Norwich bulletin., 1911-09-28

William A. Palmer for damages re- sultant from the big forest fire near JsQuepaugh May [, last, which has been in the superior court for Wash .ngton county for several days has resulted in verdict for defendant After the jury had been out for three hours and & half they returned to court for specific instructions on a particular point. Judge Rathbun charged them that if they found that Mir. Palmer intentionally set the fire and allowed it to spread he was guilty of negligence. If he dropped a lighted match that started the fire, it was for the jury to say as to whether he exercised that caution which q prudent man should use. considering the cir cumstances. The jury again retired. returning in fifteen minutes with a verdict for defendant
 The next case tried was that of Elder George Adams, the eolored preacher, known in Westerly as pas tor of Tabernacle No . Church of Goo and saints of Christ, which was To- cated in Main street, and so bolster ousiy conducted that police interfer- cnce was frequent. Adams has been confined in the Washington county jail since August. 1910. He was first arr rested and tried for arson and acquit- ted only to be arrested for perjury. \ small hcUse owned by Adams at W tNFNlWTu IuHtNitn WAS UuIUtu ADGll 1, 1910. and Adams was arrested for arson. He was given hearing before Judge Nathan F. Lewis in the Second district court. April :. and at that lime the question of motive was rais- cd Adams testified that there was TO insurance on the house and he was acquitted. IL was subsequently, ascer- fsincd that there was insurance on the house. and on August 9 Adams was sCafn arrested for arson and at hearing that followed testified that there was insurance on the house. He was held for the grand jury and in- dicted. After trial last November he was acquitted and at once arrested for perjury and has been in jail ever since awaiting a trial.
 Attorney Frederick C. Olney, counsel for Adams. could not try the case at inc February or April terms of the Cocrt and rather than take chances with a white lawyer defending him. he preferred to remain in jail until such time as MT. Olney could defend him.
 \ jury was eInpaneIed with Nathan iel q. Hendricll of No, tn Kingstown a. foreman. At the conclusion of tes- tfnony for the state. Adams testi- fed in his own behalf. He denied that he made certain sta temeIts ic the Second district ccdrt as related by Sheriff John R. Wilcox and Judge Nathan E. Lewis. He said it was Elder Allen Waters who was asked whether there was insurance on the house and that the question was not put to him. Adams said that Elder Waters placed the insurance on the house at his request in October, 1908, ! and that t was renewed by witness.
 At the conclusion of all the testi- msny. Attorney Olney made d strong plea In behalf Of the accused, and was followed by Assistant Attorney Cen ral Gross for the state. Judge Rath- bun charged the jury and the jurors retired for deliOeration. After being out for nm hour ard fifteen minutes the iHry brought in a verdict of gull tv and recommended leniency to the rolrt The penalty for perjury in Rhode Island imprisonment for a period not exceeding twenty years, with no stipulated minimum penalty thus leaving the term of sentence be- low the maximum entirely with the court Judge Rathbun sentenced Ad- anrs to eleven months in Providence county Jail.
 The ease against Willis E. Amy, charged with the sale of liquor con frary to law. was continued to the next court term.
 The case against Thomas J. Ramon. charged with maintaining d liquor nuisance was called. No answer was made and capias was issued.
  tThursdavl with the trial of civil case in which Wickford parties are interested.
 The case against Sidney L. Rogers, indicted for reckless driving, was dis posed of in short order. Rogers en- tered a plea of nolo upon advice of Herbert ". Rathbun, his attorney. A fine of SIC and costs was imposed and prenptly paid. Rogers was chauffeur for a summer resident of Watch Hill and was arrested upon complaint of Councilman Albert H. Langworthy, who happened to witness the alleged , reckless driving. IL was the only ar rest for violation of the automobile laws in Westerly during the summer. Rogers was sentenced to pay a fine of sfoo and costs by the Third district court and took appeal to the superior court.
 iron, New London stated to Deputy Chief Brown that a dog he had brought with him from his home city had bitten him on the arm upon being taken from the baggage car and that then the dog ran away. The police officer was asked to shoot the dog on sight as the animal had shown evil dence of vIciousness on other occas- ions The officer declared that he dis liked to shoot the animal, but sug- xest~d that a dog of the breed de- scribed. If found, might be given .Aa&ct HwzdaW -1u.-.,.- u-rr.e ,1 rteFWHERg