Los Angeles herald., 1906-01-25
SOCIETY GATHERS
IN POLICE COURT
NEvINS ARRANGEMENT DAYS
BECOME POPULAR
Afternoons Set for MilIionaire's Trial
Give the Police Station
Air of Social
Function

Function
70 the more innocent list Of fads and
fancies that have originated in Los An
geles have been added "Billy" Nevin's
arrangement days before Police Judge
Rose on a charge OF violating the auto
mobile speed ordinance for the third
time.
The days OF "Billy's' arraignments
have reached "a point OF popularity
where 1t has become necessary for the
police to arrange for automobile space
room in front of the police station.
Hundreds of "Billys' friends drive
mp to the police station OF the days in
question in the handsomest automo-
biles, leave trusty chauffeurs in charge
OF their gasoline gigs" while they re-
rair to the popular room of justice pre-
sided over by the jolly good fellow,
Judge Rose.
To passers-by on the days when
"Billy" gets another continuance of his
case the scene around the police station
suggests that swell social function
is taking place inside the grim walls
on First street.
Peanut. popcorn and chewing gum"
ners near the station and do crashing
business.
Newsboys sell countless extras to the
crowds as they leave the station after
BILLY" has obtained another continue
ance.
The scene yesterday bore a striking
resemblance to an "opening night OH
Broadway"
Martin Handles Crowd
Fully 200 persons crowded the court
room yesterday, most of whom were
friends Of Billy" but the balance was
a most cosmopolitan collection of ex-
element hunters and gossip gatherers.
To handle the crowd, Clerk Dave Mar
tin from Judge Chambers court room
acted as doorkeeper and had a glad
band and CHEEKY word for all that
called. A few minutes before Judge
Rose took his seat standing room"
only was to be had, but Dave Martin
showed himself fully able to cope with
the situation and everyone was accom-
modated.
Promptly at o'clock Judge Rose
came out of his private library and took
his seat. For a moment he "sized UP"
the situation, smiling occasionally in
recognition of some we'll known citizen
in the audience. Then he dropped his
head the fraction of an inch and a pene-
trating CLEAN shot over the top edge
of his glasses. Judge Rose was looking
for BILLY" Nevin.
"Mr. Nevin." called out the Judge.
The accused came forward, accom-
panied by former Prosecuting Attorney
A. |. Mccormick, now associated with
Oscar LaWler, the young millionaire's
official legal counsel.
Are you ready for trial?" came the
stereotyped question from the court.
Your honor replied Attorney Nc
Cormck, "Mr. Lawler is still busy with
a case in the superior court and is
unable to appear for his client. We
would like a continuance in the case
Although everyone knew that just
that excuse was coming, breathless
silence took possession of the room-the
silence that always precedes tragedy.
Judge Rose tilted back in his chair and
removed his glasses.
SHOULD I grant another continuance
in this case what assurance have I that
YOU will not come back with some new
ance?" asked Judge Rose II have con-
tinued this case so many times now
that for, one am getting weary of it,"
But" continued Attorney McCor-
mick ST assure your honor that it is
absolutely impossible for Mr.. Lawler
to be present this afternoon"
Address by Judge Rose
"Well," commented Judge Rose, "Mr.
Nevin. you have had a month now in
which you might have disposed of this
case. But there has been nothing, so
far as l remember, but continuance
after continuance. If your attorney has
been unable to appear you have had
ample opportunity in which to secure
new legal counsel. / shall grant you
another continuance. But, understand
this, that l would not do so were it not
for the fact that the case which was
set for tomorrow afternoon had been
continued. With the continuance of
that case it leaves the afternoon open;
for that reason 1 will continue your
case.
ION the other hand, even with to-
morrow afternoon open l should never
grant you another continuance in this
case We're it not for the fact that Mr..
Lawler had spoken to me several days
ago and convinced me that he could not
be here today.
"If you come around here again to-
morrow afternoon and want a ntinu-
ance you will not get it. IL you come
around here tomorrow afternoon and
tell me that Mr.. I.awler still has a case
in the superior court the trial will have
to go on. You VIII have to secure new
legal counsel or the trial shall proceed
without it. Understand that clearly,
Mr. Nevin. Tomorrow afternoon at .
o'clock"
During the course OF this heart-to-
heart talk from Judge Rose Nevin did
several turns In juggling with his
derby. Incidentally he leaned heavily
on the long bench that separated him
from the court and shifted his weight
uneasily from one foot to the other.
When the judge finished Nevin's brief
reply was:
THANK you, Judge" and he left the
station, the eager crowds and his
friends following him closely. Cries OF
newsboys. peanut vendors and the
ehug-chugs of the many automobiles
led by Nevin's pale blue French touring
car closed the function, and in half an
hour the police judges and others about
the station had settled down to the
more prosaic pursuits of their vicinity
Peace Society Formed
BY Associated Press.
NEW YORK, Jan, 24-PreIiuinary