The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1882-01-05

THE COURT THREATENS TO PUNISH GUITEAU FOR
CoNTEMPT-FURTHER EXPERT TESTIMONY.
The cross-examination of DIR. Stevens was
resumed. The examination progressed with
frequent objections on the part Of the prose-
cution, requiring the ruling of the Court. As
the witness was about to retire Guiteau said:
''Allow me to ask if you hold the opinion that
a man can not be insane in a specific act with
out having disease Of the brain?' Scoville
assented to the question, and the witness re-
pled that insanity meant disease Of the brain.
Guiteau asked another question, but Judge
Porter suggested to the witness that he hold no
colloquy with a criminal. Guiteau (angrily)-
"Im no criminal, any more than you
are, I'm here as my own counsel, and
1 have as much right to speak as you
have. Wait till / am convicted before
better outside than you do. Plenty Of people
will say I'm bigger man than old Porter"
Corkhill suggested that if this abuse was per-
mitted, the prosecution would insist that the
prisoner be removed to the dock. Judge Cox
" The Court has already considered the advisa-
bilty of such course" Guiteau-"The Court
has no Jurisdiction in the matter. I appear
here as my own counsel in accordance with 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
has boldly asserted that he is perfectly sane,
same rules Of behavior as other sane people.
DIR. Jamin 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 examination, Guiteau
looked up and said: doctor, let me cut this
short by saying I'm in good physical condi.-
ton and as sane as you are. There's great
deal Of useless rubbish being dragged into this
case. Let's cut it short" Judge Porter arose
and again demanded the interference of the
Court to put stop to the interruptions on the
part 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
Porter (with much excitement) -"You
have insulted distinguished gentleman upon
the witness stand, and now you assume
to dictate the management OF our case" At
this point Guiteau again lost his temper and
discretion, and shouted back at Judge Porter,
while the latter addressed the Court in his
most impressive manner. For few minutes
neither could be distinctly understood. Judge
| Cox finally secured silence and stated, while
| he did not desire to act hastily, he should
| punish him for contempt if the prisoner
| again transgressed the bounds of propriety."
| Guiteau-"Very well, your Honor. l am
| within the discretion of the Court but l do
| not appear here ordinary criminal, and
your Honor recognizes it. iappear as my own
counsel, and have SO acted for the past six
weeks" Col Reed then proposed hypothet-
ical case of defense, and asked if witness could
| give an opinion. Witness evaded a direct an
swer, and counsel insisted upon a categorical
reply sharp colloquy ensued between Porter
and Reed. Judge Cox ruled counsel for defense
| could require q categorical answer, and the
question was again put, but each time wit
ness insisted upon qualifications which evaded
a direct answer. Guiteau sneeringly remarked
"You are the stupidest fellow we've had yet. y
Col. Reed finally said "Well, IL you cannot
| ha yOI ma at
teau shouted after the witness: "Now go and
get your $500 and go home" DIR. Abram M.
Shew, Superintendent Of the Connecticut Hos
pital for the insane stated he had made two
examinations Of the prisoner o. tne la,i ior tnd
physical condition, and had noticed the
conduct of the prisoner in the court
! room since November 26, and had