The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-02-27
THE NAKED TRUTH.
A Frisco Court Treated i2 ? Remarkable
Scene-The Role of Phryne Ke-anaeted.

A Frisco Court treated ~ ? heih@rkaDie
Scene-The Role of Phryne Ke-eHaeted.
San Francisco Post.
In the trial of J. J. Robbins, a well known at
torney and journalist. charged with assault upon
Lulu and Dora McCrellis. two young girls, Il
most dramatic scene occurred in the Criminal
Court, yesterday. After a great deal Of evidence
entirely unfit for publication, Lulu McCrellis tes-
tilted that she had seen certain marks upon Rob
bins,S body, on his arm the figure of a woman,
and on his hip a house; that these We're blue, and
had been tattoed into his skin. Dora McCrellis,
her sister, corroborated this statement in detail,
and said further, that she had seen upon Rob
bins's back two red marks. about six inches long,
which he had told her We're birth marks.
The prosecution rested its case at this point,
and w. W. Turner, for the defense, rose and
said that he would prove, by physical facts,
that the witnesses for the prosecution had
invented a wicked and criminal lie. Il now
instruct Mr.. Robbins he said, ITO strip before
that jury, exhibit himself naked from head to
foot, and if there is any such mark on him. as
either Of these girls describe, let him go to the
penitentlary for the rest of his life Robbins
Immediately jumped from his chair and com
menced to strip before the jury.
We object to this dramatic scene" said Kit
trell for the prosecution.
Hadn't you better wait until the case is
closed! asked the court.
No. sir" replied Mr.. Dudley. of the defense.
Now is the time, before we leave the courtroom;
we nave that right"
Very well, q" said tho Judge, Il shall allow it.
Let the girl withdraw until the jury examine
him" and the brazen-faced creature left the
stand. for the first time showing signs that her
presence of mind had left her. Robbins then
stripped and subjected himself to a rigid eXami-
nation at the hands of each iuryman and each of
the attorneys for the prosecution. Not a mark
could be seen; no scar; III fact, there did not
seem to be a blemiSh on his skin. The girl was
then called in and told to point out the marks
she declared were there. AS quick as thought,
and with eyes flashing with subdued rage and
anger, she replied: They are not there; he has
washed them off. 1t must have been paint l
saw on him" "Do you see any of them?r asked
KittrelL No, they are all gone, she answered
Robbins then dressed himself, and again took his
seat.
Counsel for the defense and prosecution ad-
dressed the jury, the latter intimating that he
would not believe anything the two girls might
swear to in any case. The Judge then charged
the jury. He said:
AT the close of this case it becomes my duty
to instruct. you. l will not comment on the teS-
timony; it is too infamous to speak of. l will
only say this: God forbid that you should ever
be called upon to witness another exhibition like
that which has just TRANSFERRED in this court
room-such another exhibition of moral deprav-
ity as has been exhibited to you. The entire
case rests upon the testimony of these two girls.
No conviction can be had on testimony that is
not credible-where a witness has told palpa
BILE falsehoods to material matter, the evidence
OF such a witness is utterly worthless. That is
just this case The Judge then fully advised
them as to their duties. and said: II might in
this case directly instruct you what verdict to
return, but your common sense Is sufficient 10
guide you. You will now consider your verdict. "
All but one of the jurors wanted to return a YER
dict from their seats, but one wanted to retire;
the jury went out and Immediately returned
with a verdict of mot guilty" Robbins was
Immediately discharged, and thus ended this
very remarkable trial.