The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-02-12
STEFANEK AND HISJEWELS
HE MUST STAY IN JAIL UNTIL HIS
WIFE GIVES THEM UP.
An Illustration of What Seems to BE
Austrian StubbOrnness-News
of the Courts.

Franz Stefanek and his wife defy the law
by refusing to comply with the order of
Judge Carter, of the Superior Court, and
turn certain jewels over TO Alexander Mes
mer as security for a loan. Stefanek and
his wife were sent to Jail because they
would not comply with the order of the
court. On account of family of children,
Judge Carter released Mrs. Stefanek, but
her husband is still in prison. II is said
that Mrs. Stefanek has the jewels in her
possession. but will not give them UP. al
though her husband is in jail
The history of the case is unusual from
the beginning. There is a scarcity of rattan
and reed workers in this country, and the
newspapers of Germany frequently contain
advertisements for laborers Of this class to
come to the United States to get employ
ment. Stefanek is native of Austria, and
noticed one of these advertisements, COM
ing from Piel Brothers. of this city. Mes
mer was at that time manager of Piel
Brothers plant, and the advertisement re-
quested that he be addressed concerning
employment. Stefanek entered into corre-
spondence with him. and the result was
that he was brought to this country at
Mesmer'S expense.
Stefanek liked this country and sent for
his wife. They had some jewelry which
was left in a pawnShop in the old country,
and this was redeemed by money Stefanek
had saved, but there was not enough to pay
about $45 duty on them. Mesmer furnished
this money and in all the StefanekS be-
came indebted TO Mesmer for about 500.
When the jewels arrived in Indianapolis
they were given TO Mesmer for security and
the loan was to be paid by deducting 81 a
week from Stefaneks wages.
Some time after Stefanek began work at
P1el Brothers Mesmer started similar bus
mess of his own and Stefanek went to work
for him. As the business was new Stefanek
went to Mesmer and said that If he needed
money and would return the jewels he
could sell them and pay all he owed. Mes
mer consented and turned the jewels over.
1t is said that Stefanek tried to sell only
one ring and then he and his wife refused
TO give the jewels back TO Mesmer as
security. A suit in replevin followed. which
resulted in both the StefanekS being sent
to Jail.
The attorneys for the Stefaneks seem to
have had as much trouble with them as
the court. Florea * SeidenSticker were
employed to defend the case. They advised
Stefanek to pay the money or give up the
jewels, but he refused. He told the attor-
neys that his wife had made his home life
miserable for him on account of the jewels,
as she owned part of them and objected
to their being placed in the hands of Mes
mer for security for the loan. The attor-
neys, seeing they had a losing game, offered
TO advance the money TO Stefanek and pay
the amount, making arrangements Tor their
fee with his employers. Stefanek at first
consented and then refused to do this.
When the judgment was entered against
the Stefanelxs they became angry at Florea
q SeidenSticker, with the result that the
attorneys are now out of the case and have
not seen anything that resembles a fee.
Stefanek told them that his wife had the
jewels, but would not give them up.
Judge Carter says he never had such a
case, and is at loss to what to do
other than to use the method already pur-
sued. The Incarceration of Stefanek is en-
tirely in the hands of Mesmer, and unless
other security is furnished, the money is
paid or Mesmer consents to his release, he
will have to stay in Jail until his wife sees
fit to turn the jewels over and get him out.
The Stefaneks and new attorneys were be-
fore Judge Carter yesterday afternoon, try
ing to get Stefanek out of jail, but their
visit aYailed nothing.