The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1913-05-29
Chicago Newspapers Washing.
ton Correspondent Proves
Star Witness in Second
Days Proceedings
NIGHT SESSIONS LIKELY
TO HURRY TESTIMONY
Newett Sits With Eyes Glued on
FlOOr-ROOsevelt Constantly
In Action

Il IL,
Mich, May 2S.-That the alleged
libelous statement published by Editor
George A. Newett. In his little weekly
paper was based upon general discus
Sons OF Colonel Theodore Roosevelt's
habits by northern Michigan men, was
brought out in arguments made by
Newett's attorneys in the damage suit
brought by the ex-president The en-
tire gist OF the testimony offered by
John Callan OLaughlin, the one wit
ness examined this morning. was to
the effect that Roosevelt was extreme.
~ abstemious.
The noon recess was taken before
Judge Flanagan mad ruled the extent
10 which the defense might 20 in prov
ing their contention that common re-
port was that Roosevelt was intemper
ate.
OLoughlin, the first witness Of the
morning, who has known the colonel
for 20 years, declared he never had
seen Roosevelt take more than a sim
gle glass OF wine at any dinner or
other function.
OLaughlin acted as personal secre-
tary TO Roosevelt through much of the
latters grand tour OF Europe, after
his return from Africa. and has trav-
eled with him much at other times.
D Attorneys for Editor George A.
Newsit, OF lshpeming, from whom
Roosevelt asks $4,000 damages for
publication OF the statement that the
colonel gets drunk, and that not in
frequently" tried 10 get from O'Laugh-
In an admission that before Newetts
among newspapermen that Colonel
alleged libel. the rumor was current
Roosevelt was In the habit OF using
liquor TO excess.
Every reputable newspaperman
knows that is lie" declared
OIaughlin. with visible anger.
The defense expects to show that
Newett, In printing his charge, was
merely repeating story told by vari-
Gus persons throughout the country
and currently believed. and in a long
argument. in absence of the jury. de-
manded the. right to show Newetts
publication was not malicious.
Belden. in his cross-examination OF
C'Laughlin. managed to bring up the
celebrated vatican incident of the
colone's European trip.
II am a Catholic" began OLaugh
lin, when he was halted by the court.
of the entire line of testimony.
Gilsen Gardner. Washington CORE
spondent % the Newspaper Enterprise
association, was recalled for a short
cross-eXamination. after OLaughlin
concluded and before Bacon was
called
Crowd Watches Colonel.
A crowd that packed the court room
N
watching the restless plaintiff Fash
ionably-clad women. wives and daugh-
teis of rich iron ore men of the north
ern peninsula. formed the bulk OF the
audience. Attorney James H. Pound,
the colonel's counsel, ponderous,
bald man. in old-fashioned pepper and
salt cutaway coat. occupied the center
% the stage, a strong contract to the
little dapper Belden. for the defense,
who sat alongsid and squabOled with
him through the session.
Editor George Newett OF Ishpemlng,
was not malicious but acted in good
faith, based on general rumOr. when
he printed the charge of drunkenness
against Theodore Roosevelt, accord
ing to Newett's attorneys. in "A long
argument to the court today. They
wanted to introduce evidence that
Roosevelt was generally believed to
get drunk The colonel's attorneys
insisted that the only statements 10
that effect Newett should be allowed
to introduce are those which Newett
heard before he printed the alleged
libel. decision for the colonel's
side may bar a great mass OF the aff-
davits gathered by Newett along the
route or the colonels travels.
John Callan O'Laughlin. Washing
ton newspaperman. attached TO a Chi
cago paper; ellison Gardner Washing
ton correspondent for the Newspaper
Enterprise association, and Robert
Bacon ambassador TO France under
President Taft, were the colonel's wit
nesses called for today Gardner was
wanted for further cross-examination
IN testimony he gave yesterday.
Neither Gardner nor Bason. however,
we're able to get in their testimony in
the morning session.
Court adjourned at few minutes
after IL until . p. m.
A recess was taken while a bailiif
went for the jury and John Callan
O'Laughlin was recalled TO the stand.
Dispositions taken by the defense,
bearing OH specific occasions. are not
barred by the ruling. nor is the pro
duction OF actual witnesses TO testify
TO the facts in the publication barrett
from evidence.
Attorney Belden resumed cross-eX'
animation OF John Calian OLaughlin.
Judge Flanagan instructed the jury
to disregard the courts criticism OF
Attorney Belden for bringing from
OLaughlin this morning the state
ment, II am a Catholic
He ordered the statement as 20
OLaughlin's religion. however, strick-
en- from the records. 4
-Belden quickly released OLaughlin
after a formal repetition OF his last
question OF the morning
AT any time asked Attorney
Pound, for the colonel. did you ever
smell the odor of liquor on his
breathe"
Never" said OIaughlin.
He was asked as to T. x. IS habits
OF speech.
He has one of the cleanest minds
! ever knew" said the correspondent
ellison Gardiner returned to tfrr
stand -
you testified" said Attorney An
drews. ito conversation with 81 news
. papermen I'm Washington. SO you
wish TO be understood as saving you