The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1904-03-31
COURT SPRINGS SURPRISE.

COURT SPRINGS SURPRISE.
1t was after a long wrangle between
the attorneys for the prosecution and
the defense that the big event came
off, When Carl Eisenschimmel had
been dismissed after a rigorous and
proftless denomination, the Dis
trict Attorney notified the court that
the prosecution had two more wit
nesses, who were i'll in bed. He Of
fered either TO read their testimony
taken at the last trial, to have deposit
tons taken, or TO allow the defense
10 proceed and then later TO introduce
The testimony Of the two missing wit
nesses. To all of these Attorney
Knight objected.
The defense in this case" he said,
will refuse TO introduce a single word
OF evidence until the attorneys for the
State say We rest
On top Of this declaration he moved
that an adjournment be taken until
Monday morning, when the missing
witnesses could be brought into court
IF 1 grant this motion" said Judge
Cook. I shall feel it incumbent on
me, as a result Of certain information
received by this court, 10 order the
Jurymen into the custody Of the Sher-
if"
At this declaration there was a fiut-
ter in the courtroom and Knight was
on his feet in a second to demand
some explanation of the remark.
Your Honor viii readily realize, -
protested Knight that a statement of
that character might readily work
grave injury TO the defendant in this
case. We demand an explanation"
Well" said Judge Cook, 1T has
come TO my notice that an attempt
has been made to tamper with jury
man now en- the panel"
II the Hall Of Justice had COM
menced TO slide into the bay the sur
prise Of the spectators, jurymen and
counsel for the defense could not
have been greater. Only one of the
twelve jurors failed TO look a ques-
ton into the eyes Of his nearest neigh
Dor. He was Jacob Goetjen, who
keeps 3 grocery at Fifth and Folsom
streets. Beforehand he knew'that the
sensation was to be sprung and he
bore ii with Teutonic placidiy.
SHERIFF TAKES JURY.
The defense demands that the re-
marks of the court be explained" said
knight, recovering from hts surprise
If there has been an attempt to tam
per with this jury we demand an in
vestigation."
The court" said Judge Cook, lis
inclined strongly to any investigation
that counsel may desire. 1 Will state
that the court is in possession Of Ger
80 fsafr
an attempt has been made to influence
at least one juryman in this case.
shall refuse TO develop the matter fur
Their in the presence of the jury, but
if counsel viii agree to hear in my
chambers or otherwise the statements
brought 10 my attention regarding the
jury I viii be very glad to present
them In the meantime 1 will place
this jury in the custody Of the Sheriff d,
At this Juncture Sheriff Peter J..
Curtis came into court and went i'm
mediately 10 the Judges desk, where
he was sworn to care properly for the
jury. allowing the members recreation,
where all went together and guard
ing them from contact with any one
unauthorized to communicate with
them Two deputy sheriffs took the
jurors in charge and led them to the
jury-roOm, where they could not hear
the further developments of the in
vestigation.
When the last juryman had disap-
peared Judge Cook announced that he
was ready to show why he had taken
such precautions.
Does your Honor intend TO hold this
investigation in open court?" asked
Assistant District Attorney Ferral.
Certainly" said Knight. I'VE want