The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1881-12-31
Guiteau,s Trial.

Tcenty- Eight, Dayton the opening of the
court the announcement was made of the death
of Juryman Hobbs wife and the court adj
journed until the 21st inst.
Taoerty-Nillth Udy.-The trial was resumed
on the Dist inst. DR.. Frank H. Hamilton. one
the consulting surgeons Of the late President
during his prostration, was the chief witness.
He testified that he considered Guiteau perfect
ly sane at the time he shot the President and
in response to the question whether people pro-
nounced medically insane were competent to
judge between right and wrong, he said:
There are great many insane people, medi-
cally insane, who appreciate the difference be-
tween right and wrong" In response to an
other question Mr.. Hamilton continued: ''In
nearly all asvlums a system of rewards and
punishments is in vogue in dealing with the in
sane, showing that it is recognized that they
can distinguish between right and wrong, and
can control their actions" Guiteau roundly
abused Corkhill aud the witnesses and also act
ed shamefully toward Scovllle and wife. On
noticing that Scoville keenly felt the abuse, the
prisoner said, ''You are doing well, Scoville, to
the best of your ability"
Ttjrtiett Ddy.-Dr. Theodore Diamond, of
Albany, n Y, testified that he believed the
prisoner sane. Witness was asked if he thought
it would be any indication of sanity if man of
mature years, who honestly believed he was in
spred to kill the President of the United States
and who honestly believed that, when his mo-
tlves were known to the people, they would not
only excuse, but applaud his act, and replied:
If he honestly believed that, and bis will was
dominated by conviction, IL would be an indica-
ton of insanity" Guiteau-" Well, Doctor, if
God could inspire man 2, 900 years ago, why
could be not do so now? Is there anything
different in human natureY Scoville-"I have
objections to your answering, Doctor" The
question was read again to witness, and he re-
piled: "f the Lord did inspire anybody 1900
years ago, he can now-if he chooses" When
witness was excused, Guiteau shouted: These
experts may be all high-toned, honorable men;
but it's my opinion they hang more men than
doctors kill"
Thirty.irst Day.-Upon the opening of the
court Guiteau arose and, without any show of
excitement announced his lack of faith in Sco-
vile as a criminal lawyer, and intr oduced
Charles II. Reed, of Chicago, who he said
would assume the defense from that time forth
Scovllle immediately arose and made personal
explanation, stating the difficulties under
which he had labored and his disappointment
at not receiving legal assistance. He asked the
court to pass upon the propriety Of Mr.. Reeds
assuming the active duties of associate counsel
in the case. Judge Cox stated that he had no
objection to such a course. The prisoner grew
excited over a discussion between the counsel
IN regard to striking out certain portions of DR..
Diamonds testimony, and said: 'If can't
get Justice here l expect an act Of God for my
protection. He has taken away the wife of one
of the jurors, for which l am very sorry, and
if necessary he will take one of those Jurors
right out OF the box to save my life in the in
terest of truth and Justice" DR.. Spencer n.
Talcott medical superintendent of the Home
opathy Asylum for the Insane at Middletowp,
n. Y, had treated something over 1000 cases
Of insanity. Witness had closely observed the
prisoner and listened to his testimony on the
stand Upon the assumption that he (Gul-
teau) was telling the truth in regard to the
transaction and in regard to the events of his
life as he described them, he should say he was
sane on the I'd of July. Guiteau immediate
ly began to abuse the witness, but stopped on
being commanded SO to do by judge Cox.
Davidge said: "Your honor will please note
that the free agency" quoted by the prisoner
operates all right now, as he can keep quiet
when he wants to. Guiteau replied: g. don't
pretend to say I'm insane now any more than
you are; but on the I'd of July, and for thirty
days prior l was insane. That's the issue"