Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1911-12-29
SENSIBLE ADVICE
Given by Judge Cornish
To the OiSputantS
Over The Camp Benson Prop
eTty al Newport, Maine.
''You Veterans Might Get Together
And Patch Up Trouble"

Newport, Me, Dec. 2S.-The hearing
in the mandamus proceedings brought
by Capt William l.. Ross of Pitts
field against Freeman U. Whiting of
Hampden in an effort to secure pos
session of the treasurer's books or
the Camp Benson Maine Veterans
Association was held, Wednesday.
Ok, before Justice Leslie c. Cornish
of the supreme court, in the Office or
Judge F. Wade Halliday in this town
The hearing lasted from morning un-
til late in the afternoon, the outcome
being that the warning factions IN the
association agreed to bury the hatch-
et and to elect a new board of ofl-
GERS that would be agreeable to both
factions,
The hearing, which was one of the
most interesting held here in long
time, was largely attended. Many vet
Grams, who are interested in the Camp
Benson Association We're present; also
many Newport people who were Wen
acquainted with the facts in the case
and who were wondering just what
the outcome would be. Manson
Coolidge of Pittsfeld appeared for the
petitioner. while Judge Halliday and
William H Mitchell. Esq. of this
town were attorneys for the defend
ant. The contention of the petitioner
was as follows: That in July, last.
Freeman L. whiting of Hampden
was elected treasurer of the assoeia-
ton. but on Sept. so, he resigned and
on the same date Abner Brooks of st.
Cd tn n
expired term. Mr. Brooks, according
to the petitioner, has never quaiified
and the books and papers of the as
sociation are still in the hands OF MT
Whiting in Hampden.
At a special meeting of the directors
in October, Capt. Ross of P1ttsi'eid
was elected treasurer and was given
authority to obtain possession OF the
associations books and papers. THESE,
according to Mr.. Ross, Mr.. Whiting
refused to surrender. claiming that
mr. Ereoks of st Adams is the law
full treasurer, having never resigned
since his appointment, last Septen-
Der.
A mass of evidence, much of 1t con-
ficting, was introduced at the hear
ing before Judge Cornish and 1t was
apparent that the feeling between two
factions in the association was not OF
the best Ill feeling between the in
Iterested parties frequently cropped out
at the hearing and at times things
were interesting as well as livery.
Judge Cornish listened to it all with
the utmost patience and after receiV-
ing the assurance of the attorneys OF
both sides that the evidence was all in
he addressed the veterans as follows:
Now that have heard all of the
evidence in this case and both sides
have been given the entire day in court,
wish that some way might be found
TO settling the matter without further
court proceedings. I wish that you
veterans might get together and patch
up this trouble. Agree to let by-gones
be by-gones and forget that you have
had this trouble. You men did your
share of the fighting down south in
the SOS in a worthy cause and l think
that you will agree with me that this
little fight is not worth the effort. Now
1 want you to get together and accept
the designations of the present board
of officers and elect an entire new set
of officers that will be acceptable TO
both sides. I will assist you in any
way possible for l want you to bury
the hatchet and let all these little
troubles become things of the past
Now how many of you veterans will
agree to this" asked Judge Cornish in
concluding his remarks. The remarks
of the judge were greeted with APP
plause and nearly every veteran pres
ent arose and agreed to do as Judge
Cornish had suggested. Il thank you
ALL" said the judge as the veterans
were seated
Judge Cornish set Jan. 20 as the date
for the special meeting and the cleo
ton of the new board of officers. He
advised the veterans to have their at
torneys issue the call and be present
at the meeting to see that it was done
legally and correctly. He gave the
final adjustment of their difficulties
without further recourse to the courts.