People v. Brand

The affidavits used on the motion to postpone the trial snow the witness mentioned was outside of the State, and does not show how or why the affiant knew that such witness would return at a time stated, or from whom his information was received. The defendant’s place of business was a summer resort never intended as a hotel. Liquor was sold on Sunday in the barroom, and defendant was present, drinking with People’s witnesses. It was proper to show the conditions of the resort on the day in question, whether the bar was open, and as to the character and size of the crowd and the surroundings, as bearing on the question of whether the place was a hotel or whether it was a resort run for the purpose of amusement and drinking on Sunday. (Cullinan v. Kisselbrack, 46 Misc. 106.) The evidence of William Marsh was competent to show that the defendant was at the resort, and had knowledge that his place was open and being run by his servants. The sale to the People’s witnesses was not made by the defendant, but by one of his employees. The evidence of the defendant himself shows that the place was not built for hotel purposes, nor run as a hotel. The fact that after the People’s witnesses purchased and drank liquor in the barroom, they went outside and bought three sandwiches, paid for and ate the same, would not make them guests of the hotel. The court correctly so charged the jury.

Judgment of conviction and order denying application to postpone trial, etc., also denying motion for a new trial, affirmed.

All concurred, except Williams, J., not voting.