The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1867-05-09
splf,rU1-sxM AN EXCUSE FOa xusoea.

The Case si Wimnems ore, In PhilnseIphia--
Carton. Testimony Of NIesliusss. a..
The plea set mp by The defence in this is that the
prisoner subject fits of insanity and witnesses
introduced to prove that as spiritual medium he sees
and does many curious things The mother OF the &C
cuscd after tesyipg the fact her son had frac-
tured his sks by falling down granite steps when
he was seven years old. proceeded to say:
He was quiet only at times; he talked about the spirits
OF Indians; he would laugh, jump about make queer
faces and act queer he often acted very demented
thore after he left the he spent his evenings
at home; the expression OF his eye was thing
OF his hsDS he would dance around the room
like an Indian; have felt afraid OF him; his eyes
at such times looked wild and piercing, and some
not sleeping; have known him sleep night aud day
when he under the effect OF these Authorizations
would froth At the mouth he appeared unconscious
imes he would sit with his eyes closed and his hand
sd ne guarded the
almost always under an influence Of some kind thu
last time he at the house he sat for hours with hi
eyes closed then suddenly started and went OUT
claimed 10 know when he had letters the post once
before hewent for them; he would say, ~ coins
down 10 the post Office, and get letter. for know there
Is one there for me he always brought home whom
be said 50; remember two times distinctly his doing
this; remember tirne his starting up and saying
s.there is have been looking for all the city
who wants TO me-" and started out lac returned In
ten nfteen minutes and said be had met him At tho
sister Of the accused stated that he had frequently
frightened her by singular actions; he had deusons;
he often wished himself dead and attempted scIf-de-
struction several times
brother testified lhe fact that prisoner mad
access 10 his trunk In which there money at any
time introduced 70 show that the homicide was not
committed for money!: he had often described persons
that dead saying that they were In the room aud
he could them As plainly as ne could me.
Anna j. Wolf teslned--Be often described spirits that
he saw around me; he said the influence my house
wns too heavy FOR him. aud he would have 10 leave
9a.RxamlueJ--I think IL about SAT
the prisoner nj 1agiitons when be said se the
spirits know he told the truth: did not see them
then but have them, the samc ones he saw:
have seen spirits since was chtd: don't think the
OF spirits any evidence Of insanity know
0neqnarter OF the people Of Philadelphia have
spirits, and don't think they are insane
Mrs Mary Mench, eworn-I have known the prisoner
sixsssn or seventeen months; have sssn Mrs. Msg.
passes over his head she told she had magneixed
him. he'd picture painted by Mrs MagiItoD. but
gave away met the prisoner IN room about 1--WE
weeks ago. where picture painted by Ms Magilton
was hanging up; he went away from the pcsnre and
he said he didn't know The reason; hsve seen him
when be said he was In IN unconscious state have
seen him sit two hour. and not speak nor move have
him write under the influence OF the spirits: have
some Of his writings; hrs conduct ordinarily was very
mild and pleasant.
no ono aided him. he had any help Il some power
above ourseIvcs ten or dozen meet together and form
70 give ,T :" vser % he
generally sit about half an hour; che rule is not 20
speak.
Q. BY District Attorney--There were women in the
circeY Gaughtcr)
Yes; ne was a medium; think he was as sane a. you
y mvse asaS 10 Others e
Re-examinsd-I have heard him talk OF Mrs. Magilton
in the kindcst terms; saw Mrs. Magton mesmerze
him when he was SUITE ing from his head don't think
she relieved him. for he got up and lcft and home
] can cure people that WAY myself.
The District Attorney. INTERN ptngA usard plaster
behind the Is better. Qaughterl
The court adjourned until yesterday.