New-York tribune., 1908-06-11
HITCHCOCK NOT GUILTY.
VERDICT THIS MORNING.
III. 4. Chanler Takes Stand for
Defence at Trial.

After a charge Of Justice Goff in the GRIM
inal branch of the Supreme Court. which lasted
more than an hour, the case of Raymond Hitch
coc, accused of assaulting Helen Won Hagen,
went to the jury 7:3o O'Clock last night. and a
verdict of not guilty was returned at 2:55 o'clock
this morning.
William Astor Chanler took the stand yester-
day for the defence. For five six years he
said he had lived at Great Neck, Long Island,
and was well acquainted with Hitchcock who
has q place near him. He had never seen any
young girls at Hitchcock's home and denied ao-
soutely the story told by the Won Hagen glri'
who brought his name into the case Inc hIs'
time he had seen Helen Hagen and Elsie
voecks was in court, MI. Chanler testihed- he
was on the stand only short time and Assistant
District Attorney Garvan asked him few ques-
lions.
Many persons were called TO testify that
Hitchcock's character and reputation were gooo
among them being several members of the
bench. Another important witness 1or me oe-
fence was Herman E. Ruptke. Hitchcocks valet
Through ,, def e tried TO establish an
aiibi for Hitchcock. He contradicted much Of
the Won Hagen girls testimony and he yielded
nothing in his story when Mr.. Garvan attacked
him savagely during the cross-examination
To prove an alibi in the charge OF the girls
that he took them 10 his Great Neck house, Cor
relius Forbes. a resident of F1atbush, testifed
that he had on that night ridden with Hitchcock
IN q car after the actor had finished his Work
at the Montauk Theatre in Brooklyn. The VII
ness said he had left Hitchcock and the party al
Borough Hall and the others went on, presurna-
bly, TO New York.
Mr. Garvan, for the prosecution, called for
Elsie Toecks, and when she did not appear he
called Caroline Madeline Tegitmeyer, an inmate
OF St Michael's Home, in Mamaroneck. The girl
was examined by Mr. Garvan to whether she
had ever met Hitchcock at the house in West
41st street. but the motion Of counsel for the
defence her testimony was excluded.
Mr. Hitchcock looking a triae pale and wor-
ried, called by his counsel 10 the stand after
this and denied ever having seen the girl. The
married sister Of the Won Hagen girl. Mrs. Mar
saret Plautz. was called to corroborate her sis
ter's testimony and then both .5des rested
Justice Goff said he would allow each side an
hour in which TO make its argument. Mr..
sfeuer. Of counsel for Hitchcock. in making his
address, asked in ringing voice: Does your
sane sense credit the prosecutions story and
does the evidence show criminality absolute
innocence"' He wanted TO know, also. whether
the jurymen thought Mr.. Hitchcock would be-
gin his alleged criminal career by taking Helen
Won Hagen away in his from point oppo-
site her home.
Iney claim, said the lawyer, speaking OF
the two young girls, that Thursday night
Hitchcock took them TO Great Neck. the place
where he had already endeavored TO wrong
them, and yet, knowing il, they went willingly"
Continuing. Mr.. Steuer denounced the agents
Of the Children's society. He asked the jury
whether Hitchcocks action in causing the ar
rest of a backmailer was the indication of
his guilt. "An ask he said, lis simple JUS
Jce-not mercy, but just clean justice"
Mr.. Garvan, for the prosecution. did not at
tempt to defend the character Of the girls, but
dwelt, rather, the difference between the girl
complainant and Hitchcock. On this point he
said TO the jury:
"One an ignorant girl Of fifteen. the other a
man skilled in appealing TO audiences. Com
pare his shifty glances Was his attitude that
OF an honest decent man charged with con-
temptible crime? Do you recall the little girl
after five hours the witness stand ques-
toned and questioned 10y a most skful law
yer2 Clear eyed and never finching the
girl after five long hours-compare the two
1T is true she is to-day in an institution.