New-York tribune., 1902-01-28


his feet
do / understand that you ask the jury to
lock these up the facts you have read?"
said Mr.. Jerome with sneer
Coroner Goldenkranz then read a paragraph
from the criminal law outlining the rights of
the coroner.
What sworn information have you that these
prisoners connected with the explosion"
asked the District Attorney.
Here is the sworn statement" said the
coroner.
IT don't see from this affidavit" said Mr..
Jerome. that these men have committed any
crime. II only states that explosion took
place and that these men were arrested III that
is legal procedure in this county, don't know
it. Mr.. Coroner. let US come 10 understand
ing. Do not let US have this absurd farce"
Coroner Goldenkranz's face flushed as he
replied that he thought the could act
much at his discretion in affair of this
kind.
JEROME CALLS PROCEDURE ILLEGAL.
Well, I tell you" said Mr.. Jerome, that
there is such law and such discretion for
the coroner when mems liberty is concerned.
This procedure is absolutely Illegal With this
Mr.. Jerome flung the affidavit on che desk be-
fore Coroner GoldenkranZ.
II thank you very much. Mr. District Attor-
ney," said the latter, that you have given us
this hint TO the law. but 1 feel that l per-
fectIy competent to take care of this matter and
within the law in doing So"
With this the coroner again began TO charge
the jury. Mr.. Jerome jumped to his feet. "As
District Attorney of the county" he declared 81
ask you 10 charge the jury that 1T must find a
verdict on the evidence And the information
given here contains not one iota of evidence and
still you sit up there and ask this jury TO go
and find a verdict. You have no right to ask
these men, who are under oath. to help you 10
lay the foundation for you to do your work in
illegal manner. I will not allow the law of
this county to be monkeyed with, and if you
proceed in this illegal manner I will lay the
matter before the grand jury"
You're only here by courtesy" replied Cor
oner Goldenkranz, "and it seems 10 me that you
have outworn your courtesy"
The coroner put DIR. Higgins, his physician.
the stand. The doctor testified that he had
seen the body of ]. Rederick Robertson. of
the victims and that he had learned that the
explosion was the cause of his death
On this evidence the coroner asked the jury
10 retire and find verdict.
Good God SIR said Mr.. Jerome, jumping to
his feet; this is a condition of affairs
ridiculous even than obtained in the day of
Coroner Hoeber''
The jury retired and was out for about fifteen
ommendng the discharge of the three men
who were under arrest. Coroner Goldenkranz
thanked the jury, and adjourned the inquest
until February at 10 &. m.
The coroner then directed that the three de-
PENDANTS be rearrested. and sitting as magis-
trate. he directed that the men be committed
without bail. This action on the part of the
coroner brought District Attorney Jerome to his
feet, and. pointing his finger at Coroner Golden
shall hold you strict accountability for this
act. There is no complaint here against these
men. and magistrate you must have one
In hold them. / protest District Attorney
Of this county against your holding these men.
] would like to ask under what charge you are
holding them"
INSTRUMENTAL IN A "HoMOCIDE."
"As being instrumental In a homocide." replied
the coroner
There is no such crime" replied the District
Attorney warmly. "and insist knowing
what charge or for what crime these men are
held
AS being instrumental of crime" replied
the coroner
If these men locked up on such charge
will instruct the warden of the city prison to
reieese Them said the District Attorney
Coroner Goldenkranz began to skim the
pages Of the code. and in minute he said:
II will hold these charge of man
slaughter"
What degree" asked the District Attorney.
Just manslaughter." replied the coroner
What degree" again demanded the District
Attorney
Oh to appesse your anger" said the coroner
'T viii hold them in $4,000 bail for examina-
tion Tuesday at 10 o'clock. This court is
now adjourned"
Clear the room. ofTicers,' yelled John Muir
ra3- one Of the clerks in the coroners' office
Who you?" asked District Attorney
Jerome sharply, turning toward Murray. Then,
according to Mr. Jerome's version. Murray re-
piled: None Of your ---- business"
At this District Attorney Jerome leaped over
the rail separating him from Murray and Muir
ray ran behind the jury box. Mr. Jerome took
another flying leap a number of chairs and
grabbed Murray by the coat collar and jammed
him up against the wall Murray struck out
and hit Mr.. Jerome in the jaw.
The room was in great confusion by this time
and County Detective Reardon. of the District
Attorneys staff, to the aid of his chief He
reached over Mr.. Jerome's shoulder and struck
Murray in the face. County Detective Ham
mond also rushed to Mr.. Jeromes side and dealt
Murray blow in the face. Then three police
crowd struggled its way out 10 a larger room.
There the policemen separated the others and
District Attorney Jerome walked away
Coroner Goldenkranz rushed up and ordered
the policemen 10 place Reardon and Hammond
under arrest Murray demanded the same
thing. Then Hammond and Reardon pulled
badges from their pockets and said We'll
place you under arrest"
The policeman took hold of Hammond and