Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1875-02-10
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Daily Xennebet Journal
Murder Trial In Auburn,
T'ial OF Higgins for the murder of Bar.
low.

Lewiston, February 8. The trial of Rufus n.
Higgins fol the murder OF Jane, Barlow in Sept.
last, was began this morning in the Supreme
Court, in session at Auburn, Judge Danforth pre-
siding. The prosecution is conducted by Attor.
ney General Plasted assisted by County Attor
ney Wright. Higgins is defended by l.. S.
Hutchinson, Esq, of Lewiston. The circum-
stances of the alleged murder are briefly as fol-
lows:
On the 18th Of Sept last, Barlow who was a
mule spinner in one of mills, went out of his
boarding house on Lincoln street, late at night to
see partially intoxicated friend home, they were
met by two men, one of whom demanded two
dollars. Craig, Barlow's companion, reported that
he should work for his two dollars, when he was
Immediately knocked senseess. Barlow inter-
ferred and was struck heavily beneath the eye
from the effects of which blow it Is claimed he
died, about two weeks after. A month after this
occurrence Rufus n. Higgins and Thomas Law
Ter were arrested and charged with being the two
assailants of Craig and Barlow. After prelimina-
ry examination these men were bound over for
trial The indictment against Higgins is alone
prosecuted this morning. County Atty Wright
opened for the prosecution and detailed the cir
cumstances Of the assault and of Higgins arrest
IN Gray. Craig took the stand and told the story
OF the assault He could not indemnity Higgins
one Of the men who assaied them. Never saw
either of them before nor since. Mrs James
Hudson, who kept the house where Barlow board
ed, narrated the circumstances of his sickness and
death.
At the afternoon session of the Higgins murder
trial to-day Mrs. Hudson was cross-examined by
the prisoners counsel. She testified that Barlow
was never in the habit of drinking anything more
than hop beer. He was quiet and peaceable
man. One of the quietest she ever knew. The
cut under his eye was serious one. Up to the
time of his death he never knew who struck him.
He was injured on the 10Th and lived ten days.
He never told but one story in regard to the as
saus and that was a straight one.
James Hudson, the last witnesses husband, cor
roborated her testimony. About half past ten
Barlow came in bleeding and said "Never mind
me, they have killed Craig" The story he told
about the assault was that they met two men one
OF whom demanded two dollars. Craig told him
to earn it, and was at once knocked senseless
He Barlow interposed ard was himself pitched
upon, knocked down and kicked.
On cross-examination Mr.. Hudson said that Bar
low had never given any description of the man
who struck him up TO the time of calling in DR..
Marble. Did not consider Barlow's condition as
critical. Barlow said they knocked him down and
kicked him, and never mentioned any other injury
then that upon his face.
DR.. Henry Marble testified that Barlow consult
ed him two or three days before he died, and des-
~ frpa ty,ap tab Tod
and the patient notwithstanding the efforts CT
three or four physicians, died. The post mortem
showed that small splinter of his cheek bon
had been broken off and driven back and down, Sc,
that it pressed against of the facial nerves. SC
that inflammation of the brain supervened
This was the immediate cause of the DEATH
The principal point in DR.. Marbles testimony, wa.
his positive opinion that the fracture could not
have been caused by blow from the fist. It
must have been kick with heavy boot and "A
kick from above, downward. Cross-examination
failed to shake this conviction.
Samuel Knowles told how he was going home
late hat night, and first met Barlow. whom he
knew, bloody and staggering. lie then ran across
Craig lying senseless on the sidewalk Went on
little further and passed Higgins and I.awler
standing against a fence. Heard Higgins say,
II guess those Frenchmen's mouths will be sore
Tomorrow Know Higgins we'll by sight. Went
back with Kelly and Hines, whom he met on the
street, ard picked Craig up.
Kelly remarked that it was mean thing to strike
Craig, and then Lawler came up and took off his
coat and wanted to fight
AT this stage OF the proceedings witness went
home.
The count here adjourned until Wednesday.