Imperial Valley Press

TRIAL OF CURTIS GETS UNDER WAY IN NEW JERSEY

Lindbergh Among Witnesses Summoned In Notorious Hoax Case.

FLEMINGTON. N. J., June 27 (U.P)-John Hughes Curtis. Norfolk boat builder. charged with perpetrating a hoax on Colonel Charles A. Lindbergh in the Lindbergh kidnapping case went on trial today charged with obstructing justice.

Colonel Lindbergh. one of the first to arrive. waited to testify. He was subpoenaed as both a state and defense witness.

Lindbergh. in a light grey suit and showing much interest in proceedings sat at the prosecuting counsel table, not 10 feet away from Curtis. who. grey and dignified and a perfect picture of confidence, had taken a seat at the defense table. At Curtis' side was his 11-year-old daughter. Constance. Near him were his two brothers, George and Sandusky Curtis.

Lloyd Fisher. defense counsel immediately moved for the exclusion of Harry L. Stout, Flemington lawyer. from the trial. Stout had been engaged as a special prosecutor after he had conferred with Curtis who contemplated retaining him for the defense. Judge Adan O. Robbins took the opposing counsel to his chamber to hear arguments.

A section of the courtroom was filled with talesmen summoned for jury duty. Most of today's session probably will be required to select a jury from among them. Lindbergh offered. the privilege of not appearing in court until it was time for his testimony. elected to accept the treatment accorded all witnesses-constant availability to the court.

Within the enclosure behind Colonel Lindbergh were Betty Gow. the slain baby's nurse and Ollie Whately. the Lindbergh butler.

Judge Robbins finally ruled that Stout could serve. despite his former connection with the Virginia boat builder. and then heard arguments on a defense motion to quash the indictment.

Judge Robbins denied the motion A formal plea of not guilty then was entered for Curtis.