Imperial Valley press., 1915-04-20
(By Bond P. Geddes)

lOHlleu TESS 0ldlA Coii tSponutbtl
Syracuse, N. Y, April Machine
politics -bossism--is the keynote OF
the trial of lWilliam Barnes' suit
against former President Theodore
Roosevelt for $4,000 damages for al
legged libel.
Barnes-"Boss Barnes" as he has
been often caled-asks the $4,000
reputation balm for being publicly
named by the former president as an
alleged partner with "Boss" Charles
Murphy of Tammany Hall ''in alliance
between crooked business and crooked
politics.
Onandaga county courts were the
neutral battlefield for the war of the
political giants. Barnes filed suit at
Albany, his home, but Roosevelt Sc
cured change of venue here, on the
ground that he could not secure a fair
trial in Albany county.
Formerly friends, but now bitter
foes, Barnes and Roosevelt have prom
ised disclosures of past Vaccinations
in Albany, New York state and even
the nation. Under subpoena and as
spectators, the political hierarchy of
political parties of state and nation
assembled here.
Republican leader in New York for
years, member of the state committee
fAt
tional committeeman for New York
state, Barnes was prepared to tear
the veil from much political history
Colonel Roosevelt, friend and co-work-
er of Barnes in highest Republican
councils of the state and nation-as
New York's governor and later the
nations chief executive-promised rev.
Citations of Barnes alleged "bossism"
and alleged working agreement with
the Democrats.
Barnes counsel insisted that the is
sue 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 the charge of libel.
Friends of both declared that the
question of money damages was sub
ordinate. Both are wealthy Barnes,
publisher of the Albany Journal. is
rated as millionaire. A verdict OF
l cent or nominal damages in favor of
either will spell popular victory, it is
thought.
At the very opening of the case op-
posing counsel clashed. Selection of
a jury was regarded as vital. Both
SIDES scrutinized the past records and
political affiliations of the talesmen.
Roosevelt's attorneys probed carefully
for any hidden Barnes influence among
the prospective jurors. Barnes coun-
sci as vigorously delved for Progress
sive affiliations which might favor the
colonel.
1t was expected that Roosevelt.
would move to dismiss Barnes COM
plant, alleging it does not state
cause of libel. If dismissed, this would.
of course end the case. A movement
from the Barnes side to dismiss
Roosevet's answer as mo defense"
declaring that justification" is a de-
fense-was also held in abeyance. If
Barnes motion We're 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.
Barnes petition, filed in July, 1914,
during the heat of the New York gu
bernatorial fight, when Roosevelt was
campaigning for Hinman, the Pro-
gressive candidate, recited Roosevelt's
statement, distributed broadcast
through the press. Roosevelt said