The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1888-10-30
BAKER MURDER TRIAL.
Evidence Taken at Yesterdays
Session Of the Court.
AGooD DEAL OF TIME WASTED
By the Absence of witnesses when
they are Wanted = squabples
among the Lawyers-what is
thought orsome Witnesses. ]

The trial of Van B. Baker, for the MUIR
der of his mother.in.law, Mrs. SIcWha,
and her daughter Eliza, wife Of Baker,
was continued yesterday in the Circuit
Court for Brooke county sitting at Wells
burg, Judge Jacob presiding. The court
was convened at 0 o'clock and some
time consumed granting new citizens.
The Court then rendered some de-
cisions on points raised Saturday, and
ordered the trial to proceed. An appli-
cation by Mr.. Hutchinson for the origi-
nal affidavit OF Grimes at New Cumber-
land for new trial was made, but the
same could not be found. Afterwards
by consent Of the attorneys on both
sides, the evidence taken in support Of
the affidavit was used by the State.
William Sharpe, called by the State, no
answer; William Mooney called, no an
swer; Alonzo Knox called, no answer;
Frank Raiston called, no answer; Thomas
]. Sullivan called, no answer. Several
other witnesses were called but failed TO
respond. The Court seemed consider
bly, vexed over the delay and several ex-
plantations aud apologies followed, but
the morning continued to roll by without
anything being accomplished. These
witnesses lived out OF town and could
not reach the place before l0:l5 a. m.
At 1890 Colonel McSweeuey offered
the evidence OF Grimes, which was taken
in support of the affidavit for new
trial for the purpose of impeachment.
Mr.. Braddock objected, and wrangle
ensued as to questions asked Grimes in
the examination at this trial, which re!
suited in the stenographer hav-
ing to read his notes. After this point
having been discussed in running sort
OF way the Court ruled that the evil
dence should go to the jury, and Colonel
Arnett noted an exception. Mr.. Hutch
inson submitted that portion OF Grimes
evidence taken in support OF the aiIi-
davit fora new trial at New Cumberland
to the prisoners attorneys, and by con-
sent read the same to the jury.
Hon. Hobert Love, of Steubenville,
was then put on the stand, and testified
as to conversations had with Sam Raj
ston, and conversations Ralston had had
and which he had overheard. Mr.. Love
said Ralston came to us and introduced |
himself; he said l am going to tell you
gentlemen what am going to swear to
conversation was held about the three |
men in the orchard, and Waldron asked
Ralston il he saw them, and he said he
did not see any one until after Bakerleit,
when he saw Eliza.
James Arbaugh, who lives near Mid |
die Ferry, testified that he had known
Grimes for several years and that his
reputation was not good; he would not
believe him on oath; had heard other
people say they would not believe
Grimes under oath. James o. Marsh, OF
Brooke county, gave similar testimony
respecting Grimes reputation for verac-
ity; would not believe him under oath.
William Langhead also said he would
not believe Grimes under oath.
Harry Cupp-I residein Steubenyille;
am an engineer on the Pan-H Handle; l
went through the Cove on the night Of
May 0, 'S7, about II p, M; l saw two
men on the track; saw them by the
headlight of the engine; did not see
their faces; they turned their backs to
me; one was tall; the other short, heavy
get; they were going east from Steuben-
vile.