The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1921-03-03
Two Criminals Brought 10 Just1ee
Martin Acquitted

Additional details of the mock trial
held at st. Adams for the European
Relief fund are as follows.
| The famous case against Hanson,
Bigelow and Martin for abduction and
robbery was continued in Shakerag
County Court, Saturday evening, Feb.
10. One of the jurymen, who left
the court room without being excused
at the beginning of the trial was ar
/ rested, but allowed to return to his
seal. after being sentenced to the
Old Ladies Home for one year. Att.
Mills presented the case for the de-
Tense in very able and pleasing man
ner. He paid high tribute to his op-
ponent, Att. Merrill, and compliment
ed the witnesses for the prosecution,
as the ablest set of liars, 1t had ever
been his pleasure to listen to. In
continuing, he said that the defense
could prove without a doubt that Han
son and Martin were not near the
scene of the crime on Feb. 8, and that
Blgelow had been called into the P.
o. by cries for help. He intimated
that two very important witnesses for
the prosecution might be the guilty
parties. Att. Mills entire remarks
were interspread with bits of humor
and sarcasm, and the applause which
he received Is proof conclusive of its
superiority. U. S. District Att W. o.
Hilton, who had just arrived from
| Washington, d. c. made quite a stir.
as he Unexpectedly entered the court
! room, in his breezy manner He as
tntr
new evidence against Hanson and
Bigelow. Prisoner Hanson was the
first witness for the defense. He SEEM
ed to be in very feeble condition,
and 1t was necessary to administer
drugs twice during his testimony
He explained his whereabouts on that
eventful night, Feb. 8. A poker game
had been planned at c. A. Batchelder's
office. He claimed that five promin-
ent men met there, among whom
were Mr.. Batchelder and hiself. At
the first of the evening the other
gentlemen became thirsty, SO he was
detailed to procure a little cider. He
bought 2 gallons at near by house.
but emphasized strongly that 1t was
simply apple juice. pressed out that
night. The second prisoner, A P.
Bigelow told of being called into the
post office by cries for help, but was
oyerpowered by two short, stout men
and so was unable to rescue the post
mistress. A check and receipted bill1
were produced, which he claimed had
been used in payment for the II cent
tobacco bill to Mr.. Green who while
witnessing for the prosecution, had
stated that this bill had been paid
by Bigelow, with the famous post Of
fee one dollar bill. w. H. Martin,
the last of the trio testified to coming
into town that evening with his wife
and Nellie Martin, whom he left at
a party. He then went to the home
of Mrs. Mabel Bigelow, and took her
to Hartland to the Pictures. Sally
Jones, who gave her age AZ, occupa-
ton, dishwasher bore evidence of be-
ing a tough character, and her own
testimony substantiated appearances.
1t seemed that she and Gloss were
pretty good pals" and he had asked
her to go to Batchelder's office on
that evening to clean up little, and
serve the cider to the gentlmeen, while
card playing. She drank the cider
(apple juice) which was left, about
gallon, and according to her story
was feeling pretty good. She went
up to the post office about $3.50 and
there. On cross examination, she
stated that the streets were deserted
at that hour. Throughout her entire
testimony, she was vigorously chew
ing gum Ariminta Jane Living
stone, an old lady 81 was at this party
at Longley's and claimed to have seen
Martin and Bigelow there, also the
postmistress. who seemed to be In her
usual good spirits. Mrs. Livingstone
on being cross examined became ra-
Their pointed in her remark to At. Mer-
rill, who intimated that her mind
might be somewhat impaired. Mr..
C. A. Batchelder in very easy man
ner testified as to the yeracity OF
Hanson's statment In regard to the
poker party at his office February 8.
He also stated that one Merrill Moore
owed him Is cents borrowed on a note,
and interest amounting to 2 cents.
This II cents he had paid the day fol-
lowing the robbery. Dana Worthen,
a horse realer was In Jackman at the
time of this crime. While there he en-
countrered Detective Martin, VINO
seemed to have imbibed enough re-
freshments to be In an added state
of mind taking Worthen for Hanson,
he insisted upon arresting him, ana
bringing him to st. Adams. Nellie
Martin who also attended this Long
lev party had assisted in getting Mr..
Bigelow out of the way, so that Mr..
M. H. Martin might take Mrs. Bigelow
To the Pictures. She met Bigelow
near the post Office and saw the team,
containing two men and the postmis-
tress. drive away She and Bigelow
went on to the party. Mrs. Mabel
Bigelow testified as to going to the
with Mr.. M. II. Martin.
District Att. Hilton referred to Mrs.
elc nd o q re-