The San Francisco call., 1904-07-15
POLICEMAN'S STATEMENT
MAKES COURT SENSATION
Swears That He Never Tasted Intoxicating LquorYouth
and Newness on the Force Are All That Save Him From
Being Scoffed-Case Against the Midway Plaisance

1t was their newness as policemen
that obtained for G. Sullivan and H.
Nolan the delicate task Of ascertain
ing whether there was truth in the re-
port that liquor was being retailed in
the unlicensed Midway Plaisance. They
were Young and unsophisticated in ap-
pearance and the shrewd Chief con-
cluded that if they failed to find evi-
dence sufficient to procure conviction
he might as we'll give up the quest
as hopeless For some of his sharpest
men had been outwitted by the vigilant
Midway management. Their best dis
guises had been penetrated at a glance
and untold gold could not have bought
for them an alcoholic stimulant in that
temple Of Orpheus and some other
muses..
If the wise chieftain had been more
particular in his instructions to the
novices they might have crowned his
experiment with success and them
selves with glory. With victory fairly
within their grasp, their lack of expert
ence brought what looks like ultimate
defeat.
1t was officer Nolan who narrated the
incident yesterday to Police Judge Mo-
gan, before whom Edward Herbert, a
colored waiter at the Midway was
charged with selling liquor without a
license. Nolan testified that he and
Sullivan, both attired a la Reuben-in-
town. visited the Midway last Wednes-
day evening, and their disguise and de-
meanor so completely deceived the
ever-suspicious attaches of the place
that they were asked if they would not
like TO be introduced TO some Of the
actresses. A few moments later they
were comfortably seated in a curtained
recess with two blonde ladies who car
ried weight for age and were of free
and easy manners.
TN push the button. kid, and you'll
pay for the drinks one Of the flaxen-
haired artistes ingenuously remarked
TO Nolan, and of course there was no
demurrer to the suggestion. The but
ton was pushed and Edward Herbert
responded in person. The ladies limited
at champagne, but the gentlemen deft-
ly sidestepped the hint and ordered a
bottle of beer. Herbert brought the
beverage and four glasses and received
from Nolan the sum Of one dollar, law
full money of the United States, in pay
ment Of the tipDle. So far the running
had been ridiculously easy, and it is
safe TO say that a veteran in Nolan's
place would have won the remainder
of the race in a canter. But that young
man committed the fatal blunder of
neglecting TO obtain positive proof that
the liquid in the bottle was lager beer.
He did not even taste it, ungallantly
refusing TO sip from the glass held to
his lips by the fair hand Of the fat
test Ct the blondes.
why didn't you taste it?" inquired
the attorney for the defense.
Because was the answer, II never
tasted intoxicating liquor in my life"
Instant commotion in court. All eyes
focused upon witness, who receives
quiet reminder from bench that he is
on oath. Bailiff Hickey rubs his ears
vigorously. Bailiff Mahoneys gavel
quells general murmur of incredulity
Clerk Grey swings around his chair and
stares open-mouthed at man on stand.
Do-you-mean-to-t said
the astounded lawyer. "that-you-
-tasted-liquor-a -you-a-po-
liceman?'
That's what I said" replied Nolan.
Remember he's young policeman" ="
remarked the Judge.
I accept his statement as a confess
SIGN Of extreme youth" said the at
torney.
Nolan then testified that he placed
the bottle 10 his nostrils and smelled
its contents. and the odor was of lager
beer. No, he could not possibly affirm
that it was not root beer. One of the
ladies left her glass untasted, but the
other lady considerably drank it after
consuming Der own allotment.
Case continued till next Monday to
give defense time in which to prove
Notwithstanding quality of stuff or
dered and paid for by Nolan.
: One night in prison made Edward
Green, barber, such a miserable looking
object that Judge Fritz fined him only
SO for having sent an obscene picture
TO a candy girl by messenger boy. The
indiscreet tonsorial artist looked as if
his brief Incarceration had deprived
him Of at least one-third Of his wonted
avoirdupois. and his clothes hung
loosely upon his bowed form.
AS she stood before Judge Mogan and
heard herself accused Of vagrancy
Anita Lansing was engaged in a strug-
gle with her blonde coiffure, from
which an ash-colored rat" seemed
bent on escaping. With teeth tightly
clenched upon a number of hairpins,
thereby impeding her articulation, she
declared that the policeman simply
lied whea he accused her of roaming
the red light district at all times o.
night, and he must have mistaken her
for some other lady" She would
have him distinctly understand that
she came of good family-folk who
could buy and sell him a dozen times
over and then have more money than
he had ever seen. If she was not mis-
taken he would live TO bitterly regret
the hour he had deprived her of free
dom. She was still talking and
wrestling with rat" when the Judge
continued the case till next Monday.