The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-12-04
His Collapse I'm Health and Resigna-
tion Followed by the Charge Of
Forgery I'm the First Degree.
uMPED INTO COURTROOM
AND GAVE A BOND OF $4,000 FOR
FUTURE APPEARANCE.
Then Drove Back to the Hospital
Where He Has Been Confined
for Several Weeks.


day returned two indictments against
James L. Blair. former general counsel OF
the worlds fair. each charging forgery in
the first degree. Each indictment is based
on the alleged forgery by Blair of deed
OF truss TO loan from the estate
Of Jete- Blow, of St. Louis, of which he,
as trustee, had charge.
One Indictment alleges that on Dec. 10.
1885, Blair fled for record forged deed in
favor OF Michael O'LaughIin and his wife
Johanna TO Louis A. Meyer for $4,000.
Seven notes and property near Fourteenth
and Spruce streets were given as security.
The other indictment charges that
July 10: 1895. Blair fled a forged deed for
10000 in favor of Elizabeth and John
Dwyer and the 81. Louis Trust Company,
their agent, to Otto L. Mersmer. 1t COW
cred eleven notes and property at Seventh
and Pine streets. The indictments also
charge Blair with forgery of the seal of
the St. Louis recorder Of deeds.
The indictments were assigned to Judge
Daniel @. Taylor's division of the Circuit
Court A capias was issued early this
evening for the arrest Of Blair and was
placed In the hands of three deputy sher-
iffs for service. They were instructed TO
proceed to Mulanphy Hospital, where Blair
has been confined by Illness since his col
lapse several weeks ago. The punishment
IN each case ranges from ten years to life
imprisonment.
The indictments indirectly result, 1t is
understood. from testimony before the
grand jury by James T. Roberts, a for
mer enaploye OF Blair An impression which
prevailed that the crime which Roberts
charged was outlawed by the statute of
could COnSe-
quently not be prosecuted was Erroneous.
Forgery In the first degree is not covered
by the statute of limitations
THE LAW IN THE CASE.
The law on which the indictments are
based, Is Section 1891 Of the Revised Stat
utes OF Missouri which provides that
''every person who shall forge counter
felt or falsify any deed or other instru-
ment Eeing or purporting to be the act of
another, or any certificates of the &C
knowlelyment OF the proof of any deed or
other instrument which may be recorded
or any certificate of the filing or record
ing OF any such deed or instrument with
gerry Ia the first degree"
Blair gave bond in the sum of $1,000 early
tbs evening to answer to the two indict-
ments against him. Before the deputy
sheriffs started for the hospital with the
capias word was received through one of
the defendants attorneys that Blair would
give bond. The capias was withdrawn
and Blairs appearance was awaited. Later
closet carriage hurriedly drove up to the
Circuit Court and Blair accompanied by
James "A Seldom, his former law partner;
John +. Lee. close personal friend, and
attorney n. =. Kent, was received in cham
pers by Judge Taylor. Less than fifteen
minutes was spent In arranging the bond
which was for the sum of 5000 on
each OF the two Indictments and signed by
Judge Seldom and John F. Lee. Assistant
Circuit Attorney c. o. Bishop, representing
the Stgte, was present.
Mr. Blair was evidently in great pain
He walked with crutches and was assisted
Dy Judge Seldom and Mr.. Lee. Nothing
was ssid outside Of matters pertaining to
accepted Mr.. Blair, JUICE Seldom, Mr.
Lee ard Attorney Kent returned to their
carriage and drove back to the hospital.
40 statement or any kind was made by
MI Blair, and all the gentlemen accom-
panyine him declined to say anything
STORY TOLD By ROBERTS.
AS stated the Indictment is the result of
charges filed by James T. Roberts. an at
torney at one time employed in Blair's law
office Roberts. who had become familiar
with Biair's private affairs, secured certain
papers and records. on which he afterwards
based ads charges that Blair was Juggling
the finaces OF large estates committed to
his trust. That was NOR than three years
ago. The story, however, did not become
public until the present grand jury began
an investigation. Roberts, following his
appearance before that body, publicly
charged, among other things, that Blair
had forged deeds OF trust and mortgages on
which $4,000 was obtained from the estate
OF the late Peter Blow, OF St Louis and
that he counterfeited and used the notariaI
seals o. the recorder of deeds of ST. Louis
and frequently employed Walter f. Jen-
kins, purely fictitious parsonage to at
test the documents.
Blair characterized Robertss accusations
as Tissue of falsehood woven around a
few grains OF fact Blair acted as a sort of
fiscal end investment agent for the firm of
Dick Bros, of Philadelphia. and New York.
OF which Evans r. Dick. relative. is the
head In the Blow estate he was co-trustee
with Edward s. Roberts. The grand jury
requested the Dicks. their attorney George
b. Graham, and others to come to ST Louis
to testify, but the communication was ig-
nored. The grand jury deliberated over the
Blair ease several weeks. Bankers, mer-
chants and others thought to have a knowl-
edge of the case were Summoned.
Owing TO his reported serious illness Blair
was removed from his home TO Mullanphy
Hospital one month ago. Varying reports
OF his condition have been given from time
TO time TO the public. tt was at first stated
at the hospital that Blair was rapidly de-
Ginning. and that his death was a question of
only short time. Following this came the
Information that the patient was on the
verge Of insanity. He is now reported no
have almost fully recovered.
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