Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1885-01-09
THE CASPER scHoELIDoN TRIAL.

We received a communication from Mr.
j. F. Houck, of Waco, yesterday, referring
to our report of the state against Casper
Schoelidon, charged with having committed
"a rape on young girl of that town, which
trial it will be remembered was held in JUS
tice Thomas court about week ago.
Mr.. Houck says our city editor was a
'iittle off" in saying that about dozen
young men came as voluntary witnesses for
the defendant. He states further that there
were but two witnesses for the defense from
that neighborhood and that they were legally
summoned.
Again, Mr.. Houck objects to our state
ment that the girls testimony was conflict
ing and ELECTED sundry mods and winks from
the young men present, who appeared to
know her character.
/ In reference to these points We are al
ways glad to be set right if we
/ are in error. Our reporter could
/ rot be present during the whole trial and
might possibly be little off in some points.
In regard to some young men being volun-
tary witnesses for the defendant, we had
that from person who ought to know.
Our reporter heard the girls testimony and
could pick out several conflicting points in
ii and if he had been an attorney for the de-
PENDANT thinks that he could tear it up pref
ty badly. Again our representative has had
considerable experience in watching the
appearance and actions of lockers on, wit
nesses, jury, lawyers and all concerned in
criminal cases and very little escapes his no.
tice. He distinctly saw the mods, and winks
mentioned, and was informed that the young
men knew all the parties TO the case, in fact
two or three young men present told him
SO. Upon the girls own testimony, the
statements ofthese young men and court
official, our reporter based the statement to
which Mr.. Houck objects. That gentleman
further states that no young man in that
community could be found to say aught
against the girls character. Perhaps not,
but her testimony and demeanor on the
witness stand made bad impression on
many present who are accustomed TO hear
ing testimony.
The Beacon refers to the grievances of re-
porters on daily papers and the lecture by
reporter of the EAGLE. That lecture was
written by the old man himself, who seldom
attends an entertainment of any character,
but who knows what is due daily paper
and its readers. The managers of public !
entertainments show no hesitsncy in solicit
ing gratuitous advertisements and a good |
word besides, but when it comes to affording |
facilities to newspaper representative for |
facts which will interest readers, |
many Of them are churlish if not something |
worse. Private entertainers are some |
times little better in this respect. All that
the EAGLE desires is courteous trea tment and |
a disposition shown to forward the work in
hand. And it may as well be understood |
now as hereafter, when this paper goes to |
he trouble and expense of having reporter
present and he is not accorded the courtesy
due the paper and its readers, such persons
Or organizations will be asked nor given any
odds. So far as private and home entertain
nents are concerned, the EAGLE force is
of gentlemen who will not intrude
when not wanted and will write nothing not
Entirely agreeable to all parties concerned