Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1908-11-06
MORSE AND CURTIS GUILTY
Promoter and Banker are Convicted
on Two Counts
BOTH LOCKED UP FOR NIGHT
Minimum Penalty for MisapprOpria.
tion of Funds of Bank IL Five
Years-CIemency RecOm-
mended for Curtis.

NEW YORK, Nov 5.-Charles w. Morse,
until year ago a dominant figure In the
world OF finance, and Alfred II. Curtis.
former president of the National Bank OF
North America were found guilty tonight
i'm the criminal branch of the United States
circuit court, on charges Of m1sapplication
Of funds and falsifying the books of the
bank. There was also the additional charge
of conspiracy against the prisoners, but
the jury acquitted the men on this count
Within five minutes of the time the jury
had rendered it's verdict. Judge Hough had
refused to entertain a motion for bail and
had committed the two bankers to the
Tombs prison
The Judge said that he would hear any
motions the lawyers for the prisoners de-
sire to make at 1880 o'clock tomorrow
morning.
Penalty is imprisonment.
The federal statutes provide minimum
penalty of five years imprisonment for
falsifying the books Of a bank. and a
penalty of two years imprisonment and
s. 900 fine, or both, for misappncation of
funds.
No alternative for Imprisonment is pro-
vided for conviction on the charge of falsi-
flying the books Of bank The maximum
penalty on this charge is ten years I'M
prsonment. The jury recommended Glenn
ency for Mr. Curtis but made no recon-
mendation in the case of Mr. Morse
The scene in the court room was dra-
matte Mrs. Morse and Mrs. Curtis had
remained in the court room nearly all day
awaiting the verdict. Mrs. Curtis showed
signs of giving way to her emotions num-
Der of times. and once when the jury re-
turned to the court room to receive instruc-
t,la fhn crnfr anx
charge should be considered, Mrs. Morse
broke down and sobbed.
A large crowd had hurried into the court
room to hear the verdict. Mr.. Morse and
Mr.. Curtis stood before the jury while
Foreman John Elder was reading the ver-
dict and their wives sat near them leaning
forward in tense attitudes TO catch every
word.
I'VE have agreed upon a verdict in the
case of both defendants" said the foreman
in a subdued voice. ION the charge of con-
spiracy we find them not guilty"
! A look of relief came to the faces of the
prisoners and their wives, but 1t only lasted
! a moment, for Mr.. Elder continued:
ION the charge of the misappllcation OF
the funds of the bark We find both defend
! ants guilty. On the charge Of making false
/ entries III lne VI lHC Oehhh We AhiH
both defendants guilty In the case OF
| Alfred II. Curtis the jury wishes to make
a strong recommendation to the mercy OF
| the court
! A stifled sob of relief escaped Mrs. Curtis
! as she heard the recommendation for
mercy for her husband. Mr.. Curtis took
the verdict like a stole, but Morse was
unable to conceal the disappointment he
! felt while his wife showed no signs OF
emotion. She kept her eyes on her hus-
band, forgetting herself and concerned only
on his account.
There was monetary hush in the court
ROOM This was broken by buzz OF
excited conversation and few minutes
later the lawyers for the defendants were
making the customary motions for new
trial. for ball. and for permission to take
an appeal to the circuit court of appeals.
Judge Hough said he would hear the
motions tomorrow.