Evening Republican, Volume 19, Number 98, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 26 April 1915 — McFarland-Babcock Suit On Trial at Crown Point. [ARTICLE]

McFarland-Babcock Suit On Trial at Crown Point.

The libel suit of Editor Babcock brought by J. A. McFarland, grocer, came up for trial at Crown Point today, Monday, and a large number of witnesses were called. Attornye Halleck, of Rensselaer, assisted by Attorney George Hershman, of Crown Point, represent the plaintiff, while Editor Babcock is being represented by Attorneys Honan and Parkinson, of Rensselaer, and Crumpaeker & Crumpacker, of Hammond. Mr. McFarland sued for $5,000 and the complaint names several articles published in The Democrat about him. One stated that Mr. McFarland lacked the moral stamina to withstand the temptations of the legislature. Others accused him of being bitter toward the Catholics. Mr. McFarland was the chairman of the democratic organization in Rensselaer and gave aid to N. Littlefield, who sought the postoffice appointment. Babcock was also a candidate. Witnesses who accompanied the plaintiff and his attorney to Crown Point were W. R. Nowels, Eli Gerber, Lucius Strong, N. S. Bates and Postmaster Littlefield. Three auto loads took the defendant’s witnesses. Editor Babcock took one load, O. K. Rainier took a load and Joe Nagel took a load. W. I. Hoover, Lyman Zea, John O’Connor, Lon Healy, Marion I. Adams and others for the defense.