New Britain herald., 1916-09-26
IN COURT ADMIT TO
 JUGGLING FUNDS
Two Plead Guilty and Are Fined $25 by Judge E. s. Thomas
 in New Haven
BRANCHVILLE OFFICIAL
 GETS HIS MONEY MIXED

GETS HIS MONEY MIXED Stepney Depot Man Confesses to Talk ing $515, Which. Was Spent to Pay Some Creditors Who Were Becom- ing Anxious About Their Accounts Woman Witness Brings Her Knit ting to Court.
 New Haven, Sept. 26.-The Septem-
 Der term of the United States court, opened today, Judge E. $. Thomas s1tlng, and many attorneys present. The grand jury was empanened and Francis R. Cooley of Hartford was ap- pointed foreman.
 Richard O. Bennett, postmaster at Branchville, town of Ridgefield, plead ed guilty to taking $399 of the postal funds and was fined $25 without costs. It was stated in his behalf that there was no criminal intent but this was an instance wherein postal funds went into the same cash drawer as used for receipts of the country store in which the post office is located The
 
 postal funds separate.
 Admits Paying Creditors.
 John T. Eastwood, postmaster at Stepney Depot, said he was guilty of taking $515 in postal funds, and re- ceived a similar fine. It was stated to the court that creditors were pressing Eastwood for funds and he used some of the postal receipts to meet demands. Bennet's shortage was immediately made good but Eastwood's deficit will have to be made up by bondsmen.
 Among the many witnesses in court was one woman who brought hcr knitting.
 Merchant Reprimandcd By Court.
 Frank Miller, one of Bridgeport's best known merchants and influential citizens, stood at the bar in court this afternoon to explain why he attempt ed to disregard a subpoena. Miller had been in the court room during the forenoon waiting to be called as a witness in a check forgery case. Shortly after the noon hour, accord ing to the statement of District At torney Spellacy, he inquired of the latter as to when the case in which
 he was interested would be called.
 MT. Spellacy said it would be taken
 in turn. MT. Spellacy further told the court that he advised Miller not to leave either the room or the build ing. The latter went out and capias was issued and handed to a deputy marshal. But Mir. Miller came back voluntarily
 When the grand jury came in to be l recessed for luncheon Miller was placed at the bar. MT. Spellacy told of the facts adding that Miller, when told to stay in had replied that he didn't give d--' and had gone out.
 Judge Thomas asked Miller what ha had to say. The latter replied that he had had an important en- l gagement in Bridgeport and un- l doubtedly if he had not been able to telephone and re-arrange the matter 1 he would have been on the way to Bridgeport. When Miller started to refer to the case on which he had been called the court replied that the matter before him was whether or not he, Miller had disregarded the | subpoena. Miller admitted going out | saying he would not have done so had ne been able to get information from , the district attorney.
 o"SS IiiOilldS dShou nm If 3 cltl- 1 zen and man of business he had not 1 realized that a subpoena was some l thing that could not be disreearded. 1 and that when summoned it was his l duty to remain until dismissed Miller l said that he had a business engage
 ment and did not expect to have been | held so long in court. Judge Thomas
 said he should have arranged his af- 1 fairs.
 l WI hen were you subpoenaed 2" | asked the court. Three or four days l ago. Miller replied.
 l Judge Thomas said that with a ] reprlmand he would dismiss the case but Miller should know that a sub- poena of court of jurisdiction could | not be disobeyed
 The matter was then dismissed. | The jury took a recess. Edward A. COnklin of Meriden l charged with stealing from the mails pleaded not guilty and was released 1 in $500 bonds given by former Con- gressman Reilly.