Daily Kennebec journal., 1917-07-26

Attorney Henry y. Taylor Of Portland
appeared in behalf of Louis Katz of
Portland who on Feb. Il last was ar
rested on Boston-Portland train and
taken to South Berwick, where he was
sentenced to pay fine of 800 and costs
and to serve 50 days on the charge of un-
lawful possession of intoxicating liquor
He appealed and gave bonds. Being later
retained as counsel, found that the case
had been defauted, in spite Of fact that
notified county attorney that had taken
the case and would appear with my man
when wanted. Later Katz, who with his
son had told me his sentence was s1c0 or
so days. was arrested and l learned that
the sentence was recorded 500 and 60
days and he was placed in tall on June 13
Feeling that negligence on my part In not
ascertaning certainly concerning the sem
tence. is partly responsible for his being
imprisoned, I admit the negligence and
ask clemency for the unfortunate man.
Katz had never been before convicted OF
crime has seven children. one Of whom Is
on his death bed and longs for his father
The man is of good character and was but
a tool of liquor men in getting orders and
CellNeIl1S SOCuS- ii4NN
money for his sick boy. He will not
again enter such a business
A petition of over 100 names certify to
Katz's good character.
Max L. Pinasky of Portland appeared
In behalf of Katz. although originally re-
tanned to oppose a pardon. He stated that
Katz was man who had held tenaclously
10 old customs and habits, ignorant OF
customs and language and easily led ana
wade too, of in the business in which
he engaged. Did not approve OF any Jew
ish person enga ging in liquor business OUT
do favor the pardon on account OF MS weak
wife. the seven children, with the su1er-
ing bov and a chance for himself 10 cor
rect his own wrong doing. Don't thlnk
he will ever again transgress. II par
don is granted on condition of fine peins
Maid II would be raised by the Associated
Hebrew Charities.
Mr. Rosenberg. member OF the Heore"
r, ,r;+ies stated that the case was such
that he thought a pardon was merlleo
and would never be regretted.
john and Solomon Hike'
The pardon cases of John j. Hikel ana
Solomon Hikel of Millinocket, who on
Dec. %, 1916 after the so called test cases
had been decided by the law court Foiuh-
tarilv surrendered at the Bangor JAN an;
are now there imprisoned, was presenter
by Del w. Mason of Bangor
Ee said that several sentences had beeA
imposed. aggregating for each ABOUT t"o
years. to. take effect one after the othe'.
They have paid almost s4co each ana
costs and so far served almost moi''hS'
IF convicted of any other crimes Oh Same
class any county attorney would nave
, filed part Of them. Imposing All OIL theiii'
made excessive sentences.
Presenting a long petition for the men
ma rdon. counsel said he found not per-
son opposed to it.
asked John j. Hkel if he would get
ont of the business either directly or IN
directly and he signed statement to that
oeoo+ 1obn 7 has a wife and eight chill
dren and Solomon a wife and three chill
dren, who need them. The people OF MIL
Iinocket favor it. They're out OF the ousi-
ness.
County Attorney A. L. Blanchard stated
that the men had surrendered their reVe-
nue. tax stamps and promised to get out
Of the rum business. No one mas remch-
strated against the pardon. DID ask
Judge Stearns Of Millinocket as TO the
narlon and he said the people had no oo-
iections, providing they stayed out OF the
business. Sentence was severe, but was
onlv what the law provided and intend
20 nass ont the same medicine to other
culprits in September If 1 can get them
into the court.