The Washington times., 1915-04-19
BARNES.R0OSEVEtT
LIBEL SUIT TRIAL ON
"Bossism" Is Keynote Of Great
Political Fight in Syracuse
Courts.
CONTINUED from First Page)

CONTINUED from First Page)
what they expected to be q long grind
In obtaining a jury
donned a black silk skull cap. Both
SIDES predicted a lengthy trial. Court
officials believed 1t would last ten days.
The Jury box was filled with tales
uaIs was begun. Barnes turned halfway
around to size up the talesmen and dis
cuss them with Attorney wins.
James Gregg. farmer, a Republican
by William L. Barnum, Syracuse attor-
ney for Barnes.
Questions to talesmen indicated that
Barnes relies upon Justice Andrews &
hold that the Roosevelt statement was
in itself libelous. The talesmen were
also asked II political considerations
would influence them or II they would
try II Gust as an ordinary case"
Neutral Battlefield.
onondaga courts are the neutral bat
tlefield for the war of the political
giants. Barnes filed suit at Albany,
his home. but Roosevelt secured a
change Of venue here on the ground
that he could not secure fair trial in
Albany county.
Formerly friends. but now bitter foes,
merciless disclosures of past political
Vaccinations, In Albany county, New
York State. and even the nation.
Under subpoenea, the political hier-
archy of state and nation assembled
here today.
Republican leader in New York state
for years. member of the State commit
tee since 1892 its chairman for three
years, and national committeeman for
New York State. Barnes was prepared
to tear the veil from much secret no.
littcal history.
Colonel Roosevelt, friend and CO.
worker Of Barnes in highest Republican
councils of the State and nationals
New Yorks governor and later the ma
tons Chief Executve-promised revel-
ations Of Barnes alleged "bossism'' and
alleged working agreement with the
No Political Issue.
Barnes counsel insisted today that
the issue is not political but personal
an attempt to defame and injure his
good name. Roosevelt's lawyers were
equally as insistent that promised proof
of Barnes alleged co-partnership with
Boss" Murphy in shaping legislation
and In other ways would absolve him of
Friends Of both declared that the
question Of money damages was sub
ordinate Both are wealthy. Barnes,
publisher Of the Albany journal, 10
cent or nominal damages in favor Of
either will spell popular victory. it Is
At the very opening OF the trial to-
day, opposing counsel clashed. Selec-
tion Of a jury was regarded as vital
Both sides scrutiniZed the past records
and political affiliations Of the tales
men.
The regular jury panel was drawn up
faI xx,H1
could be secured before adjournment Of
court tonight. Roosevelt's attorneys
probed carefully for any hidden Barnes
influence among the prospective Jurors.
for political Vaccinations which might
favor the colonel.
Early Skirmish.
An early important skirmish also i'm
pended today in technical motions by
both sides. 1t was expected that Roose-
welt would move for dismissal of
Barnes complaint, alleging 1t doeS
not state a cause OF libel.
If dismissed this would of course end
the case. A motion from the Barnes
side to dismiss Roosevelt's answer as
no defense--denying that justification"
is a defense-was also held in allegiance
If Barnes motion were granted the
jury would proceed to assess damages
Lawyers generally believed. however
that neither motion would be granted
and the case submitted on its merits
to the jury.
Although Boss Murphy did not fol-
low Barnes course against Roosevelt
it was predicted today that he would
be called to the witness stand and that
relations of New York Democracy, as
we'll as Republicanism. would be barred
Roosevelt and Barnes arrived here
last night on the same train.
The arrangements for the coloners
arrival here had been secret. but a
small crowd collected at the station to
see him. A cheer went up as he step
ped of the train. accompanied. by his
secretary. ]. J. McGrath.
Barnes In Another Car.
A moment later Barnes stepped off
from another car, followed by his Sec
retary. William Brannan. and his chief
counsel, William NJ. WINS. II Roose-
welt knew Barnes was on the train he
gave no indication of It. The pkotog-
Iaphers held him UP for a couple of
flashlights, and Roosevelt went through
the familiar ordeal with a smile. ap-
Barnes was only a few yards behind
him waiting for a chance to get out OF
the station.
When the photographers had finished
with Roosevelt they turned their at
ttntion to Barnes, who was ignoring
as Roosevelt had ignored him.
The two did not see each other on
the, train. Roosevelt and his secretary
had stateroom anc the Barnes party
occupied seats in another Pullman.
The colonel was met at the station
hy Horace 8. Wilkinson. former Pro-
Gressise county chairman, and taken
TO Wilkinson's home, where he will be
the guest Of the Syracuse lawyer.
No Farmers Jury.
There was little prospect today that
a farmer jury would be chosen. On
the panel of seventy-five prospective
jurymen there were only nineteen farm
crs. There were forty-one Republicans,
fourteen Democrats. eleven Pregres-
sives. three prohibitionists, and six in
dependents.
In this respect Barnes was believed
to have the advantage of a jury prob
ably comnosed largely Of Republicans.
Barnes counsel indicated today that
objection would be made to selection
of any ProgressiVes as iurymen.
Allowance of only six peremDtory
challenges 10 each side promised lengthy
and tedious examination of talesmen to
secure challenge of Objectionable tales
men for cause"
Despite the fact that Judge William
S. Andrews, the trial judge, is a class
mate of Colonel Roosevelt Barnes
LAWYERS indicated today that they would
make no objection on that score.
Barnes is also q Harvard man. having