The Washington times., 1922-06-14
RALPH WARD IS
FACING PRISON
FOR 0BsI!NACY
State Plans to Push Him for
contempt Unless He Talks
. at Staying Quiz. "
BY Universal Service.


WHITE PLAINS, N. Y. June II.
-Incensed at the obstinate refusal
Of Ralph Ward, brother of Walter
8. Ward, the millionaire slayer OF
Clarence Peters, sailor. to reply 70
his questions before the Westches-
ter grand jury yesterday, District
Attorney Weeks will call dpon JUS
tice Morschauser to commit the
witness to Jail for contempt unless
he breaks his silence when recalled
to the stand today.
Plainly upset by his experience
with the prosecutor, Ralph Ward
walked out of the jury room and
escaped reporters by taking a se-
cret stairway in the rear Of the
'."
1t was learned that the questions
put to the brother Of Peters slayer
related to conversations with his
father and the defendant, but the
exact nature Of the interrogations
was not divulged. 1t is understood
that the witness refused to answer
on advice Of counsel. but II was not
ascertained on what grounds.
Weeks to Testify.
It is known that Weeks will ap-
pear before the court today with
certified copy of the testimony Of
Walter Ward and that he viii then
demand that Ralph Ward answer
all questions put to him. II he
should still refuse. his immediate
commitment to the county jail will
be asked for.
Walter Wards brother was before
the grand jury only five minutes.
when Weeks denied an answer to
his every question.
He abruptly stopped the examina-
fore Justice Morschauser for con-
ference. The prosecutor, 1t In
stated, did not mince words in
voicing his displeasure over the at
titude Of Ralph Ward on the stand
and Wards reported sharp re.
marks 10 the prosecutor in the
course of the futile examination.
Despite Ralph Wards silence and
the grand jury inquiry made con-
siderable headway yesterday, for
other witnesses were heard. Sheriff
Werner was the most important.
For one hour and fifty minutes the
inquisitors listened closely to the
sherifrs recital OF the facts sur
rounding the defendants confes-
sion.
r. Asked to Give Details.
Werner. it was reported, was ask
ed to give minute details as to the
persons present when the Ward con-
fession was landed to him and the
circumstances under which Walter
Ward was surrendered. 1t Is a mat
ter of record that the confession was
delivered to the sheriff by Allan r.
Campbell, Wards attorney, and That
the slayer then concurred in all
statements made by his lawyers.
Sheriff Werner will probably be
recalled day, following the prosecu.
tors second attempt to make Ralph
Ward talk.
Miss Irma Zeieler, who was a maid
in the Ward home at New Rochelle,
told the grand jury that she left
her place two days after the shoot
ing Of Clarence Peters and before
Ward gave himself up. She was
asked to tell Of any scraps of sig
nificant conversation that she might
have overheard. but whether or not
her testimony was important could
not be learned.
Raymond Hill. fingerprint expert.
told OF examining the automobile
Ward said he used on the night Of
the killing in search for finger
prints. Hill will be one Of the states
principal witnesses II Ward is
brought to trial on a first degree
murder indictment.
George w. Sutton. one Of the
Ward neighbors At New Rochelle,
swore that he was certain Walter
Ward was not at the famous Ward
poker party on the night of May Is.
the day before the shooting, nor at
the house from 1918 .. m. to l a. m.
He said there was no disturbance
at the Ward home while he was
there.
Father Is Silent.
George Ward. father Of Walter
Ward. found at williamsport, Pa,
by newspaper men. refused today to
say whether he will return to New
York State. Mr.. Ward, who Is Mt
williamsport In q suit brought by
the Ward Baking Company, OF which
he is the head, refused 10 discuss
his sons case. District Attorney
Weeks is very anxious to obtain q
statement from the senior Ward, and
Il is understood that an official re-
quest has been made TO counsel Tor
Walter. Ward to produce the slayer's
father. -
In connection with the discovery
that a daring attempt had been made
to tap telephone wires leading to the
offices of the prosecutor and the
sheriff Of the county, the authorities
are seeking evidence to support a re.
port that the wires were tapped
by operatives Of a private detective
agency employed by the defense. Re
porters have complained to the tele-
phone company that whenever they
talk to their offices mysterious par
ties listen In on the conversation.
May Last Until July.
The grand jury inquiry may con-
tinue on into July, II is reported, In
order that all Of the inside facts re.
lating to the tragedy may be pre-.
sented before the Investigators vote
on the question Of an Indictment
against the wealthy young defen.
dant.
District Attorney Weeks does not