Mexico Missouri message., 1913-06-05
X ; 1865 $3.50 + $3.50 =

Marquette, Mich.-Col. Theodore
Roosevelt won his libel suit against
George A. Newett, who charged the
colonel with drunkenness and having
waved damages after the defendant
had uttered a retraction, the jury
awarded the nominal damages of 6
cents. provided in such cases by the
law OF Michigan. Each party TO the
suit will have to pay his own expenses.
Judge Flanagan instructed the
jury to bring in verdict for the
plaintiff. which they did without leav.
ing their seats.
The climax of the case came like
the conclusion Of a powerful drama.
When the afternoon session began
the air was electrical with expect
ancy. Rumors we're flying that the
suit would be terminated Counsel.
however, remained uncommunicative
and Attorney Van Benschoten for the
plaintiff, resumed the reading of
dispositions. II was noted, however.
that he skipped portions of these. and
even ignored the testimony of some
Witnesses who had made dispositions.
The next move was sudden.
Newett Takes the Stand.
The plaintiff rests" remarked At.
torney James II. Pound in a matter
of fact manner, and every eye was
turned toward the table where sat
the defendant and his attorneys, Hor-
ace Andrews of Cleveland and Will
liam p. Belden of Ishpeming.
The defense will call Mr.. Newett,"
announced Attorney Belden. and a
ruddy-cheeked man, whose color did
not disguise the fact that he is suf-
fering from a serious illness! took
the chair. In his hand he carried
manuscript. There was a shuttle OF
sound as the spectators adjusted
themselves the better to hear and OBJ.
serve.
l Col. Roosevelt sat with folded arms
at first. but when the defendant be-
gan reading his statement he moved
to the outmost edge OF his chair, and
betrayed an excitement which his
rigid jaws could not hide. Mr.. New
EFT was along in his reading when the
Colonel, whose position seemed like
that OF man about TO leap forward,
lost the tense look on his face.
1T is fair TO the plaintiff to state
that have been unable to find in any
section of the country any individual
witness who is willing to state that
he has personally seen Mr.. Roosevelt
drink to excess"
Editor Admits His Mistake.
At this the plaintiff smiled, and, re-
Taxing, spoke few words to Attorney
Van Benschoten. The latter smiled
back at him. The colonel broke into
grin again when Mr.. Newett, speak.
ing distinctly and with emphasis, said,
with reference to the mass of testi-
mony adduced by the plaintiff. 81 am
forced to the conclusion that ! was
mistaken"
The statement admitted that
search of the country had been made
to investigate stories of persons who
were alleged to have knowledge that
Mr.. Roosevelt drank to excess. but in
every case the stories fattened out
to mere opinion or hearsay.
The libel was published in good
faith, Newett said, in the belief that
1t was true and proper information
for a public which was being asked
to vote for Mr.. Roosevelt for presi.
dent. That it was true the defendant
said he never questioned until the
libel suit was begun, and believed
the assertion until the trial opened.
No demand for a retraction ever
has been made, he stated, and when
the bin was filed against him. there
was nothing left for him to do. but
seek evidence and make other prep
arations 10 contest the suit. Forty
dispositions were taken in various
parts OF the country. but to use them,
or attempt 10 use them, would he TO
continue an injustice which had al
ready become apparent to him and
his attorneys.
Roosevelt Valves Damages.
Leaving the stand and returning TO
his seat, Hr. Newett looked in the
direction Of Col. Roosevelt, but the
latter was absorbed in whispering to