The Washington times., 1903-08-06
VON JENNEY MAY HAVE
GROUND FOR REDRESS
Released Because Evidence
Was Lacking.
WILL REMAIN IN HONDURAS
Arrested There and Confined for q
Month While British Officials Wait
ed for Proof From America.

1t now seems that the Count joseph
Won Jenney case is likely to develop
some very interesting points. involving
international issues, and the rights OF
| redress OF citizen held in durcss in a
foreign country.
Won Jenney is the man arrested In
New York in November last on the
charge OF false pretenses. The warrant
for his arrest was sworn out in this
city and alleged that Won Jenney had
acted as agent for a Cincinnati piano
firm, and while in Washington was dis
charged by the firm: that subsequently
he had. as agent. obtained possession. in
New York, Of four pianos, valued &C
100, with which he had been entrusted.
When arrested Won Jenney and the
pianos were embarked on q steamer en-
route 20 Cuba. He was brought back
10 Washington. and the Citizens Trust
and Guarantee Company went bond for
ms appearance in court in the sum of
3, ooo- Won Jenney never appeared for
trial.
Arrested and Put in Jail.
On May 10 last, United States Consul
avery. OF Belize. British Honduras. re-
ceiyed telegraphic instructions from the
Department OF State to cause the ar
rest there OF Won Jenney. This arrest
was effected on June 20. AS the teIe-
gram had not stated the amount in
volved in the charge against Won Jen-
ney, the colonial government declined 20
accept bail. and Won Jenney was re-
manded 10 jail Four times he was
taken before his majesty's commissioner.
Porter, and each time Mr.. Avery was
compelled TO admit that be was unable
to present any evidence against Won
Jenney- He stated in court that he had
three times cabled the home Office, as
we'll as asking instructions by mail. No
reply came until Sunday. July 2s. when
Mr.. Avery received the following cable
gram:
American Consul, BeIize-Evidence
not sufficient to hold Won Jenney, and
you may request his release LOOMS"
Won Jenney was released from Gus
tody the following day.
Caustic Comment.
Under the extradition treaty between
this country and Great Britain. the
charge against Won Jenney constitutes
an extraditable offense. The treaty
provides. however, that evidence must
be presented before the British courts.
showing that a prisoner Is charged
with a bona fde offense OF a criminal
character, in order that no man may
lose the rights OF asylum for political
ofenses. 1t was for this purpose that
Won Jenney was arraigned before Com
missioner Porter. In issuing the order
sioner Porter commented causticaIly on
he action OF this Government in allow
ing an Incarceration OF a month on
charge IL could not prove. and gave tt IS
his opinion that some one had been
guilty Of lethargy In the matter" and
hat It was the duty of everyone to be
'eady with his case before taking il in
10 court"
The Clarion" weekly publication
n the city OF Belize, B. H. in the Is
ue OF Thursday. July 30. comments Cd
torially at great length on the subject
If extradition generally, and the case
II Won Jenney in particular. taking the
'OsitiOn that he has grounds for redress
rom some source. and this source. il
S pointed out, is not the colonial gov
rnment Of Honduras
Won Jonney Not Coming Back.
Space is also given 20 lengthy let
er from Won Jenney himself. in which
e reviews the history OF his incar-
Grafton, and closes in this language:
Apart from the neglect and delay,
Id anyone ever hear OF civilized and
supposedly enlightened government ap-
lying for the extradition OF a person
tthout first satisfying itself that there
1as sufficient prima facie evidence to
Import the charge brought against
UGH person? I should think that in
lture the government OF this COL
ny VIII be very ehary of granting &c.
tradition warrants without a furthsr
1vesugatton Of the case than they
ppear 20 have made in this case
Won Jenney's' letter also discloses ths
act that he is engaged in the piano
usiness in Honduras. and that he in
ends TO remain there