Jasper County Democrat, Volume 7, Number 34, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 26 November 1904 — ONE FINED, SIX DISCHARGED. [ARTICLE]

ONE FINED, SIX DISCHARGED.

School Boy Com* Finally Disposed of In the Circuit Court Monday. The cases against the school boys who were arrested last week, for disturbing a class party at H. O. Harris’ were finally disposed of in the circuit court Monday afternoon. “Booby” Tuteur, who was over 17 years of age, plead guilty before Squire Irwin Saturday and was given the minimum fine of $5 and costs, $13.00 in all. The other boys were too young to be dealt with by a justice under the present law, and their cases were sent to the circuit court and the hearing set for 4 o’clock Monday afternoon. The evidence *of officers Vick and Dillon, Mrs. H. O. Harris and some of the boys was heard, and it was somewhat conflicting in various particulars. The boys themselves admitted that they were there and that they were not invited guests, but said they went to have a little fun and had no intention of doing any harm. Mr. Vick testified as to his being called by ’phone by the Harris’ to come down at once, which he did, and on reaching the sidewalk in front of his place of business he heard the racket made by the boys in their “fun.” Dillon accompanied him and they rounded up most of the rioters. Miss Jennie Harris told him that one of the boys was caught trying to steal the refreshments, that they had raised cain in general and she wanted them punished; she thought there must be some way to put a stop to such actions; agreed to make affidavit against them the next morning. Dillon corroborated most of this testimony. Mrs. H. O. Harris swore that the officers had been called more to frighten the boys away than anything else; also that she sent word next morning to Vick that she did not want them prosecuted; did not know of any attempt having been made by anyone to steal the refreshments; the boyß were just having a little fun, etc. Miss Jennie Harris was not sworn. After hearing the evidence Judge Hanley discharged the boys, remarking that technically he thought they were all guilty, and that he did not want them before him again or it might go harder with them.