In spite of the inflamed state of public opinion, Mr.
Gruban did not assume, as many men would have done, that it would be unsafe to bring an action alleging fraud against a powerful Member of Parliament, in which his origin would be strongly in
evidence. He assumed instead that these adverse circumstances would not be allowed to bar his claim to a hearing. He was right.. The result of his claim for damages against Mr. Handel Booth, which was concluded on Monday, was a finding for £4,750 for the plaintiff. The Judge, Mr. Justice Coleridge, left three questions to the jury, which we give, with their answers :-
" (I) Did defendant falsely and fraudulently represent to plaintiff that he (the defendant) was in a position to protect plaintiff from attacks if plaintiff obtained for hini the appointment of chairman of the company 7—Yes.
(2) Did defendant falsely and fraudulently represent that he had been informed by the Minister of Munitions, Dr. Addison, that plaintiff would be interned unless he resigned 7—Yes.
(3) Did defendant maliciously, and without reasonable and probable cause, cause the plaintiff to he interned ?—No."
Previous page
