The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-09-09
Court Apologies to Thaw
Prosecutor for Humilia-
tion Subjected
PROCEEDINGS ARE
FAR FROM LEGAL
Counsel and Judge Fuss Over Case
Until Adjournment Is Taken.
Jerome Is Kissed by
Crowd

Conficook. Que. September S.--WH-
liam Travers Jerome was acquitted to-
night of the charge of having gambIed
on Thursday last on the station prop
erty of the GRIND Trunk railway while
waiting for the Immigration author
tiles to pass on the case of Harry X.
Thaw.
In discharging him the court npoi-
ogized for the humiliation 10 which he
had heen subjected.
The hearing before Magistrate Henry
Mulvena of sherbrooke lasted less than
an hour. IT. began at 1855 o'clock and at
$40 the court said, Sir, you are honor
ably discharged.
An attempt to hold an afternoon ses-
sion failed because the magistrate felt
he had not authority TO take precedence
over James Mckee, the justice of the
peace who signed the warrant for Mr..
Jerome's arrest. Tonight, however. the
magistrate said he was convinced of his
authority TO act and the hearing moved
with dispatch.
Interrupts Session
Joseph Beaulne a Coaticook lawyer,
who said he variously represented justice,
the people and the criminal code inter-
rupted the afternoon session, but when
he endeavored to renew similar tactics
this evening he was ruled out of court.
" hen acquitted Mr.. jerome thanked the
court spoke flatteringy of his reception
in Canada, and added that he did not
IA. ht,faf m
ment last week to the thinking people of
the dominion lie took late train from
Coaticook tonight in" order to be in New
York Tuesday and will return to Mon
treal for the arguments on the latest
Thaw habeas corpus writ to be held be-
fore the king S bench at Montreal Septem-
Der 10.
Court Room Packed
Townspeople packed the court room like
sardnes when the hearing was opened to-
night. Every bench was taken. every inch
of standing room was occupied and the
bold among the audience advanced in d
ragged senli-eircle about the counsel table
and perched at the sides of the dais upon
which the magistrate sat. Jerome looked
straight at the court and did not once
glance at the throng. which In looks.
srmaces and subdued remarks was plain
ly. hostile.
~. - Jbinl NiOWi plOSt1utpl
opened the case with the reading of the
complaint of Milford Aldrich a mill lland
who swore he had seen the defendant
playing cards for money at the railway
station. Statutes We're quoted to show
that this was an indictable offense punish
able with years Imprisonment.
Samuel Jacobs of Montreal who has
been retained by New York state in its
efforts to return Thaw to Matteawan,
contended that the statute applied only to
gambling on public conveyance proper.
The court took this question under ad-
vsement and called for witnesses.
Little Game of Draw
Michael knight, whitehaired, aged 65,
leaning on black thorn stick. took the
stand. He had seen the defendant play
ing "a little game of draw in the sta
ton yard. he said. The defendant had
been pointed out to him as Jerome of
New York
Did you see him win any money ?"
asked the joint prosecutor
Il saw bill changed" answered the
witness. 'T could not say who won it."
The cross-examination conducted by Mr.
Jacobs was very short.
why did you stop to watch the gamer"
he asked.
Because it was in an automobile and
man in front had a little typewriter In
MS iap-d-Wflt1ng ana / was Interested
This was a New York newspaper man
writing his story under difficulties
Fred Chesley, younger man than
knight. testified on direct examination
that he had seen the defendant playing
cards for money.
did you see him win any?" asked
Ja cobs on cross-examination.
II saw him take it, replied the wit
ness.
Jonathan Chesley. nearly 80 wears old
with snow white hair and beard was
the last witness. He related the now
familiar details of the little game Of
draw" and when asked il he had seen
Jerome win money said promptly, yes,
sir"
How much?"
Cant say" said the aged witness.
HI was not cross examined
Summing up, the prosecution pointed
out that a dominion law had been en-
acted to protect the public from card
sharps on trains. steamships and other
public conveyaEces. and that according
tc the evidence William Travers Jerome.
late district attorney of New York. had
violated this law Though vague, he con
tinued. the statute undoubtedly applied
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