The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-12-13

"3ut that was general question, ' pressed the attorney, "Now I ask you specifically"
 Nor Any Other Church
 Tt would not-nor any other church" was the ready reply.
 Then you would have no sym pathy for any organization purport- ing to minimize the activities or in- f1uence of any class in public affairs or government because of racial or religious consideration" was the next question.
 "No sympathy whatsoever" was the reply.
 The yenireman said that he had an open mind on the subject. Special but the defense challenged.
 Religion Again
 Further reference to religious classif1cations was made during the questioning of Emerson Seldom Clark of Guilford, a poultry farmer, with an amazing accuracy for dates.
 DO you belong to any organiza- tion that has as its purpose the an- tagonism of any class or religion?' he was asked by Attorney Benjamin Slade, at the conclusion of lengthy period of questioning.
 "No" was the reply, but he was challenged by the defense, when the state refused to question him.
 His Good Partner .,.1- I Guilford August l, 1922, and that at present he is being assisted in his chicken raising by his good partner. He explained that his good partner is his wife"
 He has been farming since August 1, 1881, and from August l, 1921, to that date, he was Junior Voca- tional Agriculture Instructor, for the government. He studied at Con- necticut State College.
 Many questions asked by Attor- ney Slade were answered with a bright but laconic, Fight. The venireman grinned continuously as he was queried.
 Doesn't Believe In Newspapers
 q do not believe in newspapers" !" was his comment. He said he only read one weekly paper, and with apologies to the court, stated that his only interest was in foreign and diplomatic relations. He said that his business of trap nesting" ties him up 365 days a yearIa nd that he "has even done 1t on crutches," but he would be willing to serve on the jury because 1t would be educational. He said that he had no interest in local news, and was only sur prised" when he read that a state official was in trouble. He said that he read none of the grand jury's report.
 Comes More Religion
 More religion was injected into the proceedings with the question ing of Anthony Ifkovic, 3rd, of Branford. Only 27 years of age, he testified that he Is pattern maker, and that he has read a little about the probe, but formed no opinion.
 Special Prosecutor Alcorn asked him few superficial questions and then resigned the questioning to At torney John H. Cassidy.
 Starting out, Attorney Cassidy questioned the man concerning his family, and learned that his mother is deceased.
 'What church do you go to?" he suddenly shot out.
 "St. Mary's Roman Catholic" was the reply.
 That's All, Said Both '"That's all," said Cassidy as he walked back to the council table. Before he had moved few feet, Special Prosecutor Alcorn said, "Ex- cused by the State." The court excused Charles La- rom, 82, of New Haven. who was excused by the court after testify ing that he would expect the de- fendants to prove themselves mno- cent.
 No Ku Kluxer
 Attorney James D. c. Murray asked the elderly Larom if he had ever been a member of the Ku Klux Klan. "No," replied the venireman. "D!d any of your friends ever belong to the organization" he was asked.
 The venireman answered in the negative.
 Larom said that he had served on juries in New Haven and that he had lived in that city since '85. A former manager of g grocery store, he has been retired for the past 12 years.
 Heard Remarks
 Under continued questioning by Attorney Murray. he said that he mad heard remarks about the case while awaiting call from the third floor of the court hous. When At ,orney Murray sought an explana- ion of the nature of these remarks, the elderly venireman said that They were too short to remember" Asked if he had discussed the ;ase, he replied in the negative, T was too busy with ny own troubles to discuss the ,ase."
 Considerable argument concern