NYMONROE-L Archives

Archiver > NYMONROE > 2004-05 > 1083784541


From: "Susan" <>
Subject: Murder Trial Feb. 22, 1896 part 1
Date: Wed, 5 May 2004 15:15:41 -0400


The Union & Advertiser
February 22, 1896
(Part 1)
Defense of Egbert CHATFIELD

The Taking of Testimony Continued Today

The People Made a Sensation in Cross-Examination
of One of the Witnesses

Mrs. WALTERS on the Stand - Caleb OAKLEY Tells His
Story - Others Give Interesting Evidence

The taking of testimony in the CHATFIELD murder trial took up this
morning's session of the trial term and the trial will be continued on
Monday. The case is not expected to go to the jury before Tuesday or
Wednesday. In the attendance it is noticeable that the fair sex is
almost filling the spectators seats.

As the theory of self-defense is offered it was supposed that Egbert H.
CHATFIELD, the defendant, might be put upon the stand some time today,
and this increased the interest in today's proceedings and the court
room was well filled, although Sheriff HANNAN's deputies allowed only a
portion of applicants for admission to enter. The corridors outside
were thronged with idlers.

Juror ARNOLD didn't have his Bible with him today, but substituted a
historical work with which he improved his mind in spare moments.

Robert CRANSTON was called yesterday afternoon as to an alleged assault
upon him by Dominick KEARNS and the testimony was excluded as immaterial
on the objection of the people.

Herbert MILES was sworn and as the testimony he offered was in relation
to KEARNS cleaning out an entire store it was excluded as a specific act
and immaterial. The court ruled the same way on the question of
admitting testimony of John D. CASE that KEARNS settled for blacking
Mrs. SCHUPERT's eye.

Harvey BOLLICk testified that KEARNS associated with the STEWART and
SLATTERY boys and when drinking was likely to be violent.

August SCHAELBER, whose mother runs a grocery and saloon at the Rapids,
was called next.

He was called to testify as to CHATFIELD's trouble with Drew in his
place a short time before the murder. He said that Drew called the
defendant a vile name, coupled with the A. P. A. order, and soon as the
latter came into the barroom, Drew also grabbed CHATFIELD by the
shoulder. The latter pushed him away and Drew fell on to the floor,
clinging to CHATFIELD's coat. Drew was drunk at the time.

The witness interfered and told CHATFIELD he had better go away and
avoid the gang. CHATFIELD had had one glass of beer that the witness
knew of. He drank something else in the sitting room, but whether it
was beer or a soft drink the witness couldn't say.

George DEFRE__S and Jacob B. VOGT testified as to the scuffle between
Drew and CHATFIELD.

James L. BAST__O was next sworn as to what occurred during the trouble
between CHATFIELD and Drew. The witness said he did not care to go home
with Bert at night.

Mr. RAINES - "Why, were you afraid?"

"There seemed to be so much feeling about the A. P. A. at that time and
in that locality, and I had been accused of being in sympathy with such
an organization."

Mr. WARREN - "You say you have been accused of being an A. P. A.?"

"I am not."

Mr. RAINES - "State why you feared Drew would return with the gang?"

"I don't wish to say."

"Well, perhaps that is the best answer."

Mr. WARREN - "Hold on. Let him state his reason."

"I want to ask if I have to answer when by doing it will endanger my
life."

"Why do you think it would endanger you?"

Mr. RAINES - "Because they are none of them in state prison."

Paul LUTES was next sworn as to the disposition of Dominick KEARNS when
drunk. Mr. RAINES endeavored by questioning to gain from LUTES a
general description of KEARNS' character, but a majority of the
questions were overruled. The witness' father was murdered near the
phosphate works several years ago. Michael KELLY was tried for the
crime, but was acquitted.

Elmer A. TAFT was called to the stand and related a conversation held
with Bert in which Bert referred to his fear of the SLATTERY gang. He
was also with CHATFIELD about 3:30 or 4 o'clock on May 26th, at which
time the defendant and TAFT visited BISNETT's place. The witness took a
glass of beer and Bert took a glass of pop. Their attention was called
to some men in the river, and while looking from the window four men
entered and Bert cautioned TAFT to go. After reaching the outside
CHATFIELD told witness that the men who entered were part of the gang
which he feared.

Mr. RAINES - "While you were there was anything said at BISNETT's about
fishing or how good a man Bert was?"

"No, I heard nothing of the kind."

At this point adjournment was taken to 10 o'clock this morning.

Sue


This thread: