Evening Republican, Volume 17, Number 259, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 30 October 1913 — ANOTHER CHANGE OF VENUE BY WILLIS [ARTICLE]

ANOTHER CHANGE OF VENUE BY WILLIS

This Time From Judge Hajnley— Elmore Barce Will Try CaseDelay Hope of Willis. Another effort at delay has been made by Willis, charged with criminal assault of the little Thompson girl. On Wednesday an affidavit alleging that the defendant eouljl not receiVC’a fair trial In Judge Hanley’s codrt, was filed and the judge at once named three lawyers, Berry, Barce and Snyder, of Fowler, and from this list one was to be agreed upon to try the case. It is understood that the state struck Berry off and that the defense will strike off Snyder, thus leaving Elmore Barce to try the ease. If he accepts jurisdiction by Friday, then the defense will make its final effort at delay. An affidavit will be filed asking continuance until a deposition of some Wisconsin patties can be secured. Attorney Parkinson was in Wisconsin, the former home of the O’Brien and Thompson family, last week, and telegraphed back asking a continuance important information. Since that time Attorney Leopold for the state, has also made a visit to Wisconsin, and from the very highest authority has brought back an excellent report of the standing of the little girl’s family at their former home. The effort at delay by the defendant is very distasteful to the people who believe in decency and law enforcement and in the punishment ( of those guilty of crime. There is only one question \ivolved in this case, the guilt or innocence of the defendant. There is no one wants him punished if he is free from guilt, but if he is guilty of the foul deed charged the laws of the state offer inadequate punishment. If innocent there would be no occasion to seek the delays on flimsy grounds. The great array of citizens who have been called to testify as to the character of the defendant will show the esteeem in which he Is held in this community.