The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1908-08-05
TAR CASE PUZZLES
DISTRICT OFFICIALS
Given Still in Dark, After
Long Conference With
Bliss.

Il never have seen a case with so
many complications. 1t grows more
tangled every day I had no idea a
case could have 50 many complicated
side issues
This ste element was made TODAY BY
Assistant District Attorney Ralph Given
after a long difference with z. Z. Bliss,
jr., and detective Pratt, relative to the
tGrring Of Bliss a week ago by Charles
Marthinson, Henry Cole. and James l.
White, on account OF Bliss alleged at
tentIon to MIS- Marthinson and Mrs.
Cole.
1t was learned that at this conference,
the story published exclusively in The
Times yesterday, that one +. r. Bliss,
lr., had left a wife and eiOpsd with a
woman from Springfield, Mass. several
years agO, was discussed, the similarity
Ia names and descriptions receiving con-
siderable attention, IL Is understood
Al the conclusion of the conference,
the tar victim was asked II he desired
TO make any statement as TO whether or
not he was married man. and had
lived in Springfield before coming 10
Washington.
Il mustn't answer one way or the
other" he replied. Ask Mr. Given"
Given Won't Talk.
4
or not Mr.. Bliss informed me as 70 his
being married or unmarried" said Mr..
Givel, 4 will say, however. that no
matter IL he is a married man. anG did
do the things attributed 10 one +. +.
Bliss. jr-. in the Springfield account. II
in no way influences the present case
There IS no way in the world that
these three men can justify their action
ia beating and tarring Bliss, as 1 see
it, and believe the jury viii convict II
1t pays attention TO the law and evil
dence, rather than the numerous side
lights thrown upon the story
'As I say, it is the most tangled, mix
ed. and complicated case. on both sides.
that / ever have dealt with. Each day
brings forth something thai odds TO
the mystery and complication"
Bliss was pressed with questions
about the Springfield Bliss. who elOped
with another mans wife, supposedly
going 10 Jamaica. and from there re-
turning 10 America It was pointed
out that q former acquaintance OF the
Springfield Bliss, as told yesterday IN
The Times, had recognized him In the
choir al ST. MichaePs Church, and that
the Washington Bliss had admitted
that he had sung in this choir since
coming 20 Washington The tar victim,
he viewer smilingly refused TO comment
upon the two circumstances
Has One Regret
Il have only one thing 10 regret,
said Bliss this morning. 7 can stand
all this until the whole truth comes
out. but I do not see what spirit could
have aCtuaIed my assailants in issuing
a statement in which they dragged the
names OF two women into the case. 4
true man never viii hide behind WON
an I don't know how they will testify,
but / for one, shah have nothing 20
say against them. l regret that the
husbands themselves have seen nj TO
drag them in
AS to my past. or the reports con-
corning same, I must decline 10 discuss
them only say, however, that the
attack was unwarranted and public sen
tinent Will eventually back me up in my
statement. The women IN the case were
all entirely honorable. Other than this,
/ mustn't talk"
1t is understood that Charles Martini
son and mis- attorney. 4. +. ColladaY,
axe now out OF the city, presumably IN
vsstigatinE Bliss past although II Is
admitted that this cannot enter into the
case proper, but can prove only one OF
the many complications" with which
Ar. Given says the case abounds on
each side
The refusal of Mr. Bliss and Mr..
Given, OF Detective Pratt, to discuss
the Springfield dispatches about the
Piss Of that city, adds additional mys-
terv 10 the case. Following the pub
lection Of the Washington Bliss con-
nectIon with the choir at ST. Mtchae!'S,
IL also became known toCay that a Bliss
has su lg occasionally at the Mt Pleas
ant Congregational Church.