Daily Kennebec journal., 1881-12-09
TRIAL OF eUITEAU.
A Lively Day in Court.
Strong Evidence Against the
Theory Of Insanity in the
Prisoners Family.
The Prisoner Enraged at John W.
uuiteau.
WASHINGTON. Dec. 8.

forenoon. The character OF the witnesses
presented BY the prosecution, wednesday
and the character of their testimony pro-
duced a marked effect upon the public mind
Many who had begun to think the plea OF
INSANITY would be readily sustained, now ex-
mos, the oninion that the evidence of We'd
nesday has completely overthrown the the
ory Of hereditary insanity, upon which, as It's
corner stone the structure OF the defence
has been erected
As soon a. Guiteau reached his seat, he
shouted out "A crank in Chicago says |
talked with him about this case | don't
know the man. 1t is false
Corkhill called as the first witness, Mrs
Julia VI. Wilson, of Leadville. Colorado.
She knew L. W. Guiteau from her earliest
recollection He was her uncle. The wit
ness gave most feeling account OF the life
and character of her mother, Mrs. Maynard.
who. it had been alleged by the defence, had
died insane, but who had really died from
pneumonia in 1865.
Her mother was noted for her lovely dis
position and character, and her virtues are
remembered and spoken of to this day. The
witness was her constant attendant up to the
hour of her DEATH and never saw the slight
est indication of fightiness or insanity.
The witness was questioned in relation to
the evidence of Mr.. Davis, one of the wit
nesses of the defence. MIR. Davis had tes-
tilted that he at one time in Mrs. May
nard's room during her illness and that she
was very fighty and incoherent, and contin-
ually charged him Davis TO look out for
her husband and children for she feared that
they would go the poor house.
Mrs Wilson smiled incredulously while
these questions were being put and replied
that she did not even remember the man
Davis, and thought it very improbable that
he was ever in the presence of her mother.
At that time she was constantly with her
mother and never saw or heard anything of
the kind.
Corkhill-This man Davis testified in re-
gard to your sister Abbie; we used to call
her foolish Abbie. do you know anything Of
this?
Answer-It may be possible, sir, do not
know who this man Davis is; he may have
been one of those rude boys to be met most
everywhere.
The deposition of Mr.. Turner was read in
which he said: Il have heard her husband
say she died insane" and the witness was
questioned in regard to it. Scoville objected
to the reply, ''I never heard it," and lively
discussion ensued between Judge Porter and
Scoville. Guiteau became enraged at Por
ter and shouted, Now hold your thunder till
you get to the jury, Judge; you are doing
this sort of thing too much" Judge Porter
without noticing this Outburst. continued in a
most impressive manner to argue his point.
when Guiteau broke in again: I'm not a
criminal and won't be till I'm convicted.
won't have that word; you ust hold your
eloquence for the jury.
Scoville expostutated with him, but he re-
torted in most vicious manner, 'Shut up
and mind your business; know what I'm
Al.
ton progressed without further incident.
Till ll.15, she was examined in regard to
various members of the family, and stated
positively that she never saw any indications
of insanity in any of them. Speaking of
the prisoners father, l.. w. Guiteau, the
witness said MY Uncle Luther visited me
frequently, and loved him with very ten
der affection. Our whole family were de-
lighted with his lovely Christian character,
and such a thought as that he might in any
degree be of an unsound mind never entered
my head
The witness was subjected to close and
critical examination. She was asked if she
entertained any prejudice against having
hereditary insanity alleged in this defence
and replied: Il object to any unfair state
ment being made upon that subject. Perhaps,
for the sake of my children might dis
can make no difference Her evidence in
chief. remained mistaken. and her testimony
undoubtedly produced marked sensation
her refined manners, well chosen language,
and evident intelligence and sincerity were
markedly in contrast with the appearance of
many of the witnesses for the defence, whose
evidence she fatty contradicted.
At the conclusion Of Mrs. Wilson's exam
ination John W. Guiteau arose from his seat
next to the prisoner, and asked the court to
rule out the question and answer relative tc
the witnesses father having died of softening
of the brair.
Il cant't sec, yonr honor" continued Mr.
Guiteau, 1.-The occasion of dragging in people
who have no blood connection with the pris
oner."
Judge Cox-I think the matter is irrel
evant.
Guiteau-Mrs. Wilson seems to be very
bright lady, but she is opposed to having il
appear that there was any insanity in tn,
family. That's the matter with her testi
mony.
Scovlle here arose trembling and excited
and protested against the meddling of John
w. Guiteau in the case. ''He is opposed t.
showing insanity in the family" said SEQ
vile, and his voice was here drowned by
the prisoners. who struck his hand violentl,
on tue tauie anu siouttu. 30 10 L. lie mac
better get back to Boston. He has no bust
ness here. just because he happenes to beal
the same name he thinks he will get little
notoriety out of this case. l havn't known
anything about the man for years. That i.
all there is about him and want him to get
right out of the case"
John w. Guitcau made no response to the
combined assault, and quiet being restored
Corkhill called George c. Maynard, who
verified in several material points the testi.
mony of the preceding witness
The court was about to announce the usual
recess, when John W. Guiteau arose and
said: Your honor. greatly desire to make
personal explanation. Nv father, now
dead Guiteau broke in with "Oh, shut up
and sit down. You have been vindicated"
Davidge here objected to any more such
scenes, The prisoner had continually been
allowed to interrupt proceedings, and at thi.
rate the trial would soon become a farce.
Judge Cox-'.I see no occasion, Mr.. Gui
teau, for'any explanation on your part
recess was then taken for an hour
Alter recess Frank Bartlett of Chicago.
was called. He knew Mr.. and Mrs Scoville
and had met the prisoner at Scoville's sum
mer residence in rs.
This man never saw me but once, inter.
rSpted Guiteau. 1t has cost the government