The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1908-08-17
Court Assumes Both Re-
sponSible for Death of
AnniS.
TO BASE DEFENSE
ON UNWRITTEN LAW
alleged Confession of Wife of Cap
tain Who Shot Clubman to
Figure in Trial

NEW YORK, Aug. 17.-Pale 70 the
lips, but without the slightest other
outward. evidence Of excitement. Capt.
Peter c. Hams, u. 5. A., and MS
brother, T. Jenkins, this morning raced
Magistrate Gilroy IN the Long Island
CITY police court, charged with the
murder of William Il Annis, on the
float Of the Bay Side Yacht club, t1usA-
ing, Saturday afternoon.
Contrary to the expectations OF sensa-
ton lovers who crowded the courtroom
TO its capacity, the hearing began Win
formal questioning on the part OF Ihe
magistrate. and was cut short after a
xybispered consultation between District
Attorney Darrin, OF Queens, and w. L.
Percy, the lawyer for the Hams ram
fly. The result of the conference was
then reported 70 the magistrate, VINO
adjourned the case until one week ITOLh
today.
The prisoners were held without bail
and sent back TO their cells
As ga, tain Hams was led back 10 his
cell, he said: II slept We'll, never le4t
better in my life, in spite of being IN
cell. And that was because my con-
science is clear.
II now is known that the basis OF the
defense of the two brOJhers-betWeen
whom the law makes no distinction IN
the degree of crime-will be an alleged
confession signed by Mrs Peter Z.
Haius in which WrOngdOlng with Ailnts
is said TO have been admitted. JuSLlIl-
cation under the so-called unWrllten
law is the supersUruCture TO be Dullded
by the brothers on this document.
Not even Lawyer Percy VIII be per
mltted to hold copy OF the document
II being the intention OF Ine ldLlliy 70
hold il until the trial No chance Is 70
be given Mrs. Hams 10 deny the alleged
confession in detail, she herself declar-
ing that she does not exactly remember
the contents Of the document.
Repudiates Confession.
The confession is repudiated by Mrs.
Hams, who declared that she was
forced to sign il under duress and that
she had 20 knowledge OF what 1t con-
taiaed.
Letters have been furnished 10 District
Attorney Ira G. D. Darrin, Of Queens
county, by Harvey Rockwell, Annis'
friend, which were found in the pockets
Of the dead man. In them Annis was
warned that his death was impending.
He was urged 20 remain away from the
Bayside Yacht Club. By whom the
letters were signed has not been made
public.
Mrs. Peter c. Hams has reached this
city. coming from her home, in VIM
throp Highlands, Mass, in an effort 70
gain possession Of her children. They
were placed with Captain Hams mother
when the Oficer brought a suit for di-
vorce against the wife. and she had not
been permitted 10 see them since.
AS She was leaving her home 10 come
TO this city, Mrs. Claudia Libby Hams
said.
'There is no confession in existence.
I had nothing 10 confess l did sign a
document, the contents OF which l knew
nothing, but did II because l was forced
TO.
7 had been kept without food for
two days and in this weakened Condi-
tion whisky was forced upon me. Then
they brought ne a document and made
me sign II. This must be the cOnfes-
sion that they speak Of.
Brother Aids Husband.
Jenkins aided my husband in the
scheme and do not care what is done
TO either Of them, but 1 hope that the
law VIII hang them both.
"Au I want is my children and
will take steps 10 get them. I viii
carry this fight to the courts. The kill
Ing Of Mr.. Annis Is proof enough that
my husband is no fit custodian for my
loved ones.
Il never gave my husband any cause
for jealousy. 1 have done nothing for
which q wife might be ashamed. All
Continued on Ninth Page)