The sun., 1917-08-22
EXEMPTION 'PIXER'
GETS 2 YEAR TERM
Kalman Gruher. Board 99's
GO-Bctween, Begs L. s.
Court for Mercy.
JUDGE IN BITTER CHARGE
Defendant Will Be on Way to
Atlanta Prison Within the
Next Five Days.

Judge Martin T. Manton refused yes
terday to consider a jury's recommended
tion for mercy for Kalman Gruher. the
mechanical dentist. convicted OF selling
exemptions from military service at
$500 apiece. Neither would he heed the
defendants fearful plea to be put In
either the army or the navy. that he
might prove his loyalty" He imposed
upon the man in United States District
Court the maximum sentence Of two
Penitentiary.
Gruher was found guilty OF having
acted as go-between for DR.. Samuel j.
Bernfeld and Louis l. Cherey. the former
members Of local exemption board 80.
who pleaded guilty on Monday to ac-
cepting bribes and were sentenced to
serve two years Imprisonment each. His
speedy conviction gives tho Federal au-
thorities clean sweep Of the conscrip-
tion corruption cases and fulfils the
prophecy of John c. Knox. Assistant
United States Attorney, that all who tri-
fed with the military laws would re-
ceive swift punishment Only twelve
Of corruption on the part Of Cherey and
Bernfeld were made public and caused
their removal by Attorney General Ros-
| coo s. Conkling.
"My Husband IL Ipnocent."
Gruher had refused to Join Cherey
and Bernfeid In their confession. To the
end he had asserted his innocence. and
when after three hours deliberation the
jury's verdict was announced. he burst
| into tears and cried: 81 am a loyal
citizen. and implore the court not to
deprive me of my citizenship. Do not
disgrace my family"
At the top OF her voice Gruher's wife
screamed. MY husband Is innocent
| He is the victim OF unscrupulous men -
Followed by her nine children she was
taken from the room in Mysteries.
! Gruher's lawyer. lsidore Schlesinger
pleaded that the humiliation and dis
grace which he had suffered had been
sufficient punishment for him, but Judge
Manton held otherwise.
THE jury has done its duty" Judge
Manton said. The evidence has been
! such that I cannot see how the verdict
could possibly have been otherwise. All
| cases call for more or less pity. but in
the present instance l cannot permi,
/ mNsen 10 De lnNuenCed Dy tne TACT tnaI
the defendant has wife and children
He has been given a fair trial"
judge scores Defendant.
! Then addressing the defendant. he
: said. AT a time when the nation IL en-
/ listing its youth to expose their breasts
! to the bullets OF the foe. you have beer
found guilty OF assisting in an attemp,
. to defeat the objects OF the Governmen,
in forming an army. You have beer
found guilty of conspring with tive
men who prostituted their honor ir
positions OF trust conferred upon then
! by the Government The other defen-
dants had sufficient frankness to admit
their guilt, but you elected to deny youl
guilt and go to trial. We are living ir
a time when men who dabble in crime.
such as you have been charged with
cannot be treated mercifully."
Gruher again turned to the court ant
begged, For Gods sake don't send M
to Jail. II did wrong ! didn't mean II
you are only adding to the suffering
of your family by acting this way,
Judge Man,on told him. The sentenc,
OF the court has been passed and yot
must abide by It"
After kissing some OF his mall
friends Gruher was taken from the cour
room in handouts.
Failed TO Estabiish Abb.