Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1884-1886, 1886-06-09


Ijuzy y dseidA H ds1Iess ~ slEsely
Iinsroduced evidences 70 The e6ed tlat The
deceased fred the 6rst shot. hence any testi-
mony tending to establish the Defendants
theory of self defence was admissible; there
fore the objection Of the state was over
ruled.
The examination Of the same witness then
proceeded, who testified that on the morning
of the day of the tragedy the deceased was
with him in the cellar, where he YVES
cleaning his lamps and that he drew pistol
from his breast and said he would kill Ed
wards. and that about O'Clock that even
ing the witness communicated these threats
to the defendant Edwards.
Mr.. Murray, for the state, put witness
through close course of cross examination
but what points be made in favor of the state
was not very clear to the writer.
The theory of self defense being now
brought into fair running order the defense
submitted the dispositions previously ruled
out, which were admitted in evidence.
Court then adjourned for dinner.
During the afternoon session the defense
had their innings, and managed to give the
case for the state black eye.
| Interest in tho case had been growing.
and there were a far larger number present
than on any previous day of the trial. The
defense presented q long array of witnesses,
who gave pretty strong evidence as to
threats Wilson had made on sundry occa-
sions against the life Of the defendant, and
as to the character of the deceased and his
general reputation, all of which went to
prove that he was of turbulent and dam
gerous disposition and an expert with the
pistol, and altogether a dangerous man.
Defence made an attemp. to break the force
james V. Wright's testimony, by introduc-
ing evidence Of his neighbors as to his truth
and veracity, but it is doubtful if they gained
any point in that matter.
! Several witnesses testified as to Wilson's
threats against Edwards and his unsavory
reputation in this city, in Caldwell and in
Wellington. and thus the defense succeeded
in surrounding Wilson's character with an
awful black border.
In the course of this line of testimony an
indident was brought 10 light illustrating
peculiar state of morals in Caldwell, in
which prohibition cut some figure.
The substance of what was revealed in that
is, that about three yesrs ago, while Wilson
was in that town, Edwards came there and
the impression somehow obtained among
the vendors of "red eye" that Edwards was
a sort Of detective on the prohibition side,
or to use more cultured expression, that
be was prohibition spotter.
The jointers held caucus a. which i. was
decided best to give the alleged spotter a
good thrashing and invite him to take a
short walk. II appears that but few Of the
dealers in the ardent cared to undertake the
job, and some one suggested Wilson, who
was sent for and the plan submitted
to him, and after expressing belief
that he could do the work he was
hired to do the thrashing, and he did it.
One Of the witnesses swore that he had paid
So. as his share Of the fund after Wilson
had finished the contract.
Among the witnesses for the defense are
large number Of Wichita people. who sp
pear unanimous as to the awful bad charac-
ter Of the deceased.
The defense will get in al. their testimony
this forenoon, then the State will rebut with
three witnesses, which VIII occuoy about all
this day, and on Thursday the eminent
counsel will have = chance 10 display their
legal lore and orsto:ic..i powers.
Edward, OF The stand-Our reporter left
the court room ut 4:S0. Nhc: 4 recess was
taken, and did not rc:uFn. bGt leaned that
afterwards the dcfei.i,.t. Eiwaris, tauk
the stand in MS owh defense. and told
straig h,-!orwarj stoIf, the substance of
which is, ;h.i go nett To tho gambling
house 10 rec parry, when lie snd Wilson
had II racket; sitter which lie left and went
to the Philips hou-e /, see a man, and that
when he WIS coins down ;h, street some
of his friends told him t. watch for Wilson,
who was out looking for him. He thea
went to the hardware Store snd borrowed
the revolver, and thinking III 4. The party ne
wanted 10 see might DO at the gambling
room, AMI, supposing Wilson 10 BE- out on
the street, he went up to the room, and when
he had got near Wilson the latter pulled his
pistol and fired, and he exhibited tbs vest he
wore on tina. occasion in which was hole
which he said was made by Wilson's ball.
He, defendant, then pulled his revolver and
shot Wilson, the two shots following in
rapid succession.
The evidence for the defense is now all
in and the states rebutting evidence wont
occupy much time, therefore some spouting
may be expected today.