New Britain herald., 1917-04-09
CAVEMEN MANNERS
 AIRED IN COURT
Wife Beaters Have Session Before
 Judge Meskiu.

Subjected to caustic reprimands with warning that a future appear ance on similar charge will mean a term in jail, several descendants of the historic cavenen were arraigned before Judge James T. Meskill in po- lice court today with their wives ap- bearing as complainants and principal witnesses The accused were emphat- ical1y informed that wife beating is not in fashion these days will not be countenanced and that jail is provid- ed for those with q weakness for in- fictins punishment according to stone age standards. Because of family conditions and promises to behave better, the accused were shown len iency and allowed their freedom pend ing good behavior.
 Frai. her body shaking with in- tense emotion and her testimony showing reluctance> at the role in which she found herself, Mrs. William Farnsworth of 145 Elm street. moth CT of four small children, testified of trouble at home Saturday during which, according to her statement. she was struck violently across the back and tic children were badly fright ened. She said that it was not the first time that she had been assault ed by Farnsworth and she would try to provide for herself and children, If some means could be provided to get him out of her way so that she could make the fight without a handicap. According to her testimony he seized a chair and attacked her when she did not give him $5 as part payment for new suit She said she offered him $2, all that she had, but it did not satisfy him. Three months in jail with judgment suspended and proba- tion during good behavior was the sentence imposed. He was emphati- cally told that he should be ashamed of himself and that jail is provided for such as adopt his procedure.
 Upon his promise to behave prop erly in the future and not believe the gossip of neighbors hereafter, Alex Osepowicz of 20 Bond street was re- leased in the custody of his wife un- der suspended Judgment. "1 didn't hit her." he explained in matter-of- fact manner. "only kicked her this way" He demonstrated as to his idea of "love pat as he stood jn the witness stand. Alex admitted that he has lived in this country ten years and is the father of three children. He was told that he has been a resident of this country long enough to know better than to use cavemen manners in inflicting punishment. Mrs. Osepo- wicz pleaded for leniency said that she believed Alex meant it when he said that he would not roughly handle her in the future and contended that the gossip of neighbors was largely re- sponsible for the trouble. She said that the purveyor of gossip was a bad man" and should be the accused instead of her husband.
 George Matulis of 69 Oak street was placed under the care of Probation Officer Edward c. Connolly for. six months because of intoXication and breach of the peace at his home It was testified that George caused considerable of a rumpus. broke up some of the furniture and promised more trouble. Conditions had reached the interesting stage when Policeman Charles M. Johnson arrived in response to a call to police headquarters for aid. The accused assured court officials that they will have no more trouble with him. at least not until Easter again rolls around.
 Stage Brewery Fight.
 Bad blood' with resultant feud, staged between local and nearby teams, eliminated about midnight Saturday in a fight of several rounds before spectators near the brewery with George Scott of IS Laurel street, Bristol and Joseph German of B Lawler street. It was testified that the two met in a Church street res-. taurant shortly before, an argument started and increased substantially when Gorman refused to shake hands with Scott. Accompanied by friends, the two adjourned to quiet spot near the brewery. According to the tes- timony, Scott had enough and retired from the ring after receiving consid- erable punishment. German, on the stand, expressed regret over the trouble and said that he would not have refused to shake hands, had he any idea as to the outcome.
 Prosecuting Attorney George W. Klett had much difficulty in deter mining the cause of the fight, who was present and other details. Great was shown by the witnesses and much ignorance as to the cause of the trouble and circumstances of the fight. Several testified that there was no verbal argument in the res causing Judge Meskill to in quire as to what kind of an argu- ment it could have been without at least as preliminary.
 After a severe reprinand relative to such conduct and the giving of some excellent advice. the accused were allowed their freedom under judgment. They were ad- vised to keep away from saloons, to take the pledge and keep out of trouble.
 Fallen Polo Star.
 David Molumphy of Hartford once polo star, now down and out, was