The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-12-02

perform. The favor was in connec- ton with the highway department.
 Didn't Know Alc0rn
 He said that he did not know AL corn although he knew he ran for governor. "It would be cynical to believe that a man committed crime just because he had the opportu- nity," he said.
 Under questioning by MT. Alcorn he stated that he also had met Mayor Hayes at @ dinner of the Democratic club in West Haven two or three years ago. T did not work for Hayes during the campaign" he replied to another question.
 He said he would not feel embar- raSsed to sit as juror on the case, although he was not anxious to be juror.
 Excused By Judge
 Judge Inglis, who also was im- pressed by the frankness of the man, excused him with the statement T know you would have not intent. but by chance your acquaintance with Hayes might influence you"
 One hundred and two jurors ap- peared for questioning today, but the panel was immediately dimin- ished to 101 when Judge Inglis ex- cused Charles w. Pastordeld of New Haven at his own request.
 Challenged by State
 Forest Allen. a Prospect truck driver, was challenged by the state after brief questioning by counsel for both sides. He said that he knew Attorneys Crawford and Cassidy by sight, but had never met them. He admitted reading little about the case.
 Spectators were present in greater numbers today than they had been in any previous day since the poll ing started Tuesday. The fact that three jurors had been selected by last night might have had that eff feet.
 James Healey Challenges
 A retired silversmith, w. H. Rees of Meriden, was challenged by De- fendant James Healey, after he de- nied having read or heard anything about the case. To his knowledge, Mayor Hayes was not even defend- ant. At first he denied ever hav- ing heard of Special Prosecutor AL corn, but later his memory was re- freshed by Attorney Cassidy.
 Harry Minor Challenges
 Ebert H. Baldwin of New Haven, retired mason, was acceptable to the state, but was challenged by Defendant Harry Minor.
 He expressed no opinions con- corning the case, knew none of the accused, and had read only meagre accounts of 1t. T knew MT. Alcorn's father" he said.
 "I knew something was wrong somewhere" he commented when questioned as to his beliefs in the probe. During the questioning of Baldwin, Attorney Murray brought up a question as to the necessity of corroboration of witnesses in con- spiracy cases.
 Jurors Excused Rapidly
 Following the appearance of Kelly, two jurors were excused in rapid order by Judge Inglis. John Bazley of Colony street, Ansonia, who has just completed eight weeks of service on 8 jury in New Haven, was given leave of absence for that reason.
 James Fitzgerald of 105 Oak street, Naugatuck, explained to the court that he has high blood pres sure and he was sunmarily dis missed. Judge Inglis accounted for three of the seven dismissals today.
 Ralph s. Beach 63, of Seymour, a retired colored paper manufacturer, Beach. is personal friend of Clar- erlce Comforth, member of the grand jury of Seymour. He said he has played cards with Comforth and that he has the highest regard for his opinion.
 Grand Jury in Again An occasion of Special Prosecutor