Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1910-05-26
Coleman Takes the Stand
Against Bill ksIher.
Defence Objects, Claiming That
Fe|on Cannot Testify.
Entertaing Episodes In Lives Of
Coleman and keIlher.

Boston, May 25.-George w. Cole
man, the thieving bookkeeper of the
broken National City Bank of Cam
bridge and Mrs. Margaret Taylor, q
pretty little woman who said she lived
with him during the period of his life
when the money flew fast, divided hon
ors today in the trial of William ].
Keliher, the man about town, whom
the government is trying to convict of
aiding in the 100000 robbery.
Mrs. Taylor held the legal stage for
two hours, telling with apparent COM
posture of her life with Coleman, her
knowledge of his relations with Keli-
her and numerous dinner and, supper
parties at which the wine flowed free
ly and for which Keliher usually paid.
Coleman was called from his prison
pen after serving a week of his Is
years sentence, but before he could
utter a word the defence attempted to
put spoke in the governments wheel
by claiming that Coleman was felon
and could not testify. The court ruled
in favor and the defence will use the
objection fer an appeal to the supreme
court in case of an adverse decision.
Colemans preliminary testimony had
| just reached the stage when his pits
| ferings from the banks vault had be-
gun. when the court adjourned.
He did find time, however, to give
brief history of his connection with
tho bank, during which he said he
made $4,000 in the stock market. using
funds derived from the sale of a book.
Turning his attention from the stock
market to gambling he said he lost all
his winnings through a man named
Frank Draper. who he said ran faro
game not far from Hotel Majestic in
New York.
About year ago. he was introduced
to another New York gambler, whom
he called Jack" Leonard and then he
once more "Bucked the tiger" this time
with the banks money.
Mrs. Taylor was perfectly frank in
admitting that she lived with Coleman
for a year or more. in this city and at
Nantasket Beach. Coleman frequently
went to New York, she said, going
| over on one of the afternoon trains
and returning the next day. Many Of
these trips were made with Keliher.
Just before the exposure Of the whole
affair, last February, she parted with
him, after a merry life. particularly
during the fall and early winter
Coleman will resume his testimony
| tomorrow.
Boston, May 25.-Wilson w. Lock-
hart, the young man who was accused
with George w. Coleman Of embezzle-
ment from the National City Bank of
Cambridge, resumed his place on the
witness stand today in the trial of Will
liam J. (Big Bid Keliher, charged
with aiding and abetting Coleman. AL
though Lockhart has admitted making
false entries on the books of the bank,
he will go unpublished, the indictment
against him having been mol pressed
by District Attorney Asa P. French. 1t
was said this action was taken on ac-
count of statement by Coleman that
absolved Lockhart from any connection
with the defalcation. ea
Lockhart in finishing his testimony
under cross examination mentioned the
names of several other women who
enjoyed Kelher's hospitality. among
them being Miss Lucille Chainey and
Miss Hunt. The district attorney stat
ed that he would call them later. These
suppers, Lockhart said, were all at
Keiher's house at Winthrop.
There was a distinct hum of interest
and craning of necks when the clerk
called Marguerite Taylor" as the next
witness, and the spectators saw de-
murely dressed rosy checked young
woman of perhaps rs years walk calm
ly to the stand Her big blue eyes look
led up expectantly at the tall, STERN
faced district attorney. for the first
question which she answered with a
fascinating little toss Of her blond
head, on which was perched an old gold
hat of the prevailing peach basket
fashion.
Mrs. Taylor said she knew all parties
concerned in the case well enough to
call them by their first names and ths
first hour Of her testimony was q history
of succession Of dinner and supper par
tiles at which wine flowed fast. She re-
|membered dozen times last fall and
winter when she saw Coleman and Keli-
her start off for New York on one Of the
fast trains. The liveliest supper party
was on Jan 10. the night before the
city election. when several cases Of
champagne were opened and like all
the other affairs Of this nature, Mrs.
Taylor said Keliher paid the bills.
Under cross-examination Mrs Taylor
admitted that Coleman supported her for
nearly two years. paying her SO week
and giving her numerous pieces Of jew
elry and furs. b
He went frequently to New York, but
when he was in this city he stayed with
her. On the night Of the January elec-
ton. when Coleman in his confession
, claims to have lost money betting or
!, the wrong candidate, she saw Coleman
and Keliher at hotel. and there was
tears in Coleman's eyes. That was the
last night they were together.
Objections on the part Of the govern
, ment prevented Mrs. Taylor from relat-
!. ing details of many of the supper ep-
isodes. She said she was q milliner BY
profession and made nearly all her own
, clothes. sts
Just before the noon recess Edgar Col
Inns OF the Hotel Belmont New York,
, was called to describe an entrance to
CONTINUED on Page Twelve.l