Jasper County Democrat, Volume 8, Number 51, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 24 March 1906 — COURT SAYS, IMMUNE [ARTICLE]

COURT SAYS, IMMUNE

Judge Humphrey Decides in Fa* vor of the Chicago Packers as Individuals. COBPOHATIONS NOT INCLUDE! They Do Not Come Under the Protec* tion of the Law And Must Stand the Gaff—Jury Ordered to Acquit Armour, et al., and Case Goes Over to Fall. Chicago, March 22.—A1l of the packers who were indicted by the federal grand jury last summer upon charges of being in conspiracy in restraint of trade and commerce have been granted immunity from criminal prosecution under the indictment. While the Individuals are togo free the indictments found against the corporations, ot which some of the indicted individuals are members and others are employes, are to stand. A decision to this effect was handed down by Judge J. Ottis Humphrey, in the United .States district court. The arguments in the case were concluded shortly after 3 p. m. and Judge Humphrey at once com menced the delivery of his opinion. It was oral, and the Judge spoke for nearly an hour before giving the slightest indictation of what the ultimate decision would be. Judge Gives His Decision. He reviewed the case at length in ail its bearings: cited all the essential, facts which had been brought out. and concluded as follows: “Under the law in this case the Immuity pleas filed by the defendants will be sustained as to the individuals and denied as to uie corporations, the artificial persons, and the jury will find in favor of the government as far as the corporations are concerned, and against the government as far as the individuals are con corned.” Defendants Smile Happily, During the rendition of the decision the court was crowded by the defendants and numerous spectators. Edward Morris and Edward Swift were in court and both smiled happily when the decision was announced. J. Ogden Armour was not present but some ot the men prominent in the employ of Armour & Co., who were under indictment, were there and their joy was great When the judge announced that the Indictments would not he against them they crowded together and commenced to shake hands in mu tuai congratulation.

How tbe Attorneys Acted. The attorneys for the defendant* were also highly pleased, and when th* decision had been announced they shook hands all round and then hastened to the jury box to shake hands with the Jurors, who had been excluded from the court room during all of tbe arguments made iu the case and who rendered a verdict in accordance with the directions of the court. District Attorney Morrison, who bos handled the case alone with the exception of the argument by Attorney General Moody, sat with bowed bead for a short time after Judge Humphreyhad concluded, and then walked over to the jury box and also shook hands with the Jurors. GOES OVER UNTIL FALL, NOW Defense Demands Plenty of Time Witnesses Number 1,600. Immediately following the dismissal of the jury District Attorney Morrison raised the question of the date for the trial of the corporation. He asked that the case be set for trial, and that It commence within two weeks. This met with a storm of protest from tbe attorneys of the packers, who insisted that they would -be unable to prepare for the case before next fall, pleading the number of witnesses which it would be necessary to bring to Chicago, the strain of the present trial, and various other reasons. After some discussion Judge Humphrey directed that the lawyers agree among themselves upon a date and notify him. of their decision next week. It is expected that the total number of witnesses in this trial when it begins will be at least 1,»!00. Following the decision District Attorney Morrison said: “I will not make any record now in regard to motions for new trials or an appeal. I do not know whether I am entitled to an appeal or not. I shall have to ask time to look it up.” “We ask for judgment on the verdict,” said Attorney Miller, “and 1 make a formal motion that the defendants, the individuals, be discharged.” “That is allowed.” said Judge Humphrey. “They are discharged. That goes in the verdict.” The attorneys for the packers, although plainly allowing their pleasure at the decision, refrained from any expression of their feeling, other than saying, “I am satisfied.” Attorney Morrison. who is always quiet, said: “Of course. 1 have no criticism to offer. I have argued the case as I saw the law* aud thought that my view was correct. Somebody always has to be wrong, and this time I see—as least I have beard. —that I am wrong.”