Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1881-12-24

Cross-examined By Col Reed.
Mr.. Shaw had testified that no one was
present when the Booth conversation took
place
The witness was asked: If Shaw testified
that one was present, and you testify
under oath that you were present. which Of
yod told the truth!
A-why, have told the truth. Mr.. Shaw
is very apt to get excited when placed on the
stand.
Witness Acknowledged that the talk by
Guiteau about Booth made no impression
upon him. (witness) at the time, because the
prisoner said so many queer things. He
| thought at that time the prisoner the last
man in the world who would do an act that
would involve any personal danger TO him.
self.
The witness gave an account of fraudu-
lent real estate transaction in which the pris-
oner attempted to involve him, (witness)-
Guitssu sneeringly commented on the rid
iculous assumption Of the witness, and SEQ
vile tried to quiet him.
GIiteau replied: know What I'm doing.
I will take my chance of getting a laugh on
him.
Col Reed questioned the witness at some
length.
Guiteau interrupted, saying: Why, this
whole thing j. a lie. Nv counsel are taking
this matter too seriously. Call it BY its
right name, lie. and let il 90.
| Finally he became very impatient at the
/ length of the concentration. and called
out petuiently Why, the whole thing is a
/ farce. This fellow ten years ago was clerk
I in Shsw's office, getting about s. per week.
The idea that would consult him on big
I real estate Transaction, such numbskuil as
this fellow j. WHY, it is simply absurd,
IssIsr .stf.f r 1sk m IF he
stand.
] DR. Spencer II. Talbot. medical super
/ intendent Of the Homeopathic Asylum for the
/ Insane. at Middletown, y. Y, had treated
over 400 cases of insanity. The witness
| had closely observed the prisoner, and had
listened to his testimony on the stand upon
the assumption that he. Guiteau, was telling
the truth in regard TO the transaction and in
regard to the events of his life as he describ-
ed them | should say he was sane on the
ID Of July.
Witness also replied Assuming il TO be
true. the facts set forth in the hypothetical
question, | should say that the prisoner was
sane on the 2d Of july.
| How much do You expect to get for that
optimism: shouted Guitcan. You've been
here two or three weeks; | suppose you will
want $500 Striking the table angrily) but |
/ don't care snap for your expert testi-
mony | don't pretend to say that am in
sane aow. any more than you are, but on the
| I'd of July, and for three days prior was
insane. That's the issue.
| Davidge-Then if YOU now you
know how to behave yourself.
Guiteau-I do know how, and | behave
myself as well as you DO. | appear here as
my own counsel, Judge Davidge, and have
as much right to talk rs YOU have The
\ of ia IN a tnppfhpr much
to say in this ease. You as bad man
who is born with the diarrhGa. Now keep
quiet.
Recess.
After recess, DR.. Talcntt testified that he
had no reason to believe The prisoner made
any effort to play part when he (wItness)
visited him in Jail, but he had thought fire.
Quently in court that the prisoner was exag-
gerating his tendencies.
Q-Wha tendenciest
A-Tendencies to egotism vanity AMI in
gratitude, ~ evidenced by his remarks to you
yesterday.
Q-Are not these tendencies peculiar to the
insane!
A-Not especially peculiar to the sane or
insane. They may be seen in either case.
Giving entire credence to everything the
pisoner said when on the stand the witness
would still believe him insane.
DR. Henry Z. Stcarns, of Hartford,
Conn Superintendent of the Hartford Re
treat for the Insane, was the next witness.
From eight hundred to one thousand cases
of insanity has come under his supervision
during the eight years he had been connected
with the " Retreat" Witness had made four
examinations of prisoner at the Jail, directed
to his physical and mental condition.
Guiteau interrupted, saving " You come
to me, doctor, as friend, and |, supposing
YOU were going to testify for the defense
talked very freely with YOU about my religious
feelings and all about myself; but COrkhil's
money too much for you. | want To saw
here that don't pretend that am any more
insane at this minute thar Davidgc is. |
wont say Corkhill. Tor | think he is cracked,
but rest my case right on this claim-that
was insane on the second of July, when my
inspiration and the state of my mind i'm
PEELED me upon the President.
To make il very short. that all there is to
it, | don't care what these experts say about
nav insanity now, that's got nothing to do
with it.
Witness detailed at great length the re-.
suits of his examinations and interviews with
Guiteau.
Pending his cross.ex examination the court
adjourned until Tomorrow.