Los Angeles herald., 1908-08-13
VETERANS RALLY TO
PROSECUTE GUARD
F0Y HELD FOR ASSAULTING
JACOB MULFORD
Army Men from sawteIIe Throng the
Justices Court to Testify
Against Assailant of
Old Man

Not for many months has Justice
Summerfield's little court room been SO
crowded as it was yesterday when the
case of William A. Foy, guard at the
soldiers home, Sawtelle, was called and
Foy appeared for examination on a
charge of assaulting with deadly
weapon Jacob milford on the night of
July 20.
The court room was filled during the
entire day with veterans from the home
and others who have taken the deepest
interest in the case, not only because or
the strong sentiment aroused In this
particular instance, but also on account
of other difficulties of a similar charac-
ter which, it is claimed, have occurred
at the national institution ere this, and
which, many say, have been followed
by slight punishment or reprimand.
That the veterans are actuated by
determination to put an end to the
conditions which brought about the
trouble between Foy and Milford was
plainly evident from their actions and
the manner in which they testified.
milford Testifies
milford was the first witness. He
exhibited marks on his head, which he
said he received at Toys hands, and
said the attack was entirely unpro-
voked II walked a half mile to the
barracks" he said, land was tired. |
sat on the porch and began taking of
my shoes, as 1t is against the rules to
enter the place after 8 O'Clock with
shoes on. Foy came up and we had
some words. Then he struck me.
was rendered unconscious and knew
nothing more until l found myself IN
the guard house."
John w. Haverstick, another veteran,
said the policeman had dragged Foy
off Mulfords body and loaded the lat
ter in a cart and carried him TO the
guard house.
Many of the witnesses looked with
angry eyes upon Foy as they testihed,
and they were quick in taking excep-
ton to the remarks of Attorney Hol-
den, Foy's counsel.
Matthias Bowers, whose room is To-
Gated near the place where the trouble
took place, was particularly aggressive
when questioned concerning Foy.
"Do you know Joseph Foy?" he was
asked by Major McComas, deputy dis
trict attorney.
Eyes, L know him; but he isn't
much" responded Bowers, with evident
disdain.
Milford, said Bowers, came up the
steps and took off his shoes. Foy, who
was passing at the time, accosted him
with the remark, You know you must
not wear shoes at the barracks"
HE asked milford If he had bot
tle," said Bowers, land Milford told
him it was none of his business.
"And say, judge" continued the wit
ness, turning to the justice, I'D like
to know what became of that bottle.
There was nothing left of it in the
but the cork" and he glanced
askance at Foy.
How much did Foy's cane weight"
Bowers was asked.
How do 1 know?" replied the wit
ness. I'm not a wookchopper. 1 know
the stick, though; just show 1t to me"
Bowers on cross-examination told At
torney Holden that it was none of his
business where he had served in the
army THAT question don't come UP
here, but 1 wish had my badge here;
I'd show you mighty quick. 1t is UP
at the home, and If you are anxious to
find out about my career, come up
there"
dixie Mule Kick"
Samuel McFadden declared that Null
ford's face, following his struggle with
Foy, looked as If "a mule had kicked
him with both feet
81 never thought Foy had any right
on the porch or in the wards" said
McFadden. ''His duties are outside of
those places, and he should not go
there unless called by the captain. The
brutal treatment given lHlS man NpOiIlL-
ing to Mulford) aroused my patriotism.
1 fought for my country, and"
So overcome was McFadden with an
ger that he could not proceed.
Chief of Police Root said he ordered
milford to the guard house, and Ser
geant Dugins said he paid little atten-
ton to the man, as he believed him to
be drunk.
Foy was the last witness. He said
he was on his way to his room when he
saw Milford in a corner of the porch.
making a noise. 81 asked him what he
was doing, and he said it was none of
my business. Then he struck me with
out warning. did not strike him with
the cane, but held him down on the
ground and begged him not to strike
me again. It was ten minutes before
1 could get my whistle out and signal
for help. milford also threatened to
kill me-"
After the testimony was all in Justice
Summerfield held Foy to answer in the
superior court, bail being fixed at $500
which was given.