Omaha daily bee., 1909-01-20
BELLS WORD FLAYED
Rector's Testimony Attacked by Con.
nell, Wetmore's Attorney.
LINE DRAWN BETWEEN CHURCHES
Lawyer Praises Catholic Priests for
Keeping Secrets, hut Arraigns
Protestant Clergyman In
District Court.

Canon Bell comes on the stand with the
strongest desire clearly manifest TO secure
the conviction of this man and pretends to
be an unwilling witness, % said w. J. Con-
nell, attorney for J. j. wetmore. charged
with attempted bribery Of City Prosecutor
Daniel, on trial in the district court. Con-
nell made violent attacks on the veracity
Of the testimony of Rev. r b. II. Bell,
former rector OF the Episcopal Church Of
the Good Shepherd, applying a severe term
to characterize his meaning.
An attack on City Prosecutor Daniel only
less vindictiye than the one on Bell was
another prominent portion of the remarks
by the attorney for the defense.
The case is nearing its conclusion. Con
nell had not finished when the noon hour
came and resumed speaking at . o'clock.
County Attorney English was then to close
for the state and the jury will get the case
In all probability late this afternoon. For
the prosecution Assistant County Attorney
Coad opened with a well-proportioned re-
view Of the evidence against Wetmore and
an attack on what he called the flimsiness
of the defense. Attorney Weaver for Wet
more followed him and then came Mr.. Con-
nell's invective. ..
Says Daniel IL Ambitions.
After suggesting that Daniel was ami
mated by a desire TO make a name for him
self rather than serve the public and with
the hope Of getting the position now held
by English, Council turned to the evidence
of the c~lergymen and up till noon occupied
himself with Canon Bell. Dean Beecher
was not specifically treated by him before
adjournment.
Here are these preachers engaged in
this crusade said the lawyer, and so far
as their activities are in connection with
the juvenile court l have no criticism to
offer. But when men of their position and
station in life act as they have and as is
shown by their own testimony l think
have some right to take exception. / be-
lieve in and respect the cloth. l believe in
and honor the clergy and | do particularly
esteem and reverence the Catholics for
their sincerity and honor and l lave a
high respect for the Catholic priests, who
would let their arms burn from the tip of
finger to shoulder rather than reveal the
secrets of the confessional.
But has it come to this, that when a
person goes to clergymen like these two,
to men wearing the cross and sworn by
holy vows, the clergyman is to determine
for himself whether it is a voluntary state
ment or a secret of the confessional"
After speaking of the secrecy practiced
by lawyers and doctors with regard to
clients condolences, Mr.. Connell returned
to the clergy and exclaimed;
THANK God, secrets are kept so far as
the Catholic church is concerned, and it is
with regret that we find it different here
on the part of Protestants,"
Faith of the Jurors.
Al tbiq mint sncrtatoIs wire moved fo
inquire of each other as to the religious
complexion of the jury and discovered that
nominally at least a considerable variety
of faiths and sects are represented.
IF these preachers" shouted the
speaker, would only follow in the foot
steps of the Divine Teacher instead of fol-
lowing false gods, there would be fewer
empty pews on Sunday mornings, if the
preachers would only follow the meek and
lowly Jesus instead of Elmer Thomas,
conditions would be better in Omaha
After this preface and dissertation on the
way clergymen should walk, the lawyer be-
gan his specific remarks on Canon Bell.
He characterized him as coming here
reeking with gengeful spirit, ignoring the
lesson taught by the Master in the Garden
with Mary Magdalene.' Mr.. Connell then
went over in detail that famous scene.
Turning back to Mr.. Bell he criticised his
testimony in many particulars and
while talking of the cross-eXamination
termed him IAN artful dOdger."
twice more during his address Cornell
depressed from his main theme to say that
he was making no general raid against
preachers, ministers or religion, while a
tribute to Bishop Clarkson also fell from