The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-07-29
A LONG DRAWN OUT CASE.
The Testimony Elected in the Trial of Harri-
son for Forgery Last Night.

Alfred Harrison's role Of one accused Of for
gerry drew as much last night as on the first
evening of the trial. The testimony is altogeth-
er without startling incident, unless the oppor-
tunities it affords opposing attorneys to brow
was called by the Defense last night, to contra
dict Wheat's statements. but he gave that side
little or no strength. from the fact that he knew
nothing. DIR. Wesley Robbins and John Fl.
Murphy did not think the check was in the hand
writing of Harrison while Lackey Goughan. of
the postofice, knew nothing concerning Wheat's
presence in that building on the Saturday on
which the attempted crime occurred. George
Winslow, colored janitor. said it was on Fri
day. not on Saturday. that he saw Wheat near
the postofice.
James Pritchard, the alderman and attorney,
supplied the lawyer with chance to argue the
advisability of certain evidence The defense
wanted to know from him if Wheat had bad
reputation for truth and morality He said he
had not heard anything Of Wheats qualities in
this respect for year or a year and half
Prosecuting Attorney Harding objected, and
said such question must apply to the time Of
the trial. Attorney Walls thought differently.
and argued that the Supreme Court would sus-
tain him in going back any number
of years to prove the reputation
and character Of man. Acting
Mayor Smock would not admit tho question,
and MIR. Prtchard retired. to be followed on the
stand by Joseph II. Sheppard, an ex-counciman
and now of the postofice force. He told of the
conversation he had with Wheat in the station
house the night of his arrest Wheat told him
that, about year ago, Harrison, standing on
the postofice steps, called to him and asked him
to have check cashed for him. but, before he
gave him the paper, some one called Harrison,
when he tore up the check.
James Deery. of the postofice, was again
called to sustain Sheppards testimony as to the
station-house conve- alton. The prosecutor, IN
cross examination. wanted him TO explain an
immaterial difference in his previous testimony
and that Of Sheppard's This related to Deery's
opportunities in the postoffice OF knowing who
entered the windows in other parts of the build
ing. Attorney Walls, with some heat, objected,
and Prosecutor Harding tried to interrupt him,
when Harrison's lawyer said, "Now you shut
up" He went on to detail his grievances in say
ing that the prosecutors objections had become
intolerable, and he did not intend
to put up with the Interruptions any longer.
This led to few seconds cross-fre
of "you did" and 'you did not" closing with the
remark from Walls, NOV listen at his jibs. "
Walls started again to parade his style and
knowledge of law. when acting Mayor Smock
peremptorily cut him off with, Sergeant ad-
journ court until these gentlemen get through
talking" Within two or three minutes the pro-
ceedings were resumed by placing the colored
lawyer, Scott Turner on the stand He knew
that Harrison did not write the check and that
Wheat was very bad man.
You are interested as attorney for the de-
fense" asked the prosecutor.
Eyes, Sir; am" One of defendants other at
torneys winked at him, when the Innocent
Turner said I'll would like to modify that
answer. / am not exactly Harrlson's attorney"
"But you have been assisting the defensep
'Yes / have written subponas and looked
after witnesses, but don't know that am his
lawyer"
"That will do" and Mr.. Turner left the stand.
The same fate befell James Hill, another col
ored lawyer, who has been making himself
useful to Harrison on and off the witness stand.
Attorney Walls three four times called in
succession ten or dozen witnesses, but not one
Of them being about, he consented to an ad-
iournment until o'clock this morning.