Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1889-10-31
THF CRONIN, CASE.
The Trial of the Alleged Cronin
Murderers Under Way at Last.
presentation OF tho Case to the jury by
States AttorneyLong
sonnel of the Jury Chosen to
Try the Case.

VI tho CaSe 10 the jury b.
states Attorney Longenecker-Per-
sonnet OF the Jury Chosen to
Try the Case.
CHICAGO, Oct. 25.-At the beginning Of
the Cronin murder trial yesterday, after
the names Of the jurors had been called,
Judge Longenecker, in very impressive
manner. began his opening address. He
reminded the jurors of the trying ordeal
of examination through which each OF
them had passed. whether you go
from here after having opened the
prison doors to these accused or
after having voted for the highest
penalty, you can go forth secure in the
belief that you have done your duty"
The States Attorney then reminded them
that they had sworn to try the case on
the law and the evidence. uninfuenced by
their own opinion or by public clamor.
''You have said here that you would not
convict these men unless the State
proved its case, and you have declared
that you will presume these men inno-
cent until they are shown to be guilty !;
but that presumption is not evidence.
When it is shown by conclusive proof
that these men on trial are guilty, then
that presumption is wiped away"
Judge Longenecker proceeded to define
the limits Of the force of the presumption
of not guilty, and Mr.. Forrest objected
on the ground that this was out Of place
in an opening statement but the court
held Mr.. Longenecker's remarks proper.
These men are accused of the crime O:
murder in killing DR.. P. b. Cronin, F."
continued Judge Longenecker. 1--WE ex-
pect to show that DR.. Cronin was killed,
and that these defendants killed him.
These are the issues in this case, and if
we prove, as we expect to, that the doc
tor was killed, and by these men, we do
not think that even the learned counsel
for the defense will claim that the homi-
eide is a crime Of less degree than muir =
der"
The States Attorney then defined cir
cumstantial evidence. He said: 'Cir-
cumstances are facts, are truths; and al
though the evidence in this case is cir
cumstantial, we propose to show to you
beyond all reasonable doubt that DIR.
Cronin was murdered, and that these
men killed him." Judge Longenecker
then reviewed the story of the crime, and
said he would show it to be the result of
a conspiracy, and prove that the accused
men were in the conspiracy.
To uncover the motive, the States At
tOrney said he must go into the history
of the United Brotherhood of Gamma
Gael, but the jury were not to consid er
this organization in it's deliberations.
The Clan Gael is not on trial. After
brief outline of its history and purpose
the States Attorney referred to the re-
duction of the executive board in 1881 to
three members Sullivan, Feely and Bo-
land), and said the constitution and oath
were changed. Implicit obedience was
demanded. IF a member was told to
kill a man." said Judge Longenecker,
with emphasis, she had to do it,"
Mr.. Forrest objected to any further
illusions to the Triangle at this stage of
the proceedings, but the court would not
interfere. Forrest asked that the record
show that the defense excepted to the
courts ruling and to every similar sem
tence in Judge Longenecker's address.
Judge Longenecker had not yet finished
his speech at noon, when court adjourned
to two O'Clock.
The Speech Concluded and the Taking of
Testimony Began.
CHICAGO, Oct. 25. - The States At
torney concluded his address after the
noon recess.
Counsel for the defendants waived their
opening speeches, and the examination
of witnesses was commenced without de-
lay.
Captain Villers Of the Lakeview police
told Of the finding of the bloody trunk,
and the identity of the body was sworn
to by Joseph c. Keefe, James Holland, a
reporter, Stephen Connolly, of the board
Of directors of the Ancient Order of
Toresters; H. A. Wisch, the deceased's
barber, and Morris Morris, a retired
N ia cf1r all Of yyh 20
long time his most intimate acquaint-
ances.
Eric Rosche, the employe of the de-
partment of public works, who discov-
cred the body in the catch basin, gave
his testimony. He was sharply cross
examined by Mr.. Forrest, of the defense,
with the purpose Of obtaining an admis-
sion that the cuts and bruises on the
body might have been occasioned by
rough treatment while taking it out of
the catch. basin. The effort however,
was futile. ALI the other witnesses were
with nominal cross examina-
lions. the defense apparently having de-
cided to admit that the body was that Of
the physician.
At 4:40 p. m. court adjourned.
THE JURY.
In appearance the jury is far above the
of affairs. There are no great
men on the jury, neither are there any
who are not capable of understanding
the complicated testimony which will of
necessity be submitted in trial where
is one of the charges and cir
Gums tantial evidence the means of proof.
The jury is a collection OF sensible citi-
zens, who are at least capable of render
ing verdict in accordance with the law
and the evidence. The pers onnel of the
jury is as follows:
Charles C. Dix was born in Chicago. He was
at one time clerk in the employ of the Fort
Wayne railroad, but at present is cashier in
the insurance office of VIM. E. Role s. Son, No.
2lO La Sale street. He is young man. and,
like Juror Hall, too young, as many claim, to
decide the important case on trial Mr.. Dix is
not married. and does not belong to any
church, but is a regular attendant at the Epis-
copai church. All of Mr.. Dix's associates are
among moral and religious families. he being
what IS termed a model young man" by care
fui and watchful mothers. He is not member
OF any secret society except the Royal Ar
canum.
John L. Hall is a draughtman. He is TWEEN
ty-elght or twenty-nine years old. His home is
at Fernwood. He was formerly a country
school-teacher and at one time was connected
with Bryant STATIONS business college. Mr..
Hall is an American, member of the Metho-
dist church, and is a strong advocate of temper
ance. He belongs to no society except a mu-
tual benefit insurance association.
Elijah w. Bontecou is thirty-two years old
and wears a full blonde beard of a fashionable
cut. His beard and a slight tendency to bald.
ness make him appear older than he is. He
was born in Troy, n. Y, his ancestors being
md sraS