Mower County transcript. [volume] (Lansing, Minn.) 1868-1915, 1881-12-28


court the announcement was made of the death
Of Juryman Hobbs wife and the court ad-
iourned until the 21st inst.
IscentY-Ni,t Day.-The trial was resumed
on the 2lst inst. DR.. Frank Fl. Hamilton. one
the consulting surgeons of the late President
during bis prostration, vas the chief Witness
He testified that he considered duiteat 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
nearly all asylums 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 CorkhAl and the witnesses and also act
noticing that scoville keenly felt the abuse, the
prisoner said, "You are doing well, scovile, to
the best OF your ability
TAirtieth Day.-Dr. Theodore Diamond, Of
Albany, N. Y, testified that he believed the
prisoner sane. Witness was asked If he thought
| mature years. who honestly believed be was inA
spired to kill the President of the United States,
| and who honestly believed that, when his mo-
tives we're known to the people. they would not
only excuse, but applaud his act, and replied:
If he honestly believed that, and his will was
! dominated by conviction, it would be an indica-
ton of insanity" Guiteau-'' Well, Doctor, if
God could inspire man 1900 years ago, why
could he not do 90 now? Is there anything
| different in human nature2' Scoville-"I have
! objections to your answering, Doctor" The
question was read again to witness, and he re-
| Piled: "n the Lord did inspire anybody 1900
| years ago, he can now-if he chooses" When
|
! 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 SEQ
vile as criminal lawyer, and introduced
| Charles n. Reed, of Chicago, who he said
would assume the defense from that time forth.
! Scoville Immediately arose and made personal
exclamation, 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. Reede
assuming the active duties of associate c0unse
in the case. Judge Cox stated that he had ne
objection to such course. The prisoner grew
excited over discussion between the counse
! in regard to striking out certain portions of DR.
Diamonds testimony, and said: IF cam
get justice hero expect an act Of God for M.
protection. NHe has taken away the wife of On'
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 H
Talcott. medical superintendent of the Home
n. T., had Treated something over 1000 case
of insanity. Witness had closely observed tn
prisoner and listened to his testimony on tn
stand. Upon the assumption that he (Gui
teau) was telling the truth in regard to tn
transaction and in regard to the events of hi
life as he described them, be should say he wa
sane on the I'd Of July. Guiteau immediate
ly began to abuse the witness, but stopped o,
being commanded so to do by Judge Cox
Davidge said: "Your honor will please not
that the "free agency" quoted by the prisone
operates all right now, as he can keep quie
when he wants to. Guiteau replied: II dom
pretend to say I'm insane now any more thai
you are; but on the I'd of July, and for thirt
days prior was insane. That's the issue"