WHEN GREEK MEETS GREEK.
Interpreter and Witness Spend Much
Time in Arguments.
Greeks are testifying in the federal court just now and Judge John C. Pollock knows it to his sorrow. They will not quit talking, and instead of the required yes or no, heated arguments ensue between the witnesses and the interpreters. In vain the court directs the interpreter to call for a direct answer. The interpreter grows red in the face, talks as much and almost as fast as the witnesses, and in the end explains that the witness wanted to explain his answer.
Some months ago the Missouri, Kansas & Texas railway sent a letter containing $25 to Joseph Alespsis. The letter was rifled and the United States district attorney made a raid on the local Greek colony.
It was found that one Thomas Rigors knew something about the case and he was subpoenaed as a witness for the government. Last Thursday Rigors arrived from Nebraska and while walking on West Fifth street was slugged. He spent almost all yesterday afternoon on the witness stand trying to tell how it happened.
"Get him to say how his eyes were blacked," Assistant United States District Attorney George A. Neal directed the interpreter. The interpreter translated the instruction. Two minutes later Judge Pollock had to call a halt.
"Stop him now, will you please, and let us see where we are," the bench directed.
"It took the interpreter two seconds to give the answer which the witness had spent minutes in giving, most of the time evidently wrangling with the interpreter.
The hearing will be resumed this morning.
