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RETURNED BYt*At OiieGRAND JURY AND SIX ARRESTS MADEHalf the CostP4444444 4 4 4 *jrf •*£*❖4❖❖44 4 4 44❖❖4 4 4 4 4 4 44❖**❖4*4*4*44*4*£The first indictments returned by the grand jury are directed against the e|ght proprietors of houses of ill fame of Colorado City,Six capiases were served last night; four women, Laura Bell, Nellie White, Laura Guilee and Sadie Stewart, gave cash bonds in the sum of $500 each.The other two women, Emma Wilson, colored, and Marguerite Epps, are confined in the county jail, charged with conducting houses of ill fame.Evidence before the grand jury is to the effect that the houses have been run under the protection of the authorities of Colorado City, who have collected monthly fines from each house.Undersheriff Grimes and five deputy, sheriffs made the arrests.The arrests were entirely unexpected; at the house of Marguerite Epps an unsuccessful attempt to escape was made.Other and sensational developments in regard to the morality of the county, it is rumored, will follow.4*4*44***4***I4*4*4444444444444444444has better strength andflavor than many so-called “fancy” brands.Bulk coffee at the same price is not to be compared with Lion in quality.In I lb. air tight, seeled packages.evi-jurytrueThewereoasesaool-The first day's session of the grand jury called by the district judges to investigate city and county affairs, resulted in eight indictments directed against proprietors of houses of ill fame in Colorado City. Six arrests were made simultaneously at 9:HO o’clock last night. The sheriff's offices will serve the other two capiases this morning.Those arrested are;Laura Bell.Nellie White. *Laura Guilee.Emma Wilson, colored.Marguerite Epps#Sadie Stuart.The arrests were the result of denee brought before the grand by citizens of Colorado City and bills were found in each case, keeping of houses of this nature is expressly against the statutes of the state and evidence went to show that the women paid each month into the city treasury of Colorado City amounts of $25 in each case for the landlady and $10 each for the other women inmates. This custom which is entered upon the city books as fines, it was alleged before the jury, has continued for years. The arrests were taken as an indication that the grand jury will thoroughly investigate this violation of the statutes and it was rumored around the court house that the action of last night is the precursor of more arrests m Colorado City. The women claim they lhave been guaranteed protection by the Colorado City officials and further testimony in regard to the officials and their relation with this source of revenue will continue before the grand jury.About the Officials.Last night no one connected with the district attorney’s office would state if indictments are contemplated against the Colorado City officials. The women, after the arrests, notified their attorneys and will contend that they have paid the monthly fines believing that it was a legal procedure. They claim they have evidence to show they were guaranteed protection.The capiases were served only on the proprietors of the various houses most of which are on Washington avenue. Colorado City. In the case of three of the women, Laura Bell, Nellie White and Laura Guilee, cash bonds furnished. The bond in ail six was placed at $500 each.Woman Took Morphine.Emma Wilson, the keeper of ored house, and Marguerite Epps could not furnish bond and are in the county jail. Both of these women took the arrest bitterly and a large quantity of morphine was taken from Marguerite Epps who, aording to the deputy sher!ffs,T.\vksM^in g it in large quantities on trie r?ue*frOrn ('dorado City to the sheriff’s*,,vvpfpce. The woman appeared to btfcMry despondent and it was feared Sn0y^u\d make an attempt ufion her life.I|pily in one case was thearrest in any IpCy anticipated. That wasat the house ^Marguerite Epps, where an effort was] lt;made to turn out the lights and escape. Deputy sheriffs at the front and rear doors were too quick, however, for the three women inmates.The capiases were issued shortly after the grand jury had examined the last witness late yesterday afternoon. Indictments had been found in eight cases. At 8:30 o’clock the sheriff’s force left in one of the largest omnibuses operated by the transfer company. Undersheriff O. P. Grimes, who is acting sberiff in the absence of Sheriff Gilbert at St. Louis, was accompanied by Deputy Sheriffs George Dayton, John L. Nelson, the jailer; Dr. H. L. Richardson, whb is also a deputy sheriff, and Deputy Sheriffs Shemwell arid SheL lenberger.Lights Turned! Ocut.Fearing that the word of the contemplated arrests would speed rapidly along Washington avenue and possibly defeat the plans of the officers, it was decided that one deputy sheriff should serve the capias handed him at the house designated .in the document, and that the arrests should be made simultaneously. The officers, however, were recognized by a man who saw them assemble at the corner of Washington avenue nearest the row of residences, and before the deputies could reach the bouses assigned them, the informant ran to the house kept by Marguerite Epps and warned the inmates. As Deputy Sheriff Richardson approached, the* lights suddenly went out with the exception of one or two which gave evidence that the women were still within. As the deputy sheriff reached the front door another deputy ran to the rear and before the women could leave* Marguerite Epps was arrested.An Interference.At Laura Bell’s, James Lacey, who had been called in by the landlady, resisted the serving of the capias, holding that such action was beyond the authority of Deputy Sheriff Shemwell. He was convinced, however, and in a few moments Mrs. Bell had arranged the cash bond required of $500. This was .also the case at the houses of Nellie White and Laura Guilee, and these wpmen were not required to accompany the officers to the city.The return was made shortly after 10 o'clock and at 10:45 the sheriff’s office was reached. A quantity of morphine had been tgken from Marguerite Epps, blit she was in such a condition that she could scarcely be called rational, and railed at the officers and insisted on throwing wide open the door leading out on Kiowa street, exclaiming she was strangling. She was in such a condition that the officer believed shewould have taken a dangerous quantityhad the drug not been confiscated.A Dope Fiend.“I have conje.prepared if I am to go to jail,” she isaid* “I am a dope fiend and it is cruel that you should rob me of itf ’Emma Wilson aobbed during the time she was in the sheriff's office and after the telephone had been called into requisition efforts made to obtain bpnd without ^success, she burst into aflood of tears, a carriage was called and shortly after 11 o’clock the two women .•were taken to -the county jail.' £11 the women arrested, stated they could not understand why the actionhad been taken within tne lastIw a s had n ndagainst them. It week that several paid the fines demanded of them stated the practice hud continued so long that they believed the authorities were proceeding in a iegal manner, and trusted in their professions that it was equivalent to protection. They stated that City Marshal George Bird sail and other city officials usually collected the fines in person.Officials Cautious.As Judge Cunningham particularlycautioned not only the grand jurors but all connected with them and with the court to divulge nothing in regard to matters being investigated, none of the court officers nor the district attorney’s force would talk upon the significance of the arrests last evening or what other action would follow, beyond the statement that it represented the first day’s work of the grand jury, and matters along the same line will continue to be investigated. It is known that gambling and the connet -tion of the city officials of Colorado City with the alleged violations of the statutes is now being investigated by the body holding sessions in division one of the district court.The bonds are returnable May 20 in the district court. The deputy sheriffs have the persons named in theother two indictments under surveillance and they will be arrested during the course of today. The charge on the bonks of the county jail against Emma Wilson and Marguerite Epps is that of condtmtlng a house of ill fame. This is the charge against all the women.the injurious consequences that might ensue from the public knowing that they had been even suspected of aor Agceed to fbe paid; directly? bt fiqcilfrectly^ for * said funds by said ban kv of banks/or die person or persons to whom* sdid funds may be found to have beenleft or. deposited.Hence, Nlt becomes tny duty to call your attention to these statutory provisions and to require you to investigate ths books, accounts and affairs of the office of the county treasurer of thiscounty:*and this you are required to do, not because it is reported that there is any irregularity in the affairs of said office, but because the statute imperatively requires the count to call your attention to its provisions in relation thereto, and imperatively commands you to make such investigation.More Appointments.I hereby appoint as the committee appointed by the statute the following persons who will act in conjunction with you in carrying out the provisions of this law:B. F. Clark, E. Evans Carrington and E. A. Sunderlin.This committee will also examine theofficial bonds of the clerk of the district court, and such of his deputies as may have given bonds and their official relations, and make report and recommendations to you concerning the same.The law requires whenever a grand jury is called it shall examine certain buildings as to fire escapes, etc. Thecrime.This secrecy also extends to the vote oouit, therefore, calls attention to this ivon hv anv of von ir» anv case as to I P,0vtsion of the lavs', and tor sufficientJUDGE CUNNINGHAMCHARGES THE JURY.The grand jury began its session yesterday. When court convened in the morning Judge Cunningham, presiding in the district court, read his charge. At 11:40 o’clock, aftei* the reading of the charge, the court ordered that the oath be administered to Wallace Peck.the evidence delivered by the witnesses, your communication to each other, and as to your giving any intelligence with reference to your investigations or final determinations on any bill or any subject by you being investigated.I trust that you will exercise the greatest caution in keeping inviolate the oath you have taken in this re-ga rd.Should Make Inquiries.As grand jurors you are required toinvestigate and inquire into all such alleged violations of the criminal law of the state as may be brought to your attention through proper channels. This means that you shall inquire into all matters to which your attention may be directed by the court, or that may be submitted to you by the district attorney. or by some person specially designtrict attorney in the performance of his duty. It also means that you are to consider all matters touching the v iolation of any of our criminal laws of which any of the members of the grand jury may now. or before your discharge, have acquired personal knowledge.It is the duty of every grand juror who has or may acquire persona! knowledge of the commission of a crime to impart such knowledge to the grand jury as a body, by being sworn j and testifying thereto the same as any oth^r witness.You have no right to be influenced in the slightest particular, either in favor or against an accused person, by any mere rumor or information that you may have beard, or. may have been possessed of prior to the beginning of your work as grand jurors: and you shouldnot be influenced by any bias, prejudice or opinion that you may have in any particular case, either for or againstguidance refers you to chapter 20. Mills’ Annotated statutes where the subject is fully set forth. And in this connection the court instructs you that it is your right and privilege, as grand jurors, not merely to find or refuse to find indictments against persons, but to make a full report, when you deem it proper so to do, based upon the evidencebrought before you.Any attempt on the part of anyone, directly or indirectly, to improperly influence your actions as grand jurors, would constitute an offense of the most serious character. Should this occur with any of you it would be your duty promptly to call the matter to the attention of your body, and it would be your duty promptly to take proper action in the matter. The court does notr:4444444444444bailiff, who was ordered to clear thecourt room. The judges have placed ! any person: but you can only act in an division T at the disposal of the grand1 honest observance of your duty by be-jury and Bailiff Peck guards the onlymean by this that it is improper for a;itpd In the court to assist the dis- I ‘ ‘tizen, in the light spirit, to suggest toyou any information he may have touching a crime of which he may haveknowledge, but beyond this you should permit no one to go until he has been regularly called before your body and sworn in a proper manner.Ordinarily, parties who. in good faith, have complaints to make, will dorto by fiit communicating ii 1 i the district attorney.Will Be Attended.The district attorney, or some representative of his office duly appointed by the court, will always be in attendance upon you, and will render you such assistance as you may need, and will advise you concerning the law that should govern you in any case or as to the relevancy or materiality of evidenceMoreover, the court will be accessible at ail times, and further and additional instructions, if deemed proper, will be given you upon your request therefor, or upon the court’s own motion, from time to tiqie. as you may progress, in jng guided solely and alone by the evi- j your investigations444444❖4444444444Buentrance. The instructions are that only officers of the court, members of the jury, the prosecuting attorneys and j witnesses he allowed ingress. The i grand jury began examining witnesses at 2:30 o'clock in the afternoon anddenee that may be offered in your presence as grand jurors.As to Evidence.As a general rule, grand juries should hear no other evidence than that adduced by the prosecution, but you haveby 6 o’clock several witnesses were j hee SXvorn to “diligently inquire intoexamined.Judge (’unningham. in his. charge, urged upon the grand jurors the importance of absolute secrecy in the conduct of all the proceedings; he instructed them that they must not divulgelo anyont* v\hai takes place in the jury room, or the name of any witness or person under investigation. The statutes provide that the county treasurer’s office must be investigated by the grand jury.Special Committee.A special committee, consisting of B. F. (Mark. E. Evans Carrington and K. A. Sunderlin. was appointed bv the court to assist the grand jury, in the investigation of the treasurer’s office, and other matters. As. Judge Cunningham said in the charge: “This committee will also examine the official bonds of the clerk of the district court and such of his deputies as may have given bonds, and their official relations, and make report and recommendations to you concerning the same.’’ The court also directs the jury that it shall examine buildings as to fire escapes, etc. The vote of nine members of the grand jury is necessary before a true bill can be rendered in any instance: less than this number will defeat the bill.The Jurors.The membership of the grand jury is as follows:John W. Campbell, mining, Colorado Springs, foreman.George A. Cockburn, broker, Colorado Springs.W. N. Hemenway. railroad fireman, ('dorado City.J. S. Stewart, railroad employe, Colorado City.Perry Babcock, ranchman, Surbet.William J. St.irmoi *■*, market gardener. Colorado Springs.Ernest J. Jesse, ranchman. Monument.F. Burke, bar betI have not deemed it necessary to instruct you specifically as to the propersubjects for your investigation, and while you are by no means required to submit your judgment to that of the district attorney, or his assistants, nevertheless. in view of his large experience and wide investigations growingCrane, merchant.Thomas Springs.C. A.Springs.M. Klemtnedson, carpcntei Springs.A. H. Anderson, feed corral. Colorado Springs.A. (». Sessford. Colorado Springs.The length of time required by the grand jury in its deliberations is conjectural. The court has impressed up-away the charge under investigation, then it would be your duty to order such evidence to be produced. Before you shall return an indictment, or a true bill, you should be convinced that the evidence before you, if unexplained and uncontradicted, would warrant a conviction by a petit jury.You are the exclusive judges of the credibility of the witnesses who may testify before you. and it is your duty to examine a sufficient number of the witnesses for the people to satisfy you of the propriety of putting the accused op trial, and you may in every case, excepting cases of perjury, find an indictment on the oath of one witnessalone.It is the duty of your foreman to administer oaths and affirmations to witnesses, and whenever a bill is presented to you it becomes necessary that at least nine of your number shall concur in finding an indictment, before a true bill can be returned. Every true bill must be indorsed “a true bill.” and must be signed by your foreman. In every case where you should find that it is not a true bill, it shall be indorsed accordingly, signed by your foreman and returned into court.An Admonition.You must not permit any person whatsoever, either the district attorney or his deputy, or any one especially appointed by the eourt to perform the duty of the district attorney lor any bailiff, or any officer of the court, to remain either in your presence or hearing while you are considering your verdict or voting on the ss hip.You have the right to meet at such rotorado! times, and to adjourn to such times, asj to vou may seem agreeable, but you Colorado! should always keep in mind the rieces-j sity of a prompt and speedy disposal Colorado'of the business which you have to traps-set.The statutes of Colorado provide as follows:Section 892. That it is hereby made the duty of the district court of each county in this state, at each term of said court at which a grand jury isinvestigationand your method of procedure, his services being at all times at your disposal.In view of the ex pens* to the county. I urge upon you the importance of concluding your investigations with as much speed as may be consistent with thoroughness.I fee! confident that every member of this jury appreciates quite as keenly as I can possibly do, his responsibility to the public, therefore further admonition on my part seems wholly unnecessary.I trust you will not hesitate to communicate with the various officials of this court whenever it appears proper for you to do so in the discharge of your duties as your personal comfort warrants it. Should you inadvertently make improper requests you will be no advised courteously and no embarrassment may be experienced.1wilCoi1.ligamthecorcatTha 1buibecermaeasposmabee7belinethi’eluroomegerprein est: to sec oh 8 nes 7 an the Iantbeea s Col da} IV scr pro tel Col antconofTHIS BOY WOULD MAAN INTERESTSFOR DR. LAha\maeraof (ancentoneinlikeancad*\i •on the body the necessity for a thor- j summoned and impaneled, to specially ough investigation in both city and I give in charge*to such grand jury thecounty affairs and at the same time urged upon thorn every expedition.The charge of Judge ('unningham as delivered to the grand jury follows:The Court’s Charge.Gentlemen of the Grand Jury:You have belt;n summoned here pursuant to the provisions of the law to act as grand jurors. At the outset I desire to impress upon your minds the importance of absolute secrecy in the conduct of all your proceedings. This essential requirement of the law is incorporated in the oath which you have taken. Without a strict observance of your oath in this particular, you cannot properly discharge your duties.You must not divulge to any on#what has taken place in your Jury room,either by disclosing the name of any witness who may appear before you. or the subject !natter of his testimony, or the name of any person who has been or is being investigated, whether a true bill has or has not been found in any particular case. And this is important that every true bill shall be kept a secret so that the accused may be apprehended before ho flees front thelaw regulating the accountability of the county treasurer.From the Statute.Sec. 893. It is hereby made the duty of the district court of each county in this state, at each term thereof at which a grand jury is summoned andA “checkered career” was detailed in Justice MetMelland’s eourt room yesterday during the trial of Don Thomp-son. IT years old. on a charge of larceny. Thompson is accused of having taken $600 worth of jewelry from a guest at the Plaza hotel while he was employed there as a bell boy and the examination of yesterday which brought out the story of Thompson's life, was loft made in connection with this charge.Thompson does not iook to be a day over i he age given but from his own story he has had more crowded into those few years than many men three times his age. He appears to have bad a good education and uses the best of I the English. Without a tremor in his sta voice, and apparently without shame, lie reviled the following story on the witness stand yesterday: “T have beena kind of a globe trotter’ for the last three years and during that time I have crossed the country twice, going to nearly every city of importance from New York to San Francisco and from Seattle to Galveston. 1 have worked most of the time as a bell boy in hotels, have always lived rather fast.I r narimpaneled to appoint a committee of gam5led and liv^ with gamblersIsuch grand jurors, or other reputable persons, which committee shall consist of not less than three, nor more than five, to investigate the official accounts and affairs of the treasury of such county. and to report to the court the condition thereof.Bee. 894. It shall be the duty of such committee to carefully and fully investigate the official accounts of such treasury, and ascertain the condition of the treasurer’s accounts and of each fund thereof, and to ascertain and report the amount of money due each and every fund and account in the hands of such county treasurer, and fropi what source the same was derived or received by such treasurer; and the total amount of all the funds in the hands of such treasurer, and of what the same consists, whether in gold andmoforutildenconfee!J’triaSO 3wa*sue Tht hue: THas a System.“1 have a system for betting onthe races, playing roulette or shooting t $1.( dice. I have been lucky at times and ! hoi at other times I have been flat broketo beg enough to get anotherand had start. Icouwhwon $800 at r.oulette once and i tenHowIS Planned toSchool Ctiildn•44444 4 444444444444jurisdiction of th*» court; and it is |silver coins, gold and silver certificates, equally important that the public shall county warrants, county bonds, Na-not know of the investigation of an Individual in any case where a true bill is not found because of the injury that might result to him from having been investigated by a grand jury. It is as much your duty to protect the innocent as to punish the guilty, and not only to protect the innocent from an unjust prosecution but. to protect them fromItional bank notes, or other funds or currency: and the exact amount of each such funds, where the same are or have been kept, and whether, if not kept in the office occupied by the county treasurer, they have been deposited in any bank or banks, or with any person or persons: to inquire, ascertain and report what interest, if any, has been paid44444444444AA special meeting of the principals; held in the offices of Superintendent D terday afternoon at which plans for tl to take in the reception to President Rlt; decided that there should be no holida would prevent the assembling of the lt;arrive in the afternoon it wag thought their homes they could not be got toge group the pupils at different places a dential party will take, but it was Ia1 be built at the top of the hill on West ' Antlers hotel and that all the school This plan has met the approval of all
Newspaper Details
Colorado Springs Weekly Gazette
Colorado Springs, Colorado, US
Thu, Apr 30, 1903
Page 4
Full Page
Clipped by
Pikes P.
CO, USA 23 Dec 2022
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