The Chattanooga news. [volume] (Chattanooga, Tenn.) 1891-1939, 1918-03-15
MRS. HIRSCH'S DEFENSE
BECOMES AGGRESSIVE
Trial of Woman Charged With
Attemptto Blackmail Mayor
Gambler Continues.


Atlanta Ga, March 15.-Mrs. Mar
earet A. Hirsch, charged with at
tempted blackmaI of Mayor Asa lG
Gambler, this morning took the stand
in her own behalf Before starting
her statement, the courtroom was
cleared of spectators at her request.
Newspaper representatives were ex-
eluded.
The defense was permitted to make
n statement as to what they expected
to prove. Attorney J. r. Bedgood de-
clared they would show no conspiracy
of any sort was laid between Mrs.
Hirsch and Cook, but on the contrary
the woman was made the victim OIL
threats by Cook to reveal to her hus-
band the details of what he saw in
Mayor Candlers office. He said they
expected to prove MIR. Gambler was
strongly attracted to Mrs. Hirsch and
used his wealth and prominence to
persuade her to come to his office and
submit to his advances.
Began Sobbing Aloud
He said that when Cook uneXpect-
tdly arrived at Mayor Gamblers office
and caught Mrs. Hirsch and Mayor
Gambler in a compromising relation,
Mayor Gambler walked with Mrs.
Hirsch to the elevator after Cook had
left and requested her to call him on
the telephone in few minutes and
when she did call Forrest Adair was
put on the wire. He said Mr.. Adalr
induced her to bring up the subject
OF money and induced her to name
stipulated sum, and that she named
this sum as a consideration which she
fal dtIn
that she was to be forced to leave the
city. He said Mr.. Adair first at
tempted to persuade her to accept $3.50
q month.
Mrs. Hirsch began to cry, and as
Attorney Bedgood elaborated his state
lnent she sobbed Aloud.
When Mrs. Hirsch took the stand she
was pale, nervous and red from cry
ing.
Mrs. Hirsch, you will make your
statement in your own words without J
being questioned" said Judge Hill.
Courtroom Cleared.
Looking up at the judge, Mrs. Hirsch
asked:
all these people,"
DO YOU wish to have the courtroom !
clcared?' asked the Judge.
Yes | would very much prefer it, |
your honor"
Thereupon Judge Hin ordered the |
courtroom cleared of all spectators. !
The crowd filed out with extreme dis
appointment written on their faces.
Mrs. Hirsch asked Judge Hill if he
would not also exclude the represen
tatives of the press.
THE ladies and gentlemen OF the
fourth estate will please retire" said
Judge Hill, and their departure was
marked by similar signs of disappoint-
ment
Atlanta, Ca, March 15.-lndica cations
pointed TO an aggressive fight in the
defense Of Mrs. Margaret A. Hirsch
when the second day Of her trial on
charge Of attempting to blaekmaiI
Mayor Asa G. Gambler began in Fulton
superior court today. The state rested
it's case late yesterday.
The defense had subpocnaed about |
twenty witnesses, and Judge Richard
b. Russell. formerly Of the state court
of appeals. indicated in Cross-eXamina-
ton of witnesses for the prosecution in
the first day of the trial that he in
tended to press the case of his client !
vigorously.
II was indicated, however, that tho ! ]
hearing would be conducted with as !
little delay as possible, and il was be I
leved that the case would reach the Q
jury before the end of the day.
Largely Repetition.
The testimony of the state witnesses C
yesterday was largely a repetition of f
that given when J. w. Cook. with v
whom Mrs. Hirsch was indicted jointly, d
was convicted and sentenced to serve II
two years at hard labor and pay fine
Of $1,000. Mayor Gambler related In d
detail the visit of Mrs. Hirsch to his d
Office early in February. when Cook a
entered: the mayors subsequent con- r
fercnces with friends and his decision d
to take the matter to the grand jury. "
After the recess II became apparent q
the defense had decided 10 introduce o
other witnesses, for after Mrs. Hirsch n
was permitted to 20 back on the stand n
Mrs. Myria Cook, mother OF J. ". r,
Cook. was introduced.
Mrs Hirsch testified that after the {
affair in Mayor Gamblers Office on Feb. y
she had no understanding with Cook
n regard to any demand for money.
she said IL was not she who demanded
money. but Forrest Adair who pro-
POSED 20 pay her money.
Mrs. Cook was personally acquainted
With the defendant. she testified. She n.
aid Mrs. Hirsch had visited her home i,
m several occasions and when Mrs : a.
Iirsch was a patient ~ sanitarium N
ne sent her fruit and flowers bv her re
on. she said Mr. and Mrs Hirsch =
ad visited her home together several re-
Ines. Of
Cross-cvsmined by Attorney Arnold
Irs- Cook stated that Mrs. Ifirsch was ar
Introduced 10 her ly Cook az "a hotel ~
ere. while Mrs Hir~rh was conduct | 81
~ th. rafle OF an automobile for the IN
eneiit Of the Red Cross. She said she 10,