The Washington herald., 1913-09-01
THAWLAWYERS
EXECUTE COUP
Demand that Police Chief
Withdraw Application for
Habeas Corpus Writ.
DECLARE HIM INTRUDER
Promise No Damage Suit Will Be
Brought by Prisoner for
False Arrest.

Sherbrooke, Aug. S1.-The third legal
coup of Harry K. Thaw's fight to escape
return to Matteawan came tonight. Like
the first, this was executed by lawyers
for the prisoner.
Thaw's attorneys served formal demand
upon John Boudreau, chief of police of
Coaticook. that he withdraw his applica-
ton for a writ OF habeas corpus on the
ground that he is an intruder" with
no standing under the law to make such
a application.
1t was Boudreau who signed the appli-
cation for a writ as a result of the ef-
forts of William Travers Jerome.
Boudreau alleged that he feared d suit
for false arrest, but this claim was
knocked in the head by the Thaw lawyers
when they presented with their formal
demand an affidavit from Thaw disclaim-
ing all right of damages.
Hector Verotte, chief counsel for
New York state. admitted tonight that
there was little hope of forcing Thaw
OUT of Sherbrooke Jail before October
Thaw safe in Jail.
Even if the judge should decide in
our favor and order Thaw released,
he would not be forced to leave his
refuge Immediately" said the lawyer.
He can Immediately file an appeal
with the prothOnOtary of the court.
This would act as an automatic stay.
The appeal would not come up before
the Court Of Review of Appeals, ip
Montreal. until late in October"
The attorney said that two other
procedures were under COnSidera tiUn,
these being the securing of nolle
pros order from Ottawa or Quebec and
the presentation of Thaw before Mag
istrate Dupuis, who committed Thaw
and is believed to have power to quash
the faulty commitment.
jerome is reported to have gone to
Ottawa TO secure a nOlle pros order,
his effort at Quebec for the same thing
having failed.
All of the attorneys on both sides
secuted a report that Thaw would be
seized in Justice Hutchinson's court
by immigration authorities before he
would have an opportunity to file an
appeal.
Harry X. Thaw sneered at William
Travers Jerome today. declared that the
acting deputy attorney general Of New
York State had overshot the mark when
he applied for a writ of habeas corpus to
get Thaw out OF Jail and clearly showed
his confidence that he would be kept in
jail here until October >
The prisoners lawyers also asserted
that the writ of haboas corpus would
fail to place their client in the hands
( the immigration authorities, thus per-
mitting his deportation to the United
States. but, nevertheless it is reported
that agents of Thaw are getting very
busy in Vermont. whittier Thaw would
he taken if freed on the faulty commit (
ment charging him with being a fugi- !
tive from justice.
Thaw laughed heartily when informed
that 3 Philadelphia paper had issued an
extra today. saying that he was report
ed to have been shot while trying to
escape.
I wonder what they are going to do
to me next" he chuckled. Then he be-
came serious and went into the habeas !
corpus matter.
Joke" 1'haw Calls IL.
jerome perpetuated a Joke when he |
applied for that writ" he said. willie !
is wee bit crafty at times. but he /
leaped before he looked. According to, |
the Canadian law, habeas corpus pro-
can be brought only by a pris- !
Oner. his lawyers or agents, or persons !
acting in his behalf
When asked how long he expected to |
remain in Jail here. Thaw replied: /
Until October at least"
What are you going 10 do then. as
the grand jury will undoubtedly quash ,
the illegal warrant on which you are
heId?'
The time to cross a bridge is when
one comes to it,
The prisoner was garbed in his Sun
day best" today. This consisted of one |
Of two new, suits made by a local tailor.
He said he was sorry that there was no
Sunday service in the jail, hut when
Jailer LaFOrce offered to send for a
clergyman. Thaw declined with thanks
Gets Flowers from Girls.
Thousands of persons are flocking into
town for the annual Sherbrooke exhibit
ton. As soon as they arrive they head
for the Jail in the hope of catching a
glimpse of the prisoner
Three young women, apparently Of re-
fined families, went to the Jail today and
presented Thaw with a large bouquet of
sweet peas. They did not leave their
names.
The exhibition is conducted by the
Eastern Townships Agricultural Associa-