Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-07-19
MAY GET.CoCCHI
AS WITNESS If NO
'EXTRADITI0N

New York. July 1S.-If Italy refuses
the last appeal of the United States for
the return Of Alfredo Cocchi to this
country for trial for the murder of Ruth
Cruger the murderer may still be
brought back as a witness in the police
investigation if his answers in an in
terrogation the prosecutor is now pre-
pairing should warrant such a proceed
ing.
Mr. Swami has every reason to be-
lieve that if he is willing to receive Coo
chi as a witness. with the understanding
that he is subsequently to be returned
to Italy for trial as a murderer, his
presence can be obtained as was that
of Antonio Cardinale, who participated
| in them urder of Barnet Ban and was
brought here to testify at the trials of
the four conspirators.
Mr.. Swami has prepared to be sub
mitted to Cocchi through SiSnor Fiano,
Italian counsel for the district attor-
ney, questions embracing all informa-
ton brought out in the grand jury in
xestigation on which it is believed Coo
Chi can throw light
The detectives who have received
President Wilson's warrant to get
Cocchi expect to leave in a few DAYS.
If Italy should change tine announce
ment to the American Embassy and
send Cocchi back for trial, the de-
, tectives will be there to bring him. If
not they will aid the return of Coo
Chi as a witness.
Signor t'iano cabed to Mir. Swami
in substance that hope existed of ac-
comprising Cocchi's return through
diplomacy. Sgnor Fiona, who is
friendly with many Italian officials,
said he was making every effort to
convince them Of the wisdom of grant
ing the request of the United States
Three witnesses have been called
before the Grand Jury by Special In
vestigator James W. Osborne-Henry
Rommelle. a boy who ran crrands for
Cocchi; Detective Sergt. Lagarcnne
and man whose name was not di-
vulged, but who was said to have been
connected with the automobile husi-
ness. He is said to have testified about
grating operations of motor policemen
and to have produced documentary ev-
ldencc in support of his testimony.
Rormelle's story, as it was told to re-
porters has two important points One
deals with the morning of Feb A. the
day after the murder. when the youth
passed the cellar in the early morning
ard saw Cocchi there. 1t is now believed
the murderer was burying his victim at
the time, though it was impossible fer the
boy to tell from the dim light within just
what he was doing.
The boy also told of having gone into
the store on the night of Feb 10 and see
ing a blanket which had been removed
from the side car of the motorcycle Of
its owner and placed over side car OF
the machine used by Cocchi SO as to com
pletely conceal the interior. AS the boy
showed curiosity he said Cocchi tcld him
it was some stuff he intended to dump in
the river that night. The authorities be-
lieve it was Cocchi's original plan thus
to dispose Of the body.
Having apparently buried tie Ratchet
for the time at least. Mr. Swami and Dep
uty Commissioner Cooley yesterday dis
cussed further steps to he taken for the
return of Cocchi. Mr.. Cooley gave M
Swami a cablegram from Joseph w
Grgg, the departments representative,
outlining Italy's stand.