Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1918-03-14

in the afternoon former members Of his
neighbors Of the Rev. Clarence H. wal
dron Of Windsor testified in behalf of
the government in the case against him
of violation of section three Of the
espionage act. The specific counts are
melting disloyalty to the United States
and obstruction of the draft laws. Much
Of the evidence was sensational in the
extreme, particularly some of that Of
the pastors Bible students, who testi-
fed that Waldron made some of the most
urgent appeals to them not to enlist.
Mr.. Waldron had his wife inside the
railing with him Tuesday. and his child
and father were seated among the spec
tators. AS on the day before. he took
an active part in the councils Of his
attorneys. He appeared unmoved when
some startling bit Of evidence was in
troduced, but regarded the witnesses
| steadfastly. Whenever humorous touch
was given the trial there was no light
ing up of his countenance, however. and
he appeared as a man who had a good
deal at stake and regarded the situation
seriously.
The defense made many objections and
took many exceptions during the trial.
A continual ground for controversy was
whether to admit testimony as to Wal
dron's attitude toward those in the draft
or not after they had enlisted. In this
the government was mainly successful.
| THE CASE OUTLINED.
After e. E. Morgan had been drawn
the panel District Attorney Billiard
| opened the case. 1.-THE defendant is
charged with attempting to create dis
loyalty and with interfering with the
draft laws said Mr.. Billiard. THE
testimony will doubtless show that up
until a few months ago the defendant
was the fairly successful pastor of the
Baptist Church in Windsor which numer-
Gus young men between the ages of q
and 30. the draft age, attended.
ut seemed to be the vision of the pas
tor that 1t was entirely wrong for Chris
tians to fight or to take part in the war.
That the Kaiser was re-ordained to
win the war and that 1t was wrong to
KILL even a German. He circulated a
pamphlet. The Word of the Cross which
was an argument against war. The
prosecution will attempt to show that
he tried to influence the young mer
against enlisting. that it would be better
to 60 to jail for a year than to per-
form military duty. An attempt will be
made to show that the defendants acts
words. deeds. at least, had tendency
to cause disloyalty and refusal of duty
on the part Of the young men,"
r. E. Brown, of the counsel for the de.
! Tense, said that It would be shown thai
.. the defendant did not hinder recruiting
. nor the performance Of duty as he saw
II.
. THE TESTIMONY.
, The first witness was Harold Rice. 9
uy-1
, drons Bible class and who was FIRE
: quent visitor for a time at the Waldorf
, home. He testified that Waldron hat
preached the doctrine that 1t was wroni
for Christians to fight. He had heart
him make that remark in Bible class
, Rice then quoted Waldron as saying
"Of course. the boys will have to regis
, ter. but II called on they will not b
obliged to CO." Rice enlisted later an,
Waldron met him on the street. Ric
testified that, on that occasion. the min
:. lister remarked: II am sorry you en-
listed. ! hope you will not CO." Mrs
. Waldron was present at the time, the wit
4 ness stated. After that Waldron me
: Rice again. 1t was at a Holy Role
:, meeting in the town hall in Windsor
n Waldron on that occasion gave him
| pamphlet, 1.-THE Word of the Cross.
;. Rice did not ask for the booklet, 1t wa
. |
v pressed on him.
a While Rice was testifying numerou
: exceptions were taken by Mr.. Brown, VIII
objected on the grounds that the test
= mony was immaterial because the youn
: man had enlisted at the time Waldro
@ talked with him and he could not. Their,
?, fore. be accused Of trying to prevent hi
o from enlisting. The evidence stood. how
x ever. The defence then tried to discred
:. the witness on the grounds that he Wa
l. prejudiced against Waldron because of h
y peculiar religious beliefs. but this was n,
le admitted.
y Paul Brayton, another member
e Waldrons Bible class. was the next wi
It ness and his testimony was similar to tn,
'r Of Rice. He said that on June II he W;
invited to Waldrons house with the 81
81 who Is now his wife. He went there
'r seek advice as what to do about gettir
g. married with the war situation where
70 was.
:. what did he say. II anything. about e
~ listing?" asked Mr.. Billiard.
20 He said, when the draft call comes
~ not heed 1t. Let the government take 70
:, 1t will fool around with you for a ye
al or SO and by that time the war will
A over" related Brayton.
10 Brayton said further that he ask
what about our wives?" and the past
replied ''Wives should be willing to ma
" every sacrifice for their husbands"
in Brayton testified further that on O