New Britain herald., 1918-09-14
DAVENPORT TRIAL
 IN POLICE COURT
Called a Brute and Told Kaiser
 Has Nothing on Him

After the hearing of testimony in the case of Clifton E. Davenport, charged with assaulting Douglas and William Sheldon, each about eight years old, Davenport was let go on a suspension of judgment today. Judge John H. Kirkham was on the bench. Attorney P. F. McDonough legged assault took place a week ago today Douglas, the older boy. said that he was in company with other boys who had knocked apples from a tree in Davenport's yard. Daven- port corralled four and marched them to the house and locked them up. He held them awhile and then sent them home. Douglas said MT. Davenport grabbed him by the shoul- der, pulled his hair and kicked him. His shirt was torn. Attorney Me- Donough questioned the boy in ds~ tail and when Prosecutor Klett offer ed an objection MT. McDonough re- marked that the prosecutor was lover zealous." "I'm not replied MT. Klett objected to the use of that term. friends, aren't you?" asked MT. Me- Donough. "Yes, so far as I know" answered MT. Klett. The boy told Mr. McDonough he was struck only once. The witness said no one told him to say he was struck more than once. MT. McDonough remarked about the boy being coached and MT. Klett objected to the use of that erm. Counsel for the defense withdrew the remark, and said the prosecutor was "too sensitive"
 Douglas admitted that he did notm tell the truth when he said he was punched more than once. He was questioned several times on the Joint and Prosecutor Klett objected to the counsel "badgering" the witness MT. McDonough retorted that if he was as sensitive as the prosecutor he would object to the use of the term "badgering."
 Little William Sheldon said that he was held in pantry for two hours and then sent home. Capt. Grace testified that on Monday he saw scratches about the boys shoulder and a bruise on his breast. Mrs. Sheldon said that on Sunday she went, to Davenport's and asked him if he was "the man or would be man who struck the children?" MT. Davenport replied: "If you want to know, I am the man." "~
 Attorney McDonough quizzed the witness about the full conversation and brought out that Mrs. Sheldon said: Talk about the Kaiser. If he has anything on you I'd like to know it. If there is any law in New Bri- tain I'll have it on you, you brute." Mrs. Sheldon denied that she chs deavored to force a financial settle+ ment.
 Tn defense Davenport said that there was a gang of 30 boys in the orchard and he caught four. He marched them to the house for the purpose of questioning them regard- ing the leaders. Davenport said the boys told him their mothers told them to steal fruit and vegetables. He said he remarked to the boys that if thsy were not so small he would have them arrested. He said that when Douglas tried to run away he grabbed. him otherwise he did ot touch the boy.
 Mrs Davenport gave corrobora@ tive testimony.
 The adjourned case of M. D. Far4 Der, charged With not haVlnS dE2F%l6s fire escapes on FoX's theater, was scheduled for today Late last night Attorney Katz called up and wanted a continuance. Prosecutor Klett said that it was well understood when the case was first called that the case was to be tried today. Attorney Katz claimed he had some agCyer17y ment work to do but Prosecutor Nett said he could not pin the attorney down to 8 statement on the nature of the work. He objected to counsel for the defense playing fast and loose" with the court. The trial was about to begin when MT. Farber asked for adjournment and the case went over to Tuesday.
 The adjourned case of Mrs. Annie Gustafson, charged with breach of the peace, was tried. It is a neigh- borhood row that has been going on some time. Mrs. Gustafson is now on probation. Judge Kirkham in Miss Beal to investigate and make a recommendation and the case was continued
 Mary Stucko, who attempted sui- eide by taking carbonc acid a feT days ago, was tried in chambers for theft of a scarf. She said she took it out of meanness, because a girl had "knOcked" her. Mary was placed on probation.