New Britain herald. [microfilm reel] (New Britain, Conn.) 1890-1976, 1925-12-02
States Attorney Sur
pyiced AT Summons
And Replies He Can
not Recall To Some
Questions.
Chapman Himself Testifes
That He Never Received
Warning His Status as
Prisoner Was to Be
Changed.

State Prison, Dec. .. (AP) -
Gerald Chapman. fighting for his life
against the desire OF the state OF
Connecticut to hang him for murder.
took the witness stand before
Federal Judge Thomas this noon and
sWore that he had had no warning
Of his transfer from Atlanta prison.
nor Of the states action In securing
from President Coolidge a commuta-
ton of federal sentence for mail
robbery.
Chapman was a witness but a few
minutes and was not cross ss-examined
by States Attorney Alcorn who
prosecuted him for murder and who
secured from the federal government
the assistance which placed him un-
der the jurisdiction of the state,
which claim OF jurisdiction figures in
the present proceedings.
Alcorn Ignores Prisoner
Chapman spoke in low voice in
answer to questions from his senior
counsel, Mr.. Groehl, and his pale
cheeks became slightly flushed as he
took the oath. After answering oues-
tions he briskly left the stand but
was Interrupted by Mr.. Groehl who
suggested that Mr.. Alcorn might like
to question him. AT that time Chap
man stood across the counsel table
and almost facing Mr.. Alcorn who
waived him aside, not wishing to
cross examine.
Chapman said ooh" and sat
down.
The state offered two witnesses
and then Judge Thomas indicated Il
Willingness to give Chapman's coun-
sci As hours in which to prepare y
brief to incorporate into it the main
points in a brief prepared last
summer.
Judge Thomas remarked In con-
neCton with 1t: 1T would seem thar
with four lawyers you should be
ready today with the main brief. All
OF you have known since November
lS, as to the matter which was com.
ing up for consideration.
Court then recessed until after
noon.
AlCorn Also Witness
States Attorney Alcorn who Sc
cured from Attorney General Sar-
gent the document which, upon sig
nature by President Calvin Coolidge.
ended Gerald Chapman's sentence as
a mail robbcr, was a witness in the
writ Of habeas corpus proceedings
brought by Chapman's counsel today
before Federal Judge Thomas.
Mr.. AlCOrn was examined by Law
yer Groehl, and there were flashes
of anger shown in the exchanges OF
questions and answers. One when
Mr.. Alcorn was describing his ap-
plication to Attorney General Sar-
gent at Washington for a commuta-
tion of Chapman's sentence, Mr..
Grochl said Remember, you are
dealing with mans life now"
Mr.. Alcorn had also referred TO
the coming here of Chapman from
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