Barker, which
led TO her husband shooting the Rev. Mr.. Keller
on February 3. That action will be taken
soon is fully expected. Barker's friends. who are
numerous in Arlington met at Fraternity Hall, in
that town. on Monday night. and organized a
Thomas G. Barker Defence Association. Steps
were taken at the meeting bring about in
vestirstion. A conference was held for the same
purpose few days ago in the Office of Richard Y.
Lindsbury, who has been engaged counsel for
Mr.. Keller
At the meeting Of Bakers friends about fifty
were present all prominent citizens of Arlington.
many of them being New-York business men who
I've In Arlington. John Sumner was made chair
man Of the association and n r. Kearns score
tary. George Mcclellan. Robert J. Victor FL r.
Rearns. John Sumner and William L. Stewart
were appointed an executive committee. and were
instructed 70 arrange for a mass meeting next
week In Arlington. when effort will be made to
force Mr. Keller TO begin some kind of proceed
1nss The committee also directed to draft
hn open letter 20 the clergyman saying that il is
necessary for him TO begin some action against
Mrs Barker for defamation Of character A mem
Der OF the executive committee said after the
meeting:
1T IS now up to Mr. Keller to 10 something If
he has no money to begin action we will gladly
allow him access our fund"
friend Of Mr.. Keller said yesterday that in a
few days the adherents of the clergyman would
decide on just what action they would take to
have Mr.. Keller cleared of the charges made by
-ars Barker AS yet we have not fully deter
mined what course TO pursue he said, but the
public can rest assured that Mrs. Barker will get
an opportunity to prove her accusation"
AT the conference held in Mr.. Lindabury's Of
nee there were present in addition TO the wounded
clergyman, Bishon Starkey and Archdeacons Mann
and Jenvey What done not divulged.
Archdeacon Mann said:
While Mr., heller's friends satisfied in their
minds of his innocence they feel that he owes
IL 70 the larger public 10 prove himself guiltess.
and that. believe, he DO How II is to be
done don't know. One way. perhaps. would be
for Mrs. Barker prefer charges against Mr.
Keller. Her husband has been sent TO Jail for fse
years for shooting ar. Keller. II she prove
her charges Mr.. Keller can he sent TO prison for
twenty years.
Personally I not in favor of ecclesiastf-
cal trial Even though il might he public. there
many who would pronounce il a whitewash
The ecclesia stical court has the power 10 is
sue subpoenas. and witnesses might refuse to
eftend such trial Mrs. Barker might nov wish
70 give her testimony, and there would he no power
20 conpel her 20 attend"
Mr. Keller's physician. Or. Exton. said Mr.. kel-
Ter would soon take some steps TO disprove the
womans charges. but definite course Of action
had yet been decided upon.