The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-12-01

During that period, Attorney George Crawford of New Haven argued at length for a challenge for cause claiming that Beers had a fixed opinion, which would require the presentation of evidence to elitn- mate.
 Judge Inglis declined to excuse Beers for cause, commenting that although Beers had an opinion, 1t could be eradieated, and therefore was not basis of disqualification. Crawford contended that the ac- cused was entitled to have juror which twas starting from scratch. '' He argued that "the fact 8 man says I've got an opinion but I can overcome it, does not meet the sit- uation."
 Beers Admits Opinion
 Beers, who spoke in a very dry voice, admitted that he had formed an opinion in the case, which would require some evidence to remove. He said that he had once heard a church sermon in which the Water bury officials involved in the scandal were highly criticized.
 Judge Inglis said that he believed he was in agreement with Crawford on the question of what constituted good basis for excuse for cause. Crawford said he wanted to clear the situation, as 1t appeared to him that the rulings on excuses for cause had not been on the basis for which he argued.
 John Crary Challenges
 When Judge 1nglis refused to ex- cuse Beers for cause, he vas cfal- lenged by Defendant John Crary, and exception was taken to the re- fusal of the cause motion.
 A furry of laughter pervaded the courtroom when in answer to At torney Crawford's question about notion" in the case, Beers retorted with a solemn face, "Well, the only notions know anything about is those find in the five and ten cent store, like dry goods"
 Attorney Murray Takes Hold
 Attorney Crawford gave up ques- tioning at this point of affairs. At- tofhey Murray then took up the questioning and caused Beers to give conflicting opinions on the subject whether he would hold to his opin- ion in the juryroom, even if the other II jurors were against him.
 In answer to Attorney Murray's questioning in this connection he said that he would yield. When iIr. Alcorn questioned him he said that he would not yield.
 The state used five challenges, the defense used five and the court ex- cused three yesterday, thereby eliIn- mating the 13 who were questioned.
 23 Were Examined
 Until the close of yesterdays court day total of B prospective jurors had been examined (including 10 Tuesday,. and only one was &C., cepted. The other 22 were eliminat- ed: by nine defense challenges; eight state challenges and five court excuses.
 At the close of the court day yes- terday, the defense had l67 chal- lenges remaining, the state 168; and the court an unlimited amount.
 Beginning at the 2 o'clock session yesterday, Herbert H. Hickman, Er, of Ansonia, g retired foreman of the American Brass company, was the first venireInan called. Questioned by Attorney Slade he admitted reading "only the headlines" of newspaper stories
 Judge Excused Him
 The judge excused him for cause after he stated that if he were alone in his decision on a verdict, as against Il other jurors, he would follow the crowd"
 The state challenged Walter H. Garrigus of Wolcott, a farmer-for- mer tax ,llector and plumber. AL though he admitted reading the newspapers concerning the expose, he stated that he does not take much stock in newspaper stories" !"
 Attorney Cassidy HumOrots
 Attorney Cassidy drew laugh, when 2 question of q charge tp tEe jury arose during the questioning of Garfigus. i've never charged a jury, but have charged clients" he commented. And so have several others" rejoiled Special Prosecutor Alcorn meaningly.
 A 04-year- -oid negro, who had all the appearances of being about 30 years old was Charles H. Barclay of New Haven. He was challenged by the state.
 Interesting Prospect
 One of the most interesting of the jurors to be examined since the start of the polling was silver r-haired James Bird, ST., of Naugatuck, who said that he "felt good for an old fellow of almost TO-" Inclined to be talkative, and possessive of a very likeable personality, and a mellow voice, he told all present that he is the father of nine children and grandfather of "A. ",This Is my i,rst visit to a courthouse" he said. He was challenged by Defendant Thom- as A. 6hanahatl. Special Prosecutor Alcorn did not question him.
 WalIingford Woman Examined
 Leonia N. Kesvers of Walllngford was excused by the state at the conclusion of yesterdays hearing. She described herself az one "who has her own opinion and convic. tions." She said she would not stir- render 6 conclusion even in six months of argument.
 Active in politics six years ago, she said she remembered Special Prose- cutor Alcorn's candidacy for gov- ernor. A little sheepishly, she re- piled to question, that she did not support Alcofh politically.
 AlcOrn Acquainted
 Apparently Special Prosecutor AL corn Is acquainted with members of her late husbands family, for which she said she was the widow of the late John Keevers, formerly of Windsor Looks, Mf, Alcort asked f he had hsesa 6 relative Of Ben Keev- ers. The juror replied, "yes, ( brother"