Baraboo weekly news. [volume] (Baraboo, Wis.) 1912-197?, 1918-08-22
JUDGE BECKER
GETS FIVE YEARS
Monroe Official Sentenced to
Serve Time in the Federal
Prison at Leavenworth

At Madison Judge John M. Becker
of Monroe was sentenced to three
years at hard labor at Fort Leaven-
worth. Sentence was passed by
Judge Sanborn of Chicago. His sem
tence was greater than that OF Nag
Ter or Naffz.
Judge Becker spoke in his own
behalf. He maintained that he at
no time, from disloyal motives, ad-
, yised Green county boys not to en-
list. He also denied ever having in
tentionally interferred with the gov
eminent program to win the war
He said that, at the time of his pub
lie utterances of alleged disloyalty,
he was angered by slanderous re-
marks.
Judge Becker made dramatic
Dlea when asked if he had anything
to say. After his attorney had asked
for leniency, he requested that he
might explain the reason for his ut"
terances.
He spoke in a strong, clear voice
until he reached the point where he
told Of his family. Then his voice
trembled and finally broke and as he
uttered the words, 'FThat is all l
have to say" he was sobbing.
81 encouraged young men to en-
list whenever l got an opportunity"
said Becker. "Guardians Of minors
who had been appointed in my court
came to me for various advice and
| urged them to have their wards
enter the army and navy. / encour-
aged citizens at all times to help
win the war. 1t was only when
was sneered at that l lost my head
and said things l did not mean"
"This has been a terrible strain
not only on me but my family. 1t
is for them that l make this plea. [
have suffered, but they have suffered
more"
Wolfe Demands Prison Sentence =
Mr.. Wolfe pointed out that, in
spite of the propaganda carried on by
the government to educate the peo-
pie to the raght frame Of mind in
respect to the necessity for war,
Judge Becker persisted in speaking
and acting in a manner which indi-
rectly afforded aid and comfort to
the enemy.
Mr.. Wolfe made plea for pris-
on sentence.
Judge Sanbcrn, in { pronouncing
Sontonoo tbot nf rpoor6 FOR
Becker's family and position, lenien-
cy would be his first instinct. In view
of the situation, the example neces-
sary at this time, and the grave Of
tense charged, however, he said a
sentence must be given.
Because of your position" said
the court, 81 cannot consider fine.
You are influential in your COM
munity. Your actions and words
have had an effect on those who
honored tyou by placing you in a
position of trust l will have to send
you to prison"
Mr.. Jones also spoke for Charles
Naffz who previously had pleaded
guilty. He urged that, with two
sons in the army one a lieutenant
and the reputation for good behavior
which was his, Mr.. NaffzZ should
be shown leniency.
- Jones Pleads For Leniency ----
He declared that because of the
defendants age and nervous condi-
ton, a prison sentence would be too
severe. He called attention to the
fact that Mr.. Naffz' two sons had
entered training camps and won
commissions because he had, urged
them to do so.
"Mr. Naffz is one of a number of
residents of this community who
have talked unfavorably toward the
United States and favorably to our
enemy, Germany" said Mr.. Wolfe.
Because of his position he should
be punished. He has been a good
| citizen up to this time he made the
remarks that convicted him. Be-
cause he has sons who are fighting
for our country, a fine probably
would he sufficient punishment -