The Dawson news. (Dawson, Ga.) 1889-current, 1918-02-26
Is FEASTINC
ON BLACKMAIL CASE
BOTH SIDES PROMISE sENsA-
TIONAL DISCLOSURES. INTER
EST IN EVERY FEATURE.

ATLANTA, Ga.-Atlanta has new
er had case that seemed to promise
more in sensational interest than that
of Mrs. Herman H. Hirsch and ]. w.
Cook, indicted jointly for an alleged
attempt to blackmail Mayor Asa G.
Gambler, and who will be tried on
Wednesday, Feb. 81.
1t has been the one subject Of dis
cussion since it came to the front
the other day as the direct result of
Mr.. Gamblers going before the grand
jury and asking the indictment of
the two parties.
Interest in the case now centers
in certain yelled statements which
have been made by both sides, to the
effect that there would be some SEN
sational disclosures when the case
comes to trial. Both have intimated
that they have some very interesting
things to spring on that occasion, and
naturally everyone is specializing and
wondering what they are.
Attorneys James & Bedgood, en-
gagged by Cook, are also representing
Mrs. Hirsch, though her husband has
stated he would employ for her any
attorneys she desired to represent
her. She has not, so far, taken ad-
vantage of this proposal, nor of that
to procure her release on bond, which
has likewise been offered.
Prominent in Church Work.
Mr.. Hirsch, who is a well-known
| and highly respected business man.
and who was in Pittsburg at the time
of his wife's arrest, has declined tc
make any statement regarding the
case, other than to let it be known
that he stood ready to provide his
wife with counsel and to make bond
for her, if she would accept it.
Mrs. Hirsch has broken down since
the return Of her husband and wept
a great deal. Prior to that she was
calm and collected, stating she would
neither attempt to make bond nor to
! secure counsel, but would tell her
own story in court, at the proper
time, confident of its reception and
public belief. What her story is
there has been no intimation. She
was prominent in church circles and
active in war relief work.
Cook, who has long been engaged
in the real estate business here and.
was known as Handsome Bill" de-
clares he was trail hitter" at the
recent Billy Sunday services, and has
said although he used to be round
err" he had turned over a new leaf
Verbal blackmail with which the
defendants are charged is only a mis-
demeanor, though punishment may
include both fine and sentence to jail
or changing, in the discretion of
the court.
Mr.. Hirsch's friends among the in
surance fraternity are standing
strongly by him, and have offered
any assistance he may desire.
Seats at a Premium.
Seats will be at a premium during
the trial. Court officials and even
Judge Ben Hill, who is to try the
case, stated today that they had been
beseiged by many persons both wo-
men and men, seeking reserved seats
in the criminal court room for the
trial. But, according to Judge Hill,
there will be no reserved seats, nor
will he allow the court room 70 be
crowded. Every seat may be filed.
he said, but it will be a case Of first
come, first served" and when all the
seats are occupied the doors viii be
closed to any others seeking admis-
sion.
he has been engaged in farming near
men, stated Judge Hill, and the trial
will be conducted just as any or
binary misdemeanor trial.