Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1902-07-03
LENGTHY CASE.
Miller Liquor Trial Consumes
Six Hours Of Time.
Interesting and Animated Hearing
Before Judge Stevens.
Miller Finally Held for the Grand Jury
on Two Gases.

Charles f. Miller of Chelsea was
placed on trial, yesterday, at the court
house, before Judge E. C. Stevens Of
the, Chelsea trial justice court. upon
three separate warrants, alleging sin
gle sales of intoxicating liquors to John
w. Cass. The trial proved to be the
longest and the most exciting in some
respects OF any for a similar offence
which has come UP in this city in a
long time.
County Attorney Leigh, who signed
the warrants, appeared for the State.
and George c. Sheldon, ESQ.,, appeared
in behalf of the respondent. Mr.. Shell
don began the case by insisting that
his client be placed on trial on but one
of the warrants at a time. The State
selected one of the three, which were
all alike, and the wheels of justice be-
gan to revolve.
The State introduced but one wit
ness, John w. Cass, who was employed
by the county attorney to obtain evil
dence against Miller and other alleged
dealers in spirituous liquors in the vi
cinity of the Soldiers Home. Cass re-
lated his story. From his testimony it
seems that, Sunday, June 30, he started
L.
While at Ed Jenness' place he fell in
with Patrick Burke and Henry McLeer.
two veterans from the Home. They
started for Miller's place and on the
way Cass suggested that they should
purchase something to drink. He gave
Burke half dollar and the two went
into the kitchen at Miller's, leaving
McLeer outside. While in the house,
Burke purchased two half pints of
whiskey and the two went out. Find
ing McLeer, the three soon drank the
two half pints and Burke and Cass
went back and bought the third. This
was the one which was submitted in
court as evidence. These We're the facts
as brought out in the testimony but
all was excluded at that time, except
that which related to the case iE hand,
the attorneys spending a great deal of
time in arguing what testimony was
admissible. The State rested here and
Mr.. Sheldon began the introduction of
testimony for the defence.
Patrick Burke was first put on the
stand and told his story. He cOrrobo-
rated the testimony of Mr.. Cass in ev-
cry respect except that according to
his story Cass did rot go to the house
but remained in the woods with Nc
Leer while ne went to another part of
the woods" and bought the liquor of
some one whom he did not know.
McAleer was then sworn ard at
once caused sensation by inform
ing the county attorney that he could
not abuse him and making other dis
respectful statements to the court.
Mr.. Sheldon explained that the wit
ness was not intoxicated but was of
an Extremely nervous temperament"
The witness then quieted down until
he was asked if he was acquainted
with Mr.. Cass.
rs that mans name CASE" said he,
pointing to the detective.
Yes" said the judge.
non ne is Il liar" said the wit
ness jumping up and waving his
hand frantically. He told me his
name was Gleason"
The court was of the opinion that
the witness was of too excitable y
nature to testify at that time and Or
dercd Deputy Ames to remove him at
once. The order was complied with
ana the court room resumed its usual
lienified demeanor.
Mr.. and Mrs. Miller ana SeNcidi
other members of the family stated
that they We're in the Miller house
from 10 to II o'clock, Sunday MORN
ing, when the sales were alleged to
have been made, and that Cass was
not inside the portals of the Miller
house during that time.
At this point this case was dropped
ana the other two cases wer@ taken
up. County Attorney Leigh hoi
pressed one of these on the ground
that the two nalf pints were bought
and paid for at ore and the same
time. The State was of the opinion
that it was unnecessary to go over the
| testimony again, but the defense re
qIlired it. The court proceeded, but
not with the one that it had before.
At the end of the testimony the at