Evening Republican, Volume 22, Number 290, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 3 December 1919 — NEW ATTORNEYS TAKE TESTIMONY IN MURDER CASE. [ARTICLE]

NEW ATTORNEYS TAKE TESTIMONY IN MURDER CASE.

Los Angeles, Cal., Dec. 2.—Startling chapters in the life history of Harry S. New, Jr., charged with the murder of Freda Lesser, dealing with his relationship with his alleged father, United States Senator Harry S. New, of Indiana, were disclosed for the first time today in portions of testimony contained in thirty depositions taken by the defense for New’s trial. Out of the past came what one witness terms the story of the “unfortunate affair” between Senator New and Mrs. Lillie M. Berger, New’s mother, more than thirty years ago. . . The purpose of the depositions was indicated by the testimony of the witnesses, who declared New is irrational and that his mental weakness probably was the result of constant brooding over the circumstances of his birth. Among the witnesses testifying in New’s behalf are Col. Robert H. Tyndall and Maj. Sydney F. Miller of the Rainbow division; Captains Gavin L. Payne and Paul W. Fetchman, and other army officers. Drawing back the veil of secrecy that has guarded the story of the “unfortunate affair,” Martha Scudder, New’s aunt, gave testimony that Senator New and Mrs. Berger are not only the parents of Harty Ne*w, but are also the parents of another son. This second child, Miss Scudder testified,, was born a few years after Harry New and was named Stuart New. He died when he was two years old. . Miss Scudder declared she had acted as an intermediary between Senator New and Harry New and that the Senator has taken care of the boy financially. The direct examination of the witnesses was conducted by an attorney for the defense and the cross examination by District Attorney Thomas Lee Woolwine.