East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1913-09-09

COATICOOK, Quebec. Sept. q
William Travers Jerome was acquit
ted last night of the charge of having
gambled on Thursday last on the sta
tion property of the Grand Trunk
railway here while waiting for the I'M
migration authorities to pass on the
case of Harry X. Thaw. In discharg-
ing hm the court apologized for the
humiliation to which he had been
subjected
The hearing before Magistrate
Henry Mulvena of Sherbrooke lasted
less than an hour. 1t began at 1888
o'clock. and at SEQ the court said:
'Sir, you are honorably dscharg-
ed"
Trial Held at Night.
An attempt to hold an afternoon
session was halted because the mag
istrate felt he had no authority 10
take precedence over James Mckee
the Justice of the peace who signed
the warrant for Mr.. Jerome's arrest
Last night. however. the magistrate
said he was convinced of his authority
TO act and the trial moved with dis
patch.
Joseph Bulene. n Coaticook lawyer
who said he variously represented
Justice. the people and the criminal
code. interrupted the afternoon ses-
sion. but when he endeavored to re-
new similar tactics last evening he
was ruled ou: Sf couf-
When acquitted jerome thanked the
court spoke flatteringly of his re-
ceptlon in Canada and added that he
ala not attribute his arrest and briet
imprisonment last week TO the think
ing people Of the dominion. He took
a late train from Coaticook for New
York and will return TO Montreal for
the arguments on the latest Thaw
habeas corpus writ to be held before
the kings bench in Montreal
Townspeople packed the court room
when the hearing was opened last
night. Jerome looked straight at the
court and did not glance ut the throng
which plainly was hostile.
saw Little Game of Draw.
Michael Knight said he had seen the
defendant playing "a little game OF
draw" in the station yard. The de-
fendant had been pointed out 10 him
as Jerome of New York.
did you see him win any money!
asked the Joint prosecutor.
II saw n bill changed. but | could
not say who won It," answered the
witness.
The cross examination conducted ny
Mr.. Jacobs was very short.
"why did you stop To watch the
game?" he asked.
Because 1t was In an automobile
and a man. In front had little type
writer in his lap writing and was
Interested"
This was n New York newspaperman
writing his story under difficulties.
Magistrate Expresses Regret.
Magistrate Mulvena said:
"In rendering judgment I shall be
very brief. believe every right
minded man in Canada regrets and
feels humiliation at the indiFnitv
which has been placed on you. 1t Is
excusable neither in law nor in fact
The evidence adduced at this hear
ing gives no reasons for the charges
which was laid against you nor for
the indignities which you have suf-
'fered.
"I believe. sir. in all the circum-
stances you will not attribute the ap-
parent offense offered you while In a
friendly country in the discharge or
your duty as public officer to the
real thinking people of this commun-
ity. You are, sir, honorably dis
charged"
Spectators Hiss.
"You may feel assured. your lord
ship" Jerome said. that / understand
thoroughly the circumstances Of this
case. Since / have been in Canada
I have been received with uniform
courtesy by the thinking people. 1
am sure those who have appeared in
temperate have been misled by ig-
.norance of the facts rather than by
malice"
There was a subdued outburst of
cheering when Jerome sat down, but
the cheers drowned to Kisses and cat
calls
Mr.. Jerome Immediately bought a
ticket to Island Fond, Vermont where
he will pick up his automobile and
motor to New York.