Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-10-10
HIS NERVE is GONE.
West Dejectedly Watches the Close
of His Trial for Murder.
PRISONER SAYS HE is INNOCENT.
Several Important Witnesses Testify For
and Against Him.
RISONER SAYS HE is INNOCENT.
TEbEGRAMS FROM NEARBY LOCALITIES
,sprcYA1 TELEGRAM TO rHr DISPATCH,

ESPECIAL TELEGRAM TO THR DIsPATcHl
WASHINGTON, PA, October 9.-Court
convened promptly this morning with a
large crowd OF spectators, one-half of whom
were ladies' there also being many minis
tiers, students, and professional men among
the audience. William West was given
seat beside his counsel, and remained in
detected mood all day. Interest in the case
has increased very materially since yester-
day, owing to the very important character of
the testimony introduced. Public opinion
here is strongly against West and it is con-
ceded that his conviction is certain.
The evidence first brought out by the Com
monwealth in closing up the case was similar
TO that of yesterday, with reference to Vests
course on May Is and IA. An effort was made
TO disprove the theory that he got money IN
Monongahela City at the People, Wasf Sank cmf on
the money from Mr.. Lawrence some weeks
previous to the murder. Considerable time
was spent in hearing the testimony OF witnesses
who had talked with West after he was con-
fined in Jail here. BY them il was proved that
he not only took long and roundabout course
To MOnongahela City the night of the murder,
but also that he told several different parties
of it.
AN IMPORTANT WITNESS.
Mart Richardson testified that West had
thrown his old clothes away, because he ex-
pected TO get in trouble, as he said, but nothing
like this. and Anne Brundage did not want TO
be caught with them in her trunk. The most
important witness of the prosecution, Charles
Nicholson, occupied a good portion OF the
morning and the afternoon session. He had
known West for many years, and had con-
versation with him in the jail shortly after his
arrest West told him the route he had taken
across the country and that he had not seen
many persons. He admitted that he had made
lanfG nafG flnl md alC Cny
He intimated that he knew who killed the
Crouch family and said that there was a good
deal Of money cot by their death. He also
said that he did not commit the murder him
self.
After the examination of Nicholson. late IN
the afternoon, the Commonwealth examined
Henry J. Ford. of Pittsburg. into whose hands
had fallen a letter purportlng to come from an
eve witness of the murder. stating that West
had nothing to do with the crime. The letter
was read in court. Here the prosecution rested
and the defense was opened by Mr.. Nankirk.
He summed up the evidence of the Common
wealth. and said that he would prove by num-
Der of witnesses that Vests character was be-
yond reprOach: also. that he got the money
from bank in Monongahela City.
WEST SAYS HE is INNOCENT.
1t was proved by several witnesses that West
got money in Monongahela City, but it was
some time previous to the murder. Quite a
number of witnesses were examined who testi-
ned to the good character OF West and as to
his honesty. Amid great excitement among
the spectators, West was put upon the stand
and was put through a series of questions
The defendant testified as follows, after beng
shown the letter and the forged note: Il did
not write either OF the letters or the order and
did not get the money from Charles Hoover in |
Allegheny City. am not guilty of the crime |
Tor which stand indicted, and do not know |
who committed the crime. l met Hugh Raw |
in Monongahela City, but 1 did not tell HIM |
that had come to town on the evening train" |
After this testimony the defense requested |
the Court to wait until Friday morning, as |
they had one more witness whom they wished |
TO examine. This was granted. West has |
been quite nervous since O'Clock, when he |
saw his case was nearing its close.