The Washington times., 1904-03-04
CONRAD'S REQUEST
WILL NOT AVAIL
No Ground for Retrial of
Sam Croft.
PRITCHARD GIVES NOTICE
Warns Maddox to Have His Client N
Court Tomorrow Morning for
Hearing on Motion.

From what Justice Pritchard said from
the bench this morning. il is plain that
he will insist on prompt action i'm regard
TO the motion for a new trial i'm the
case of Samuel A Croft. who, with Ma
chen. Lorenz, and Diller B. Croft. was
convicted of conspiracy 10 defraud the
Government.
Today was set as the time for hearing
argument on the motion. When Grim
lnal Court No. l was convened, Samuel
Maddox. counsel for Groff. was not pres
ent. and Justice Pritchard sent for him
A lively colloquy took place between
them relative to a postponement OF the
hearing.
No Right to Set Time.
Mr.. Maddox briefly explained to the
court that as a result of a conference
he had had with District Attorney
Beach. he understood that argument on
the motion for a new trial would be
postponed until he. Maddox, returned
from Florida where he Is compelled to
go on business. Justice Pritchard said
he did not understand that counsel have
any right TO set time for the hearing
of motions without consulting the court.
Mr.. Maddox further explained that
Charles A. Douglass. who Is to take part
in the argument for new trial. could
not be present. In reply TO this remark
Justice Pritchard said:
81 see that one of the grounds of the
motion for a new trail in this case is
that you were not present when the jury
returned the verdict. Mr. Douglass was
present, and consented TO receive the
verdict"
Investigating Verdict.
Mr.. Maddox said there were many
curious things I'm connection with the
verdict. If he had been present. he would
have had the jurors polled in reference 70
his client. He also said that he Is now
prosecuting an investigation which is
based on certain rumors which have been
afioat since the jury was discharged.
He further explained that he was busily
engaged I'm Chief Justice CIabaugh'
court, and that he is under arrest IN
the Police Court for violation of the
STOW law
Justice Pritchard replied that while
ne would not extend the time for the
nearing 20 allow counsel to throw ouI
and haul In drag net of investigation.
ne was willing to go down to the Police
1ourI .io ana plead Mr.. Maddox's case. JUS
tice Pritchard then announced that the
motion would be called up Monday nex;.
Mr. Maddox must give notice tO
tne court that cannot be here Monday
the argument nQw.
Hearing Tomorrow.
Mr.. Maddox-If what hear of one OF
the jurors is correct. IL is sufficient 10
iuvalidate the verdict of the jury. not
alone in regard TO Samuel A Gron. but
10 all the defendants. and II is this re.
To-t wish to investigate.
Justice Pritchard then requested Mr.
1aggart TO notify Mr.. Beach to be pres
ent tomorrow morning at 10 O'Clock.
and turning to Mr. Maddox, said:
''HSye Croft in court" Continuing. the
court said that IL Mr.. Beach viii as
sumo the responsibility of oostponins
the hearing. he will permit ii to be done.
MI. Maddox explained that ne under
stood Special Counsel Conrad was III
an6 unable to argue the motion at this
time. He also called attention of the
rad in HIS closing argument To the
jury. in which ne stated that in hts
OF inion there was not sufficient evidence
, 90 warrant the conviction of Samuel A.
Croft.
Blacker for Croft
We'll said Justice Pritchard. 'fs
Major Conrad was TO appear at the
hearing on the motion and repeat the
remark I would not entertain Il as a
ground for granting a new trial. At
the time Major Conrad made the re-
mark had you asked me to direct a
verdict IN favor OF the defendant
would have promptly refused to do so.
] think you acted wisely in not making
the motion.
Major Conrad merely expressed his
opinion to the jury. just as other law
yers In the case had done. The ju-
rors disagreed with him in reference 10
Samuel A Croft as they did with other
PENDANTS"
Mr.. Maddox. as a parting shot, said
IF Mr.. Beach comes in tomorrow, III
come over"
The Court-Well. you had better come
| anyway and have your client here, too