Norwich bulletin., 1912-07-31

ten years, being promoted to . post as roundsman in 1903.
 A few months after he became a roundsman Becker came into public view as the hero of g. sensational drowning rescue on the East Side water front. For this rescue he re- ceived a hero medal Two years later, however, during the trial of Inspector Schmittberger. the man whom Becker had rescued from the water, is said to have made an affidavit stating that the rescue was "faked" and that ne re- ceived a certain sum for his part in it.
 Becker Killed Plumbers Helper.
 The first serious case in which Beck CT was concerned was the shooting dead of a young plumbers helper, John Fay, who was killed in a burglar chase. Becker and another policeman were suspended following an investi- gation, but were later reinstated.
 Becker was placed in charge of the so- called strong arm squad on Juns 30, 1911. Since that time he has been much in the public eye, making many was killed by a bullet fired during one of his raids.
 Trial of PstroIman File.
 The details of how RoSenthal was shot down were related today for the first time by two of his companions, who were eye witnesses of the mur- der, in the trial of Patrolman William J. File. before Deputy Commissioner Dillon. The patrolmen have been un- der suspension since the shooting, charged with failure to take prompt and efficient measures to effect the arrest of the murdererS. File, who was off duty, was at the oHtel Metro pole at the time of the shooting and led in the pursuit of the gray automo- bile in which the slayers escaped. Testimony of Witnesses.
 The version of the shooting given by John J Hickey and Christian Walker, who were with Rosenthal when he was shot, differed in several respects from the story told at the time. Both men denied that the gam bier was lured to his death from the Metropole by 8 messenger who called him from a table. Another point brought out from File himself was that 'sBridgie' Webber, one of the men whose confession led to Lie1ten- ant Becker'S arrest. entered the hotel restaurant but few moments before Rosenthal was shot and looked nerv- ously about the place Rosenthal. 1t was testified, was at that moment sit ting in the restaurant with a party of friends
 Five Men in RosenthaI Party. There were five men in the Rosen- thai party, according to both Hickey and Walker. Hickey declared he was standing only three feet from the gam bier when the assassins approached and began shooting. He felt sure he could identify at least one of the slayers.
 While 1t is claimed that File was re- miss in not cauturing the mrrderers or firing his revolver at them as they drove away, the testimony of today's witnesses, even those called for the prosecution, apparently favored the accused patrolmaA
 New Haven AotFess Testftiss.
 ons of the best witnesses for File was Miss Sadie shsrInan, an actress of New Haven, Cenn., who was ons of the party at whose tables File Ina besa sibtiag iii the Mstrepeie, When the first shot was fred, she said, thay believed af ant6aHeAiie fire had ex Pl6ded, With the later shots, File leaped te his feet, drawing his reyai | Yer, and rushing from the hotel. She addedi When Officer File came back he was alInast heaFtbFekea, He said It Weuid have been the greatest thing in the world for me if l could have caught these men. Yen dent knew hew 1t would have helped me in the department