THE ARBUCKLE CASE.

Taranaki Daily News, 30 September 1921, Page 5

THE ARBUCKLE CASE.

CHARGE OF MANSLAUGHTER. COMMITTED FOR JUDGE’S COMMENT. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyrlgtt. Received Sept. 29, 9.30 p.m. San Francisco, Sept. 28. The Police Court Judge committed Arbuckle to the Superior Court dn a charge ol manslaughter, fixing bail at 5000 dollars cash and 10,000 dollars in bonds. Judge Lazarus, in summing up, censured the prosecution for producing so little evidence, and said: “We are not only trying a man who has given joy and pleasure to all the world; we are trying ourselves. Actually, in a large sense, we are trying present-day morals and social conditions. The issue here is really larger than the guilt or innocence of this particular unfortunate man. The issues are universal, and they grow front conditions which are matters for comment and apprehension by every true lover and protector of American institutions. The thing that has happened was the culmination of an orgy, and the same things happen in other big cities all over the world.” — Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. FULLER DETAILS OF CASE. STIGMA ON CINEMATOGRAPH. WILD PARTIES AT LOS ANGELES. San Francisco, Sept. 15. M r hen Roscoe Arbuckle appeared before Police Judge Lazarus this morning, the District Attorney, Mr. Brady, announced that he had decided to proceed with the murder cliarge laid by Mrs. B&mbina Delmont, in connection with the death of Miss Vinginia Rappe. Mr. Brady said that after long consideration he had decided not to agree to a reduction of the charge to one of manslaughter. though the jury in the final trial would naturally have this privilege.

Arbuckle received the an'nouncemen. with black looke, for it precludes the possibility of his release on bail. S.> certain was Arbuckle yesterday that his release was in sight that his attorneys posted the maximum bail money, and Arbuckle himself refused to go to bed in his. cell until after midnight, hoping in the meantime for a temporary escape to i etire into seclusion at Loa Angeles.

It is announced that new indictments against names so far kept secret will be aeked for next week in connection with the supplying of liquor to the Arbuckle party. Apparently there is a strong move afoot by decent elements of the cinematograph business to express horror and disgust at the disgrace brought on the industry by the San Francisco tragedy, to eliminate the influence of black sheep, and generally to clean up the house. Mr. Frank Woods, manager of the Famous Players-Lasky Corporation, told the City Council to-day that he believed Arbuckle would never again appear in pictures. Arbuckle has still a twoyeara’ contract with Mr. Woods’ corporation, but, said Mr. Woods, *T think, his day is over, unless there is complete vindication. I cannot see how he can appear again, and it is right it should be so.” Leading newspapers give prominence to London and Paris comment on the Arbuckle ease, especially to the Parisian sarcasm that, liquor is stall obtainable in America. Some American editorial writers prophesy that the San Francisco sensation will start people thinking of some oetter method for handling liquor than “boot-legging,” I’terally by the carload, from Mexico and Canada into the United States. San Francisco lawyers on both sides of the case indicate t’’ai they will call as witnesses for the trial prominent cinematograph stars to show what other Arbuckle parties have been like by way of evidence as to the previous character of the accused. Thus moral .reformers in Los Angeles and San Francisco hope to expose an entire aeries of wild parties and all who participated. A newspaper account of one recent party says that a maid wheeled in a teawaggon laden with a variety of narcotics and hypodermic needles. On another occasion the antics of gold-fish in a bathtub filled with Holland gin furnished great amusement. Federal officials are moving to confiscate Arbuckle’s motor-car, which cost £5OOO, because it conveyed liquor from Los Angeles for the party. The San Francisco Women’s Vigilance Committee has appointed a committee of 18 to assist the District Attorney, and even provide funds for a secret service against Arbuckle. The latter’s creditors are starting suits against the comedian for 100,000 dollars.