The Oskaloosa herald. (Oskaloosa, Mahaska County, Iowa) 1885-1919, 1914-05-14
ROSE TAKES STAND
IN BECKER TRIAL
Witness for State Tells Story Of
RoSenthaI Murder.
CALLS HIMSELF A LECTURER
Says Split Came When Ex.PolIce Off
Ger Wanted to Raid Gam
bIer's Place to Save
His Own.

New York, May 13-"Bald Jack"
Rose, a typical figure OF the under
world, took the stand In the murder
trial Of ex-Police Lieutenant Charles
Becker and told a story upon which
District Attorney Charles s. Whitman
relies to send Becker to the death
chair for the murder OF Herman Rosen-
thai.
Well dressed, furtive-eyed and sharp
witted, Rose sat in the witness chair
with the impassive face of a gambler
calmly answering questions when not
prevented by the storm OF objections
raised by Becker's lawyers.
Rose has dead, yellow complexion.
and his head is utterly devoid Of hair,
but the most remarkable feature OF
his appearance is the eyes, which shift
furtiyely or CLEAN with rat-like cupid
ity.
After giving his occupation as 'lec-
turer." and answering few prelim-
mary questions as to age. name and
residence. Rose told how he first met
been raided in this city in October.
1911.
I'VE went to a nearby saloon, where
l gave Becker 5000 to dispose OF two
warrants he had against US, said the
witness in an emotionless voice.
Rose then went on with his story as
to how Becker and he had formed an
20 anf 90
lector for Becker and to watch Beck
er's interests in gambling house op-
Grated by Herman Rosenthal. but in
which Becker. then lieutenant Of po-
lice, was silent partner. Becker put
81 500 In the business, secured by a
chattel mortgage. and he was to get
rs per cent of the profits. .....
~ used to see Becker nearly every
day after he went,in with. Rosenthal.'
said Rose. Becker used to ask me
how business was, but could not give
him very much encouragement, for 1t
was slow. But told him it probably
would pick up. as the house was new
and not very we'll known"
Becker and Rosenthal Friends.
GGOb6 lIlSu lOlu VI iuS II
existed between Rosenthal and Backer
at that time. detailing one incident
which occurred In Elks club when
Rosenthal, in the presence or Mrs
Rosenthal, threw his arm affectionate-
ly over the police lieutenants shout
der, saying: You needn't worry any
more; Charley is my friend and every
thing is all right now" "
A few months after the Becker
Rosenthal partnership was formed
Becker wanted to withdraw and de.
manded his $500. but Rosenthal
said he couldn't pay it. This started a
breach of i'll feeling. and Becker be-
came insistent.
IN some way" Ssaid Rose. they
learned at police headquarters that
Becker was mixed up with gambling
house. Becker then went to Rosen-
thai and suggested that his 'strong-arm
squad pull off friendly raid to quiet
these reports. Rosenthal said: That
guy must think I'm crazy
Then Rose tried to persuade Rosen-
thai to stand for the raid, saying he
could take up his costly gambling
paraphernalia and put in old stuff, but
! Rosenthal was obdurate. When Beck
er was told this he flew into rage
and swore he would raid the place no
matter II he did lose his $1,000.
Rose then calmly went into the plot
which ended in the assassination OF
Rosenthal almost under the glaring
lights of Broadway. Rosenthal, in or.
der to get revenge. started to expose
the alliance which existed between
Becker and the city outlaws OF the
underworld. Urged by anger and
fear. Becker determined, according to
the debonair witness, that Rosenthal
must be crooked"