Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1908-05-29
Imposed Upon George Fred
Terry Of watervlIe
For Violation Of Postal Laws
Of the United States.
Socialists Testimony Leads to
Cutting Out Of Jail Sentence.


10000. the maximum amount, will be
imposed upon George Fred Terry, the
nrcprietor Of the Waterville Mail Or
der Publishing House, who was con-
victed in March on two counts for con-
spiracy to defraud the government of
hostage. according to an announce
ment today by Judge Hale in the
limited States district court. This case
has been of interest throughout the
onntrv as it was the first to be pros
, ecuted under the new law of the post
Office department.
The announcement was made at the
conclusion of evidence and arguments
for mercy on the ground that if Terry
should be sent to Jail it would result
in total blindness and possibly cost
him his life. Judge Hale stated that it
was not the purpose OF the law 10 de-
nriye n man of his life or eye sight
and that there was an alternative SEN
tence of which he would take adVan-
taee. He advised the counsel that at
the proper time he will impose the
maximum fine OF $4,000.
Afidavits from three Boston special
lists were introduced and Portland anu
Watcrville physicians testl1led that IL
sentenced to a term of years IN jail
Terry would totally lose sight OF poth
eves and possibly might die. The same
nIea was made number of years ago
when Terry was convicted OF dong a
business to defraud the public with the
Fairfield Floral Co., and he was flned
$500 and sentenced to one day In jail.
The Indictment in the present case
charged him with conspiracy to fal-
sify the classification of second class
meter and to make false statements
relative to the circulation of the mag
aZinc with intent to defraud the gov
eminent, also conspiracy to make
false returns as to the weight OF Sec
ond class mail matter. Henry w. Bo-
shan was convicted on the same in
dictment but the matter of his SEN
tence did not come up today.
Terry was in court, accompanied by
his wife Terry appeared nervous and
sat with his eyes shielded from the
light. Mrs Terry Wept almost con-
stantly during the hearing.
Warren c.. PhilbroOk, counsel for
Terry, spoke of the ideal family Ire OF
the respondent and his social standing
He did not wish the court to take his
word Unsupported as to the physical
condition of Mr.. Terry and asked per-
mission to have the opinion of emf
nent specialists presented. Judge HAZE
granted thi.; permission.
DR.. T.. f.. Holt, who Mr. PhilbrooR
said was the most eminent eye spe'
cialist in Maine, told the court that nc
had treated Mr.. Terry for many years
for an incurable disease of the eye
Mental worry would aggregate TINS
and a iail sentence. with its terrible
humiliation and mental suffering
might deprive him of his sight aho
even of his life. DR.. Holt said that ne
would not he responsible for the con-
sequences. should Mr. Terry be sen.
ito jail Dispositions also were reiio
from such famous specialists as II
Miles Standish, DIR. Walton and FDr
Langmead of Boston, all corroborat-
ing the opinion Of DR.. Holt. ."' 49,;
The district attorney made plea 1oi
Jail sentence. He said this was
most important case, in which the pub
lie took a keen interest. He had re-
ceived many communications In whicf
the hope was expressed that full JUS
tice would be done in this case, regard
less of the fact that the respondent
was a man of means. There shoulc
not be one standard of justice FOR the
rich and another for the poor. Socia
relations should not count. NO doup,
the eminent specialists had espresso.
their honest opinions. but the distric'
attorney believed that they had some
what exaggerated the danger. The re-
spondent already had served a one
days Jail sentence and his health nae
not suffered seriously in consequence
Serving such q sentence, he had suf1er-
ed all the humiliation possible on TINS
account In Jail he could have sucf
diet as he needed and his treatment
would be such that his physical con-
dition need not suffer materially. VI
course this was a matter for the cour
alone to decide.
Mr. Philbrook made final appeal
Confined on Page Two.)