The Sedalia Weekly Bazoo

BEATEN BY BRAKEMEN.

The Alleged Champagne Thieves Discharged at Paris, Mo., Yesterday.

G. W. Barnett, the attorney, returned yesterday from Paris, Monroe county, whither he went Sunday evening last to defend Walter Drew, who had been arrested with Hensler and Adams, two brother brakemen, on the charge of breaking open a freight car on Conductor Halstead's train, on the M., K. & T., and stealing twenty-three bottles of champagne.

The case was set for a hearing Tuesday, and the entire day Monday was spent by Mr. Barnett in preparing the defense. The two remaining defendants had also secured counsel, and after consultation it was decided to try the three jointly instead of asking for a severance. The evidence was heard Tuesday, and while it was clearly proven that the wine had been stolen and secreted in the "cellar" of Conductor Halstead's caboose, there was no one who could testify to having seen the defendants steal it. Jack Milhern testified that he partook of some of the wine, and it was given to him by Adams, who took a bottle from the cellar of the caboose. As to where it came from originally, though, he was not aware.

It was further shown that the wine was not stolen while the train was en route, but after it had been side-tracked at Moberly, and hence the counsel for the defendants made the point that their clients must be prosecuted at Moberly and not at Paris. Mr. Barnett argued the case Tuesday evening and then started for home, arriving yesterday morning. The other attorneys were heard from yesterday forenoon, and in the afternoon a telegram was received from Drew, saying that he had been discharged. No reference was made to the other defendants, but it is presumed they, too, were discharged.