Waterbury evening Democrat., 1889-11-15
"rERRY'. TELLS HIS STORY.
Says Cleary Drew a Revolver and Threatened His Lifeline Crowd

Says Cleary Drew a Revolver and
 Threatened His Lifeline Crowd
 Visited His Place After Hours and
 Broke in the Door.
 NEW HAVEN, November 15.-Coroner Mix was the first witness for the defense in the Mckiernan trial yesterday after noon. He was called merely to identify his written statement of his investiga ton. which was laid in as an exhibit.
 Mrs Annie Laubnaester. a German woman, who lived with her husband in apartments over Mckiernan's saloon at the time of the tragedy testified that about II: 80 on the night of the crime five men came to the saloon and de- manded admittance. After some hesi- tation Mckiernan let them in. Witness heard strange voice say to Mckiernan, ''Ill kill you" and a moment later heard the report of pistol.
 Carl Laubnaester. the wOman's hus- band. corroborated her story. Was of the opinion that the men forced open the door. On cross-eNaminatiOn wit ness admitted that McKiernan's father was his landlord.
 Walter Mitchell testified that when he saw the body the coat was partly drawn off. This evidence tended to substanti ate the claim of the defense, that Cleary had taken off his coat or was taking it off to lick Mckiernan when the latter fired.
 Daniel McKiernan, father of the ac- cused testified to finding on the floor Of the kitchen the morning after the tragedy, the iron joint piece into which the door bolt fitted. His evidence was to show tl1at Cleary and his companions forced in the door.
 When the court re-opened at 10 o'clock to-day the spectators gallery was crowd ed to sutfocation with its usual quota of visitors. Many of the lawyers in the city and throughout the county were present to hear how the defense would endeavor to break down the testimony of the prosecution. McKiernan sat by his lawyers wearing a confident smile. That careworn look had entirely disap- peared and he had brought back into his ceeding with the trial State Attorney Terry said that within the past few days some of the jurymen had been ap- preached by some party who had attend ed the trial since the opening and en- deavOred to tamper with them. He knew the person but would mention no names. Attorney Case said he knew nothing of it and Judge Sanford said he believed the attorneys for the de- fense were i:! TO way implicated. He advised the jury to listen to no one nor to talk to anyone until after the trial.
 Mrs Bridget O'Connell, wife of Owen O'Connell of Union City, was the first witness. She said that on the day after the crime, she being a sister of Mckier- nan, went to his home. entered the front door and passed through the bar room into the kitchen. Here she step- ped on something and stopping she pick ed up the bolt of the back door. which had been broken off. She placed it on the shelf in the kitchen. Her testimony was not weakened on cross-eXamina- tion, but was rather strengthened. She gave her answers without hesitation and was considered the best witness on the stand.
 THE PRISONER TELLS HIS STORY.
 Terrence McKiernan the man who is battling for his life. was here placed on the stand. IL created hum of excite ment and his pale countenance and straightforward story made strong impression on everyone present. He said he was 33 years of age. born in Ire land, lived in Naugatuck 21 years, lived f years in Ohio. He testified to the general position Of the rooms and fix lures in the house where the crime was committed. Knew the two Brennans and Murphy. knew George Fitzsimons by sight. Remembered the night of the p of February. At 10 o'clock locked front door of saloon. put out the light. His father was with him just before he closed, but went home after having a drink He then bolted the back door. and started back into the saloon to get the key which was hung back of the bar and also package of money which was in a box behind the bar. Locked all the doors and sat down in back room near the stove. He fell asleep and awak- ing suddenly found Wild Bill Brennan standing over him. the others were also in the room. Said "How in h-did you get here.' Cleary replied, "through the door of course, get up and get Us some thing to drink. Started for barroom. Brennan entering first, Mckiernen second and the rest of the gang followed after. While there Weber came in for a pail of beer. Refused to give it to him as it was after hours. Cleary said. "Shut up and give him the beer. He. Mckiernan. took the money. and in put ting it in his pocket accidentally showed up Sl0 bill. Wild Bill perceived it and remarked, "Youve got quite poodle tonight. Terry. Wild Bill then called for the beer and Mckiernan filled medium sized glasses. Cleary picked his up, looked at it and then placed it back OH the bar without drinking, remarking. We don't want those we want schooners. Mckiernan filled up the schooners. Wild Bill paid him 9 cents for the round, not a half dollar. After drink ing Cleary called for another round. These were given and Cleary said II will pay you Thursday night" Terry said. All right" Then the talk was started about giving a sparring exhibi- tion. Mckiernan sad it would not pay, Cleary said it would. Mckiernan then said, You can hang posters in my place" Cleary replied they intended to hang poster there anyway, without his consent, Mckiernan was then asked if he did not know Clearv the boxer. who took part in the exhibition in Nau- gatuck. He said, II don't think you're boxer" Cleary replied. Come from behind the bar and I will show you. We came here to do you up to-nig ght. :" Cleary then drew a revolver and called for the cigars. After getting them he put the weapon back in his pocket.