New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1913-10-05
APOLOGY TO OELhCHS
AS COURT FREES HIM
Magistrate FresChi Also Praises
Whitman for Action
in Case.
GIRLS RETRACTI0N READ
Counsel for Columbia Law Stu.
dent Intimates That Miss
Singleton May Yet
Be Prosecuted.

Hermann Oelr1chs was discharged yes
terday morning by Magistrate Freschi In
the Harlem police court on the charge OF
felonious assault made by Lucille Single
ton. The discharge came as a result Of
Miss Singletons retraction Of the first
story she told, to the effect that Oelrichs
had stabbed her while she was riding with
him in his automobile, and the presen-
taton before the magistrate OF her revised
version, in which she said she had been
cut by glass when the automobile hit a
tree.
On the presentation Of this story by
James O'Malley. Assistant District Attor-
ney, accompanied by request from him
for Oelrichs's discharge. the magistrate
Guashed the charge with words Of SYM
patty for Oelrichs for the humiliation 10
which he had been subjected.
Although this means the end or the case
against Oelrichs, his attorney, charles H.
Strong, said afterward that there might
be an aftermath of trouble for MISS SIN
gleton In the form Of prosecution for her
action in making a false charge against
the Columbia law student.
''In view OF what the court said.' said
Mr.. Strong. I'VE are not sure but what u
would be for the public interest TO pro-
coed against Miss Singleton as an exam
pie TO others who might be moved hshty
to make so serious an accusation against
any one. II II were not for the fact that
she Is an irresponsible girl we certainly
should take action.
Then there is another thing to con-
slider. Mr.. Oelrichs himself Is not entirely
free from blame in the matter. Admit
tedIy he was out skylarking with her. ana
he 10 a certain extent shares responslpli-
ity. We have not decided just what We
shall do yet"
Mfr. Strong also indicated that he had
revised his ideas. expressed previously as
To Mr.. Oelrichs's obligations In making
roparatlon to the girl for the injuries sne
had suffered He said on investigator
that he was OF the opinion her claims
were covered by the insurance on the car
providing for damage TO 1t or injury 70
any one riding In 1t. He said II any
claims were presented by her they would
probably be turned over TO the insurance
company.
In discharging oelrichs Magistrate
Freschi said
eft must be comforting TO the com
munlty to know that we have District
Attorney who will save from further
humiliation and protect the interests OF an
innocent man accused OF crime. HIS seai
10 get at the truth is indeed commend
able and should receive the encourage
ment OF every magistrate.
Here is another proof OF the necessity
for the use Of careful scrutiny of human
motives II seems so easy TO make iaiSe
charges, and often so difficult TO meet the
accusation that 1t becomes our DUTY 10
remove a stain. II possible. just as soon
as we can. II is terrible TO contemplate
that a respectable person should De maze
TO suffer like this at the hands OF another
who may be for the moment uhder 'ne
influence OF intoxicants.
"There Is little or no satisfaction in the
expression OF regret by the accuser save
that IL spells vindication, and American
Justice owes IL to you, Mr.. Oelrichs. TO set
YOU absolutely free as soon as possible.
Your social position and your prominence
require your innocence be proclaimed as
loudly and be published as conspicuous!
AS was your arrest. ! am assured that
Miss Singleton recanted without hope OF
reward or compensation. ! am satisfied
there has been no compromising OF d EEL
ony here by any one.
Mr. Strong brought cut that there was
no one present representing oelrichs
when the girl made her confession. IL
was announced at Headquarters that ooth
Miss Singleton and Mr.. Oelrichs would De
asked to appear at the trial of Patroihan
Trayer, suspended for making false re-
rort as q result OF her conflicting state
nlfutS