Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1911-10-17
Lille Roadway in Secur-
ing a Mcnamara Jury.
Nelson "DisquaIifies Himself
One Juror Practically Accepted.
Another Under Examinatlon-.Cost
OF Trial VIII Be Heavy.

mara murder trial in an instant To-Day
extricated itself from a situation which
had worried opposition counsel since
last Wednesday and the remainder of
the day it went ahead steadily.
Gould you set aside your opinions
sufficiently to enable you to give a
fair and impartial verdict" was the
crucial question put to Talesman z. 7.
Nelson Nelson had been asked hun
dreds of questions to eelicit his views
and he had answered all of them
without clearing up the situation.
1t would take pretty strong evi-
dence," he replied obviously
District Attorney John d. Fredericks
thereupon withdrew opposition to a
challenge previously made by the de-
fence on the charge of bias. There
was nothing else to do after that cues
ton and answer" said Frederieks lat
er. THE talesman disqualified him
self"
Judge Bordwell himself examined
Nelson at length before the question
was settled. Nelson's final discharge
on fundamental grounds leaves the
many questions raised during his ex-
animation still not ruled upon in this
case.
When court closed today two other
talesmen had been examined by the
defence One of them. John w Rob
erts real estate dealer, vas found
satisfactory and the other, Robert
Balm. m aged carpenter. was also eX-
amined without contest. Nevertheless,
ii was the fairly general opinion to-
night that the Nelson case would be
duplicated before j jury was obtained.
Roberts ard Balm both are past
middle age and white haired. Roberts
reeited number Of business in which
he Was engaged Mhiic being question
ed by Attoruc, barrow Suddenly
Darrow caught a familiar phrase.
Ever studied law" he asked
abruptly.
Yes said the talesman. "A long
time ago
He seemed pleased at the detection
The Merchants and Manufacturers
Association. focal organization,
which was among those Offering re
wards tor the detection of the person
or persons supposed by them to have
blown up the Times. was brought in
to the situation today. Roberts said
he belonged to ii several years ago.
Mr.. barrow asked Roberts:
Have you any opinion as to whether
this man is guilty or Innocent"
HE is innocent of the matter so lar as
know, l have an impression that the
building was blown up by dynamite from
what l have heard But as TO the gull.
or innocence of this man 1 have no
knowledge except that he is innocent.
Are you going to have any difficulty
in trying this MANI
"No. His guilt would have to be
proved"
"You would not care for the public
clamor?"
NO"
Attorney Darrow then Intercepted
Balm
Have you formed any opinion on the
case7"
NO, only impressions gained from the
newspapers"
You would not be prejudiced against
Mcnamara because he is member OF a
labor union?"
No"
Ms. barrow said that ne had concluded
HE examination of Mr.. Balm, but that he
might ask him few more questions to-
morrow He added that he had passed
Roberts, but he is still subject to ehal.
lenge.
1t is now expected that at least 8
month viii elapse before a jury can b.
selected. Events in the trial are expected
to so forward slowly as delays are pre-
dicted In the arrival here of witnesses
from various parts of the country. Ihf
, time during which the talesmen are peine
examined, however, is oeing used by hotr
the defence and prosecution in bolsterine
up their cases. The state already has
made use of the opportunity afforded ~
the prisoners daily appearance in courl
| to bring to the chamber some of its tu-
ture witnesses to identify James T. Nc
Namara.
From his window today in the cell OF
the county jail John ]. Mcnamara, sec
rotary of the international Association
of Bridge and Structural Iron Workers
awaiting trial after his brother, James B.
could see the crowds on the line of march
arranged for President Taft.
Counsel for the Mcnamara brothers
have forbidden them to discuss the case,
and though they have many visitors the
latter usually are accompanied by some
one from the office of Mr. barrow chlei
counsel for the defence.
| Estimates as to the total costs Oh the
trial furnished a frequent topic oil con-
versation.
That it Will cost total of more than
100000 was the statement of Mr. barrow
today A large share of this amount VIII
! be borne by the county. 1t has been
found necessary to swear many deputies
to assist In the conduct OF the trial
The first person In the courtroom today
was Mrs H. L. Nelson, wife OF the tales