New-York tribune., 1919-05-14
Clash Over Definitions Used
in Examination of Tales
men in the $1,OOO,OO
"Chicago Tribune Case
Jury Not Yet Complete
Twelve Men Still Subject
to Challenge and Fur
ther Venire Is Called
Special Correspot1dence

Special Correspondence
MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich, May 49,
A large part of che defence of "rhe
Chicago Tribune" sued for libel by
Henry Ford in the sum Of $1,o00,O00
rests on the definition of the word
anarchist" This subject is sure to
consume a great desl Of time and be
the cause of much heated talk by the
opposing attorneys, as was shown to-
day In Judge James G. fuckers court.
Judge Tucker has not yet announced
when he will render decision on the
Ford motion to narrow the issue to the
mere fact that Mr.. Ford was called an
anarchist by "The Tribune"
"The Tribune's" attorneys have taken
testimony on both sides of the At
lantic and have brought witnesses
from abroad, in addition to assembling
vast mass of documentary exhibits
with view to going more deeply into
the controversy. If Ford should win
this point, it would shorten the trial
by several weeks.
Reads "Anarchist' Editorial
This was made clear when Attorney
Elliott G. Stevenson made his brief
opening statement to-day and began
the examination of talesmen.
Mr.. Stevenson read in full the edi-
torial headed Ford Is an Anarchist"
on which the libel suit is based. He
declared "Thc Tribune" meant that Mr..
Ford is an anarchist in the sense that
the policy ascribed to him would be
inimical to the country.
Wlth>yehement protests by attorneys
Lucking and Murphy, of the Ford side,
Mr.. Stevenson read some general de-
iinitions of anarchist" quoted in Su-
preme Court report, including defni-
tions of the idealistic theory of phol-
osophical anarchism. He then proceed
ed to ask the prospective jurors as to
their attitude in case "The Tribune"
had used the word anarchist" in that
sense. This brought new storm of
protests from Luckng and Murphy,
put the questions were permitted by
Judge Tucker.
eve are here to prove that in the
senses used in that editorial Henry
Ford is an anarchist" declared Mr.
Stevenson.
Argue About Definition
"Io attempt to prove such con-
tention is proper, but to ask a juror
to overlook the use of the word in
case it is used in a certain sense is
not proper question:" protested Mr..
Lucking.
Judge Tucker held that it was neces-
sary to permit Mr. Stevenson to make
as complete statement as seemed
necessary of his view Of the case.
Judge Tucker denied the request Of
with "The Tribune" that it be per-
mitted to change its plea to one of
general Justification"
The judge ruled that the news COM
plany must adopt the plea Of "The
Tribune" in the case, and that he
could not allow the admission of an
entirely new plea at this late hour.
Another big legal argument looms
over the question Of the limits of the
testimony. The Ford attorneys have
served a trial brief on 1.-THE Tribune"
attorneys, which sets forth the claim
that the case should be restricted to
charge of libel
The plan of campaign Of "The
Tribune" lawyers is on broader lines,
for their scheme of defence involves
an explanation Of the whole situation
in this country which brought forth
the editorial on which the suit is based.
The intention of the Ford side to
simplify the issue as much as possible
was shown plainly in the first eSamina-
tion of prospective jurors by Attorney
Murphy. He made lucid statement
OF the issue, based on the anarchist"
editorial. His examination always in
cluded the question, "Are you an an
archist? ?"