The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-08-02

tuEney Crawford charged Alcorn with bringing conspiracy chargs against the accused merely because Of It's front page value" and the lease to get convictions"
 Addressing the jury he said, ges- ticulating slightly, If you believe two or more conspiracies are proven ln this case--which we do not con- cede, nor will we concede - you must find against the state of Con- necticut, who summoned you here and who had a part in your place. ment in the jury box"
 Questions Ability
 He openly questioned the jury as to their ability to identify each of the l9 men on trial as to their as- sociation in the case. He questioned their ability to accurately reach a verdict from the masses of evidence and two and one half million words" of the evidence which are contained in the record.
 Seeks Severe Penalty
 Crawford accused Alcorn of seek ing a more severe penalty for the &C., cused than the law provides for that for which he denounces them.
 Loudly proclaiming that the &C., cused are not on trial for destroying records, accepting graft, stealing money or corresponding budget ap- propriations, Crawford shouted, Tn spite of what has been played up and distorted--and the isolated in- cidents of the day and one half of arguments thus far--if there is sloughed out all the insinuations, suspicious and guesswork, and what nots, there will be nothing left but q fantastic theory"
 As he cited various sections of law, aside from the conspiracy law, he mentioned the embezlement statute.
 "Why don't you read the pen9ty?" asked Alcorn, sr., in a low tope of voice.
 Thought State Finished
 Turning to Judge Inglis, the huge defense lawyer complained, T thought that the state had closed it's opening argument"
 "You don't have to answer the question" ruled Judge Inglis.
 "But I don't care to be heckled," said Crawford.
 Once again Alcorn interrupted Crawford when the latter mentioned possible penalties of the &C., ctised. Judge 1nglis ordered the statement stricken out, over the ob- jection of Crawford, who later took an exception.
 Crawford compared Alcorn to a smart prosecutor who "has some thing on someone" and instead of prosecuting for ordinary misde- Ineanors, charges conspiracy. Comparison Is Strange
 He chose a strange comparison. sIp this city," he said, T suppose there is 6 law against splitting on the sidewalk, and If a person vio- lates the law he is liable to arrest, and fine of s or $l0 in police court"
 "But If two or more men or wo- men agree to violate the law by splitting on the sidewalk--they do not make themselves liable to a police court fine-they are guilty of conspiracy, g felony, and they might get as much as 15 years in prison.
 'Now, if I'm a smart prosecutor and I have something on you, and I see you splitting on @ sidewalk I get all sorts of high pressure men working and charge you with con- spiracy. I don't get you in city court, but I get you in superior court, facing possible penalty of IS years in prison.
 Resumes Attack
 Opening his vicious and vitriolic attack on the character of Mayor Hayes, who has been in charge of the city's affairs for the past ten years. Alcorn described meeting in the Mayors office, attended by former County Detective Edward J. Hickey, Thomas P. Kelly, the mayors secretary, and Mayor Hayes, Febru- ary 8. 1898.
 The investigation of the city's affairs was in its inception at that time.
 Tn his steady, low voice, the 31- year-old assistant special prosecu- tor, stated that Hickey went to the mayors office and explained his mission as an investigator, and asked to talk to the mayor.
 And what was the mayors reply?" asked Alcorn.
 Tn answer to his own question he said, 'The mayor said, T don't pro- pose to be questioned twice."
 Tt was the declaration of guilty man with guilty knowledge if ever there was one"
 He pictured members of the jury in a like situation, inviting the in vestigator to confer lengthily with him, and offering the facilities of the police department and other means of assistance. But Hayes said, T don't propose to be ques- toned twice." said Alcorn.
 And he didn't tell Hickey that he got illegal and irregular funds for the City of Waterbury," continued Alcorn.
 Insight
 In his most fiery manner since starting the opening arguments of the state yesterday morning Alcorn said that he could give "a pretty good idea of the measure of the man who takes from his taxpayers of the city as Hayes did, sums of money for dinners to senators and senate committees" It gives an insight into the nature of the mayor, the lieu tenant governor and the chairman of the Board of finance, he con- tinued.
 AWas he the guardian of the WIL@w~x,~ TIL