New Britain herald., 1926-12-01

versy. They expect a speedy ac- quittal in the present case for the murdering of Mrs. Eleanor R. Mills. Simpson indicated that in case a mistrial was granted. he would at once start machinery moving for a new trial on charges of killing the Rev. Edward w. Hall, whose body was found with that of Mrs. Mills.
 An affidavit was read from the housekeeper at the hotel where the jurors are lodging, and the courts attention was directed to a letter written by Gilbert Van Doren. pro- prietor of the hotel.
 The housekeeper's affidavit said that some members of the jury had used the telephone and received callers. Simpson announced that Van Doren, who signed a letter sent to the court Monday, was in the courtroom. but was sick and did not feel able at the moment to take the witness stand to support charges made in his letter, portion Of the jury was hostile to the states rep resentatives in the case, Justice Parker suggested that an affidavit be gotten from Van Doren. Simpson, in repeating charges made by Van Doren. said that a personal reference was made to him, Van Doren quoting one of the jur- ors as applying an epithet to him. After apologizing to the court the special prosecutor said that the epi- thet was an obscene and unprintable expression.
 The letter. the states lawyer said, indicated that some of the jurors ! had declined to believe the testi- mony of the states star witness. Mrs. Jane Gibson.
 At the end of the morning ses- sion the defense had completed it's case, the jury was taken out and Simpson read the affidavit by Van Doren.
 It recited that from talks made in Van Doren's presence to and with members of the jury. the affiant was convinced that the jury had formed an opinion before the states evil dence was presented,
 As early as the second day of the trial, the affidavit stated. Juror John Young had said Simpson was a liar. The prosecutor read into the record from the affidavit the unprintable terms with which Van Doren alleged the juror had de- scribed Simpson.
 It was also alleged that Young said he could not believe a word Simpson said.
 Van Doren said he argued with Young and with Longanetto, one of the constables assigned to guard the jury, both of whom. the affidavit alleges. had called Mrs. Jane Gib- son a liar and a name, which Simpson read into the record.
 Van Doren said he argued with them and asked if they had ever done business with Mrs. Gibson; that he had and had always found her honest and truthful.
 The affidavit also alleged that Jurors Roach and Hope with Young had declared they would Show Hudson county that it could not come down here and run things"
 Simpson is from Hudson county, the stronghold of the democratic party in New Jersey, and Jersey City police, from the same county, carried on most of the investigation.
 On the day which Mrs. Gibson testified, Van Doren alleged one of the jurors was bragging about the good times they were having and the good meals they were receiv- ing, and on being advised by Van Doren to wait until they were locked up for a verdict before boasting too much of good times, replied. "Oh. hell, we won't be out twenty min utes."
 At the conclusion of the reading of the affidavit, Justice Parker sug- gested that pending decision on a. motion for a mlstrial, counsel on both sides should indicate how much time would be required for summing up,
 McCarter said both he and Case would speak for the defense and that he thought he could finish this afternoon. Case said he would try to finish his side in two hours.