Evening Republican, Volume 17, Number 193, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 14 August 1913 — WILLIS STU OUT ON BAIL OF $500 [ARTICLE]

WILLIS STU OUT ON BAIL OF $500

Technical Reasons Offered For Failure To Place Alleged Rapist Under Heavier Bond.

The light bond that was accepted for the release of James L. Willis, alleged to have ravished a 15 year old girl, has not been increased. It is understood that Mayor Meyers, in whose court the original hearing took place, had legal advice that he did not havj jmisdfetion to reopen the case and raise the bail, because he had Venued It to another court. A local Justice of the Peace, versed in matters of this kind, states that the proceeding has been a ridfcuolus farce so far, and states that there is every reason why the bond should be increased without delay to sufficient size to hold Willis and that if he can not give it he should be incarcerated without delay. This justice states that some one certainly has jurisdiction and that it remains in the court of originality until the papers are made up and, are in the hands of the court of venue. There is criticism on all sides because of the fact that Willis is free at all. The result of the physicians’ examination is such as to warrant the closest watch over him. 7 Mrs. J. L. Willis, wife of the accused man, is in a quite serious condition today. She kept up fairly well Wednesday but suffered a collapse during the night and the trouble her husband is in has precipiated a condition that has been coming on for some time. She was operated on a year ago and the trouble has been coming back since that time and another operation is necessary and will take place tonight or tomorrow, according to Dr. E. N. Loy, the local physician, who has sent to Chicago for a surgeon.