Los Angeles daily herald., 1888-08-02
THE LUCAS CASE.
Testimony for the Defense Being
Taken.

THE LUCAS CASE.
restimony for the Defense Being
Taken.
The Lucas trial moved along little
more rapidly yesterday, Judge Cheney
exhibited q determination to expedite
matters as much as possible, as the case
has already run two days over the time
allowed it on the docket and is throwing
out other important business. The day
was taken up with hearing testimony for
the defense, and large number of wit
nesses were summoned. Colonel Wells,
who is suffering from an attack OF paraiy-
sis, was not present in court. The prln-
cipal witnesses in the morning were Cap
tain Finnegass, of San Francisco, VINO
testified as to the relation OF Elton and
Lucas in that city, and Detective Marsh.
The first witness of the afternoon was
Henry j. Hitler, who testified that he
knew nothing whatever about the entire
affairs, and was thereupon promptly dis
missed.
Thomas F. Donahue, detective, be-
gan to tell what Lucas had said to him
about the stolen articles through the tel
ephone. An objection was raised that a
telephone message could not be construed
as evidence, and H. G. Wolf, a druggist,
was called to show that it was Lucas
himself who was at the other end of the
telephone. The message was sent on
the day that Elton was arrested. Lucas
had asked Donahue whether he was
searching for Elton and had informed
him that he was to be found at certain
place on Main street, half an hour later.
BY reason of this inform ton, Donahue
brought Elton into the police station.
E. G. Bush, who formerly served the
8. Elmo Hotel as night clerk and bell
boy, was put upon the stand by the de-
tense. The witness knew Elton in San
Francisco, and considered him a very
bad character. Elton had shown him the
silk purse which constitutes the evidence
against Lucas, and he had exhibited
plenty of money. He said he was work
ing for Emil Harris and also serving as
q special policeman at the Salvation
Army headquarters. He and the witness
took drink together. In the cross-ex-
animation Mr.. Bush said that he had
worked for Lucas, and at present made
use OF his office as lodging at night.
He did not remember the episode of the
purse when he was examined in the low
.er court, but had thought it up few
weeks ago.
Chief Cuddy, the next witness, testi-
fed to a conversation which he had had
with Lucas before the arrest of Elton
about some of the stolen articles. The
purse was not among the number.
Elton was brought into court again, and
declared that had had TO private conver-
sation with Detective Marsh at any time,
and hence could not have used the
threats against Lucas which Marsh had
described.
Mr.. w. w. Holcomb, who was Elton's
lawyer in the burglary affair, for which
he is now suffering imprisonment gave
evidence as to the authenticity of Elton's
signature on the order on Lucas for the
delivery of some of the stolen articles in
his possession.
Mrs. Mary Whittier was the name of
the next witness. She had made Elton's
acquaintance at a lodging house on
Fourth street. He had showed her the
purse and said that it was gift from
his mother. Except for that he would
have made her present of it.
Mr.. B. MCGOWAN, Jr., happened to be
in the Courtroom when Elton made the
statement at the time of his trial for
burglary that if he was convicted for that
he would not press the case against
Lucas.
]. w. Douglas, when placed upon the
stand, declared that he wanted to made
public statement, to correct what the
newspapers had said about him.
'tNever mind the newspapers" said
Judge Cheney, eve will 60 on with this
trial now."
Mr.. Douglas owned hay.stack which
was burned and the cause was after
wards Investigated by Harris and his
men.
Detectives Marsh and Donahue gave
more testimony showing the determina-
tion of Elton to down Lucas and 0. w.
Hawkins, the Sheriff of San Rafael
testified to Elton's performances in that
locality.
Mr.. Lucas himself will be put on the
stand to-day and the defense will com.
plete its case.