Dakota farmers' leader. (Canton, S.D.) 1890-19??, 1913-06-06
R. WINS VICTORY
JUDGE BARS REPORTS IN OTHER
NEWSPAPERS THAT COLONEL
WAS INTEMPERATE.
LINE OF DEFENSE SHOWN
Attorneys for Editor Newett Intend to
Prove It Was Common Gossip That
the Former President Drank
Liquor immediately.

Liquor lmmoderately.
Marquette. Mich, May 30.-On the
question whether George A. Newett
might show that other newspapers
published reports hat Colonel Roose
welt was addicted to excessive drink
ing and whether individuals heard
such reports, the court here Wednes'
day ruled that such evidence cannot
be admitted. This "a considered by
Colonel Roosevelt's attorney In the
libel suit against George A. Newett
editor of the Ishpeming Iron Ore, q
victory for them, as 1t will exclude the
so-called hearsay evidence contained
In many dispositions. Counsel for the
defense interpreted the ruling to per,
nit witnesses to testify to the gen.
eral reputation of Colonel Roosevelt
with reference to his personal habits
The courts ruling was considered OF
great import, because 1t affects what
was revealed during the arguments as
an underlying contention Of the de
tense.
In the absence Of the jury during a
disputed point in testimony Attorney
Belden said the defense would under
take to prove that general reports
were in circulation to the effect that
Colonel Roosevelt used alcohol immod-
erately and hat these reports excused
the editorial in the Ishpeming paper.
Counsel for the defense interpreted
the ruling of the court to permit wit
nesses to testify to the general repu-
tation" Of Colonel Roosevelt with ref.
erence to his personal habits.
The court indicated that the testi-
mony would not be permitted to run
of into discussion of incidents Of po-
litical significance when he checked
the cross-questioning Of John G.
OLaughlin, a newspaper correspond
ent, who was the colonel's secretary
during his European o after the AZ
rican hunt. The voyage OF the battle
ship feet t o the Orient and the pro-
jected visit Of Colonel Roosevelt to
the pope was brought up, but the line
Of questioning was very quickly suq-
pressed by the judge.
Although Colonel Roosevelt, return
ing to Europe from his African hunt,
was obliged to attend banquets and
receptions rendered him by m%onarchs,
he never INDUCED in champagne to an
immoderate degree. according to ths
testimony Of O'Laughlin. who said he
had been associated with Colonel
Roosevelt for 20 years. The witness
said he met the former president on
the Nile after the African hunt, and
accompanied him as far as Paris, act
ing AZ secretary to Mr.. Roosevelt.
Mr.. O'Laughlin also accompanied the
colonel on various campaign trips in
this country.
During your 20 years experience
with Colonel Roosevelt have vol ever
him In the slightest degree under
the influence Of iiquor??
II not only saw hin under
the influence Of liquor. but it seems
silly to me to have any one
suggest the fact that he eve has" re-
piled O'Laughlin emphatically.
AT banquets he sometimes took a
glass Of white wine. / saw
him drink more than one glass of
champagne"
MI. O'Laughlin described the vari.
Gus dinners. official and otherwise,
given at Washington, including din
ners at the Gridiron club.
A question involving the custom of
presidents in regard to liquors
at banquets caused objection by coun-
sci for the defense. The court held
It was competent for the plaintiff to
show whether Colonel Roosevelt fol
custom In the use Of liquor in
the White House.
OLaughlin said his first experience
with presidents began with the. sec
Dnd Cleveland administration, and
Colonel Roosevelt followed the prece-
lent of Presidents Cleveland and Nc
in serving wines at public din
ners.
Are you not in charge of some
work OF the Progressive party?"
0'Laughlin was asked on cEoss-exam-
nation.
Il am not" he answered.
Il will ask you II in 1912 and for
lome time prior there vas not q gem
sral report among newspaper men
hat Colonel Roosevelt drank to ex-
,ess 2" asked Attorney Belden.
O'Laughlin replied: There was not
reputable correspondent In Wash
ngton but who thought the report
sas silly; too absurd to be regarded or
.epeated.