The Mena weekly star., 1911-04-27
SMALL CASE CAUSES
 A SERIOUS CHARGE
Witnesses Conflicting Statement in Little Misdemeanor Case Results in Charge of Perjury--Dispose
 of Grand Larceny Cases.

lutSudy III bifc lIldl pI cdSl in which Bell Wallace, Rufus Wal. lace and Babe Mcphetrige wer, charged with being in an intoxicat. ed condition at a Christmas celebra- tion held at Ransom school house 6 year ago last Christmas, the boys came clear of the charges; but w A. Gatlin, one of the most highly re- spected citizens of the county, and a states witness in the case, was placed under $500 bond by Judge Bowling and held for perjury pend- ing an investigation by the next grand jury.
 It seems the three boys went to the church during the services on December 9, 1909, and caused some little disturbance. Several good people from that settlement went before the grand jury, and among them was w. A. Gatlin. According to the written copy of his testi- mony, which he signed before leav- ing the grand jury room, Gatlin stated that Bell Wallace was in an intoxicated condition and disturbed the peace, and that Rufus Wallace and Babe McPhetrige also were in- tOxicated.
 When called as the first witness for the state in the trial of the case Tuesday Mir. Gatlin said Bell Wal lace appeared to be in an intoxicat- ed condition, but that he did not think the other boys were drunk. At this point Prosecuting Attorney pinnix cut short his questioning and referred to the statement made by Mir. Gatlin before the grand jury and had Mf. Gatlin read it to re- fresh his memory, and things took on serious air around the court room. The court stenographer, who had not been reporting the case, was asked by Judge Bowling, at the suggestion of the prosecuting at torney. to take down the statements and again tried to get Mir. Gatlin to make his present answers cor respond to the written statement. The witness seemed greatly embar- rassed, but positively denied that he had stated before the grand jury that Babe Mcphetrige and Rufus Wallace were drunk. He admitted that he had signed the statement. hut denied that he read it, or that it was read to him in the grand jury room before he signed it, or that he knew it contained the statement about these two boys being drunk.
 Mir. Pinnix then excused the wit ness, but as MT. Gatlin arose to leave the witness stand Judge Cowl- ing told him to report to the sheriff and make bond in the sum of $500 pending an investigation by the next grand jury of the charge of per- jury.
 Returning again to the boys cases, other witnesses were called. Some said Bell Wallace talked a good deal and smiled and patted his feet during the exercises. One wit ness, R. A. Thomas, said he thought he was drunk because he smiled and patted his feet. Attorney McPhet- rige asked Mir. Thomas if he him. self did not smile and pat his feet in applause to the performer. Thom- as admitted he did, and amid laugh ter that ran all over the court room, Mir. Mcphetrige drew the conclusion that Mir. Thomas was drunk also.
 None of the witnesses testified that Rufus Wallace or Babe Me Phetrige were intoxicated, and Judge Bowling directed the jury to find them not guilty.
 On further consideration Of the case the jury was unable to agree as to Bell Wallace regarding the charge of being drunk, but found him not guilty. of disturbing the peace.
 Haskell Jackson to the Pen.
 Haskell Jackson and Charles Meadows, who were held for grand larceny for stealing some hides from Dick Johnson last winter, entered a plea ofguilty Tuesday morning. Plea was made for Meadows that he was only 1T years of age, and he was given a sentence of one year In the reform school. Jackson was sen- fenced to one year in the penlten- tiary.