Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-12-07
Unusual Efforts Put Forth in
Nan Patterson Case
BYJUDGE YERS
SIMPLE METHODS ADOPTED FOR
SELECTION OF THE JURORS.
Prisoners Anxiety for Release Before
Christmas-Defense May Sub
NIT Case on Evidence.

Unusual efforts are being put
forth to expedite the second trial
of Nan Patterson, the former show
girl who is charged with the mur-
der of Caesar Young, a wealthy
bookmaker and turfman. Already
Justice Davis has announced that
the court will sit an additional hail
hour each day, and rumor says it
is quite possible that night sessions
may be held during the later stages
of the trial.
NEW YORK, December 7.-Although
there remained five jurors to be chosen
when the case was resumed in the supreme
court today 1t was predicted that the pre-
Hminary work would be completed and that
the case of the prosecution would be we'll
under way before the close of the present
week.
The selection of jurors of course Is the
most uncertain as regards the time. 1t has
been considerably simplified, however, by
the position taken by the talesmen them
selves. Many of the 200 men composing the
special panel summoned for service in the
case, realizing that they would be obliged
to undergo searching questioning as 10
physical fitness for jury duty. have been ex-
amined in private. AS result more than
score Of the talesmen already have been ex-
cused without going to the stand at all by
presenting a physicians certificate testify
ing to their unfitness for jury duty. OF
those remaining the great majority have
been pronounced thoroughly competent as
I'd thoir nf
Defense May Rest on Evidence.
Among the many stories in connection with
the case which have gained general circula-
tion is one to the effect that the defense
may rest on the evidence submitted by the
prosecution. Miss Patterson has expressed
a strong desire to be at her fathers home in
Washington for Christmas, it is said, and is
willing to take chance to gain that end.
If the trial progresses rapidly the defense
may call some witnesses, but even that is
not certain, it is said. In any event every
thing possible will be done to get verdict
before Christmas day.
Another story said that arrangements
had been completed assuring the appear
ance during the trial of ]. Morgan Smith.
an important witness who has been missing
since day or two after the tragedy. Both
defense deny any knowledge of any such ar
rangement, however. Smith is Nan Pat
terson's brother-in-law. 1t is said that
Hyman Stern, a pawnbroker, will testify
that Smith purchased the revolver with
which Young was shot.
'Will you permit your judgment to be in
fluenced by sympathetic considerations due
TO the fact that the defendant is wOman?"
This is the question that is paramount in
the trial of Nan Patterson.
Seven men out of a hundred and odd
talesmen have answered No to this ques-
tion-have answered it to the satisfaction
of the state and have later qualified 1T to
the satisfaction of the defense.
The question has been propounded day
after day with this result-that most of the
talesmen have said that as between a man
and woman charged with similar crimes
they would justify the woman and condemn
the man.