Newark evening star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1909-1916, 1912-11-25
CHARGES JUROR
IN GIBSON CASE
WAS APPROACHED
Counsel Alleges Man
Friend Of Defense
Made Advances.
PRISONER IS CONFIDENT
HE WILL BE ACQUITTED
Case of Rutherford Lawyer Ex-
pected to Reach Jury
Today.

GOSHEN, N. Y, Nov. 25.-Charges
that Henry Tweddle, Juror No. IN
the case of Burton w. Gibson, the
Rutherford, N. J., lawyer accused OF
the murder of his client. Mrs. Rosa
Menschik Szabo, has been approacneo
by persons friendly to the defense
since the adjournment of court last
Friday, were placed before Justice
Tompkins before the trial was re-
sumed here today
The charges were preferred by lsa-
dor Wasser-Vogel, of counsel for the
State. The justice took the matter
up in his private chambers.
Mr.. Tweddle was called in and re-
mained for ten minutes, returning
with Justice Tompkins.
Mr.. Wasservogel explained that he
had been informed that Tweddle had
been engaged in conversation Friday
afternoon by a man who has been
much in company of witnesses for
the defense.
AS MIR. Elder began to .sum up,
Justice Tompkins called District At
torney Rogers to the bar and en-
gagged him in whispered conversa-
tion. after which Mr.. Elder, for the
defense. addressed the jury. This,
he said, sis a case based entirely on
circumstantial evidence. No one saw
anyone kill this woman" He de-
scribed his client as man "hounded
and prosecuted by yellow imagina-
tiOns."
Justice Tompkins interrupted at
this point to say that the States case
would have to stand or fall on the
charge of strangulation.
Mr.. Elder argued that the move
rnents of Gibson and Mrs. Szabo in
the boat the moment before 1t over
turned were natural in changing
seats, and that the overturning OF
the unstable craft did not prove the
guilt of the accused.
with Mr.. Elders address unfinished
a recess for luncheon was taken at
1890 o'clock.
There is every probability that Glib
sons case will be in the hands of the
Jury late this afternoon. For the de-
fense there will be one witness ex-
amined today, after which Gibson's
counsel will sum up Isidor Wasser-
Voeel will close the case for the
State. and then Judge TonIpkins will
charge the jury
at believe in capital punishment.
ANY man who commits premedl-
tated, wilful and deliberate murder
owes his life to the State said
Burton w. Gibson today. On
his cell cot was copy of the
Scriptures. In his lap was another
omen yolume-a popular novel. He
was neither smiling nor cynical. Ap-
parently the sentiment came straight
from the heart of this lawyer, accused
of one of the most remarkable crimes
of the generation.
There had been a general discus
sion between the accused and a group
of newspaper correspondents. Half
a dozen murderers were referred to
in which verdicts of guilty had been
rendered. Gibson participated with
marked unconcern. Then finally the
infliction of death penalty was re-
ferred to. Gibson's face never
changed expression.
..Since 1 saw that" said the man
who was telling the story, Il have
never believed in capital punishment"
'.But do" cried the prisoner sharp
ly. His face became animated. Tne
group stared at him in silent amaze
nent. He was complimented on his
remarkable nerve.
1T isn't that" he replied, as he
bent forward Il don't profess to be
any more than an ordinary man.
am a lawyer and believe in our
jury system. realize how difficult
1t is to convince twelve level-headed
men of averlg keenness of mind
that man is guilty of murder un-
less he is guilty; and when a man
has committed premeditated and
deliberate murder he owes his life
to the State"
.'I am absolutely unafraid," said
Gibson today.