Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1881-12-25

WASHINGTON, Dec. 24-Col. Reed, Scoville
and J. W. Guiteau were in consultation for
half an hour before the opening of the court.
DIR. Stearns took the stand, and ScoVille re-
sumed ross-examination relative to the var
ious forms of insanity. Witness stated the
faculty of memory generally first shows i'm
pairment in most all forms of insanity. Sco-
vile asked: "Do you agree with the last wit
ness. that insanity is always an outward mani
festation of disease of the brain:'
Judge Porter objected to the form OF the
question, and insisted that the defense observe
the same rule the prosecution had adhered to,
of letting each witness testify to what he
knew, and not from an agument upon the ev-
idence Of another.
Guiteau-"You are getting excited, Por-
ter"
Scoville-"I must say, Judge Porter can
make the most of nothing than any man
ever met"
After further questions relative to brain dis
ease, Scoyille ADDED: ''Is it true that such
disease can always be detected by examination
of that organT' Answer-"I cal only answer
that there have been cases of brain disease
where, upon examination after death, no lesion
of the brain was detected"
Witness was about to make further obser-
vations just as Scoville proposed question,
when Judge Porter said to witness: "Go on,
doctor, aud finish your answer"
Scoville-"Well, hold on a minute. We
would like to know who is conducting this
examination, you or |.
Porter-'sI assume that the court is conduct
ing the trial and TO the court l shall always
appeal for enforcement of the rules of practice.
Witness is one of the most noted scientists in
this country, and you must not attempt to
treat him as though be were schoolboy. L
will not permit it,"
Scoyille with some warmth )-"Well, let us
see about this, Judge Porter.
Guiteau chimed in with "Hit at Porter"
but without raising his eyes from the pam
phlet which he was pretending to read, a broad
grin overspread his features, and he seemed to
enjoy greatly the storm of angry words.
Judge Cox interrupted with few smooth
words, aud the examination proceeded some
time without incident, when Porter again
protested that Scoville should not be permitted
TO rebuke the witness.
Scoville said 81 can see no occasion for
your speech. l have neither rebuked nor mad
occasion to do So"
Guiteau-"W What's the matter with you,
Porter, any way? You must have contracted
Davidge's disease during the night"
ScoYille began to read from manuscript
what appeared to be hypothetical PROPOSE
tion, and Davldge, with mock bewilderment,
Interrupted: ooh, come, come, Scoville,
can't understand that"
Scoville Qaughing)-"Well, l don't under
stand it myself. Mr.. reporter, please erase
that, and | Will put another question"
Reed then put q few questions in rapid
order, when Porter again interposed an OBJ
lection. and demanded that witness be allowed
to finish his answer and not be cut short by
counsel.
Reed-"The witness has not intimated de.
sire to say anything further in reply to that
question. 70 are the one that appears to be
anxious for more" To the witness: "Doc-
tor, do you desire to add anything to your
replys"
Witness -"No, sir; thought I answered
the question directly and sufficiently"
Reed-"As supposed, Judge Porter, you
disagree with your own witness, usual" 1"
General laughter at the expense of Porter.)
Porter, (aside to Scoville)-He'll get over it
after awhile.n
The examination progressed with frequent
objections on the part of the prosecution, re-
qulring rulings of the court. As witness was
about to retire, Guiteau said: "Allow me to
ask you hold an opinion that man cannot
be insane in a specific act without having a
diseased brain?" Seoyille assented to the
question and witness replied that insanity
meant disease of the brain. Guiteau asked
another question but Judge Porter suggested
to the witness that he hold no colloquy with
criminal.
Guiteau (augrily)-"Pm no criminal any
more than you are. Pm here as my own
counsel, and have as much right to speak as
you have. Wait till | am convicted before
you call me criminal. | stand a great deal
better outside than you do. Plenty of people
will say Pm bigger man than old Porter.''
Corkhill suggested that if this abuse was
permitted the prosecution would insist that
the prisoner be removed to the dock.
Judge Cox The court has already con-
sidered the advisibility of such course
Guiteau-"The court has no discretion in
the matter. Iappear here as my own coun-
sci, in accordance with the law and usage in
every state in the country
The incident was evidently not without
effect upon the prisoner, who seems to realize,
now that he Is perfectly sane, that he will be
held ameanab!e to the same rules of behavior
as other sane people.
DR.. James Strong, of Cleveland, visited the
Jail and investigated the mental and bodily
condition of the prisoner. As he was
about to state the results of his ex-
animation, Guiteau looked up and
said: "Doctor, let me cut this short
by saying that I'm in as good physical condi-
uon and as sane as you are. There is 4 great
deal of useless rubbish beng dragged iuto
this case. Let's cut it short"
Judge Parker arose and again demanded the
interference of the court to put stop to the
interpretations of the prisoner.
Scoville replied: "The counsel upon this
side will assent cheerfully and readily to any
proposition you may make. Only make your
proposition. Don't make your little speeches
to the jurymen.'
Judge Porter with much exctement)-ssYo on
have insulted a distinguished gentleman upon
the witness stand, and now you assume to
dictate the management of our case"
sE At this point Guiteau again lost his temper
aad discretion, and shouted back to Judge
Porter while the latter addressed the court In
his most impressive manner. For few min
utes neither could be distinctly understood.
Judge Cox finally secured silence, and stated
that, while he did not desire to act hastily, he
should punish for contempt if the prisoner
again transgressed the bounds of propriety
every well, your honor l am within the
discretion of the court, but l do not appear
here as an ordinary criminal, and your honor
has recognized that appear as my own coun-
sci, and have so acted for the past six weeks.''
Col. Reed then proposed hypothetical case
for the defense, and asked If witness could
give an opinion. Witness evaded direct an
Swer, and counsel insisted upon a categorical
reply. sharp colloquy ensued between Por-
ter and Reed, with side remarks by Guiteau
such as, "Porler, you've got a mouth like an