Martinsburg W Va evening journal. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1913-1920, 1920-04-06
WHITE SLAVE CASE
IS STARTED TODAY
IN FEDERL COURT
Arthur castillo And Charles
Spatafore On Trial.

1t was nearly noon today before
the trial of the case of the Govern
ment against Arthur castillo and
Charles SpatafOre, charged with
transporting Alberta Mason from
Glassport, Pa. to Farmont, and
Glarksburg for immoral purposes,
was started in federal court. Attor-
ney c. NJ. Hanna, OF Parkersburg,
representing the defendants, asked
for a continuance on the grounds
that Judge Reeves Blizzard, also of
Parkersburg, chief counsel for the
accused, was confined to his home
with sickness; that he was not pre-
pared to proceed with the trial, and
that the mother of Alberta Mason,
whom he wanted to contradict GER
tain statements made by the girl,
was sick at her home in Pitts
burgh. He filed several affidavits in
support of his contention.
Colonel Walker, for the Govern
ment, stoutly resisted the motion,
saying that while he entertained a
high regard for Judge Blizzard, 1t
was almost invariably true that in
Judge was interested he was i'll
when the time for trial came. He
said at the instance of the defend
ants, when the case was called at
Parkershurg, a continuance was Sc
cured and the trial set for this date
in this city; that the Government
was ready for trial, and he would
insist upon going to trial becaus>
Attorney Hanna was we'll able II
try the case and see that the de
PENDANTS interests were protected.
Judge Dayton in passing on the
question stated he was sorry JudgA
Blizzard was i'll as he had known
him Intimately for several years and
there was strong friendship be-
tween them; that the defendants
knew the case would be tried in
this city at this time. and as one
OF the attorneys for the defendants
was present he could not grant
continuance. and, therefore, it must
proceed
During the arguments the jurors
were excused, but were recalled
after the court had handed down an
opinion.
1t is alleged by the Government
that the two defendants transported
Alberta Mason from Pennsylvania
to West Virginia for immoral pur-
poses, and abandoned her at the
Gore Hotel in Clayksburg. After the
Government had taken charge OF
the case the girl was detained and
refused bail. preferring to remain
in the Marion county jail at Fair
mont.
1t was reported several days ago
that an effort was made to secure
marriage license for Arthur CASH.
10 and the girl. but United States
Marshal Ned" Smith prevented
The marriage. castillo was able 20
furnish bond, but Spatafore WAS
compelled to remain in Jail. He
was brought here last night from
Fairmont and placed in the local
Jail.
The jury selected is composed Of
James w. Carskadon, Luther !,
Michael. James Hopper, Harry c.
Winshipp. William II. LcLcvre,
Kenneth Rexroad, Thomas B. Frye,
Robert T. Powell, George II. Shroade
James NJ. Harold, John W. Riley
and Joseph i. Porterfleld.
Harry II. Byrer, assistant district
attorney. stated to the jury the
Governments contention, but Mr..
Hanna refused to make any state
ments relative 20 the defendants
position
A large number Of witnesses have
been summoned, many coming from
harrisburg. Fairmont and other
places in that section.
As few jurors Rad been oXeus-
cd and others did not report. JUDGE
Dayton requested that others be
summoned 80 there would he no de-
lays.
Following III: trial, which will
probably not be finished before late
tomorrow or Thursday morning, tho
case OF the Government against Har
ri Rohrback, charged with con
,.fre..- 10 vraotod fO no pa11aI