Fort Worth gazette. [volume] (Fort Worth, Tex.) 1891-1898, 1891-07-09
CO0NEY- MON.
THE CELEBRATED CASE ON
TRIAL AT RuSk THIS WEEK.
A Brief History of the Case as shown by
the Evidence-How Gen. Harmon Lost
His Life at the Hands of Cooney.
Correspondence Of the Gazette.


RusK, CHEROKEE COUNTY, TIN, July -
The sixth day OF the celebrated Cooney
trial shows no lack OF interest in the now
famous trial. From early morning until
adjournment each day from the first the
courthouse has been packed with sWelter-
ing mass of humanity, anxious to hear
every word uttered in the case. Such
an array Of counsel perhaps never
appeared in any case here be-
fore, or Al least not for number Of
years. There are six of the leading lawyers
Of the state on each side, and every inch of
ground is hotiy contested. The killing
Of Gen. ". II. hammoI on the streets of
New birmingham on the 14ta day of July,
1890, by the defendant. was tragical and
sudden. The sensational matters out Of
which il grew, together with the high
social standing Of the deceased and the lie
fCnGaul, are the causes of the extraordinary
interest in the case. The evidence closed
yesterday. The counsel have been arguing
the case every since, and Will no doubt con-
sumo tomorrow.
A brief history of the case as shown by
the evidence would perhaps interest the
readers of TIE GAZETTE. At the April
term Of the district court last year, five in
GiCtments We're returned by the grand jury
against Gen. W. II. Harmon, charging him
with the SANDER of Mrs. Cooney, wife of
the defendant and a Mrs Scott, house
iuohan. On the 10th day of July, these
cases being reached in the county court
three Of the cases were dismissed by the
state and the announcement of ready was
made as 10 the other two. The defendant
announced not ready, and asked for time to
prepare an application for continuance,
and then had his attorney 10 present the APP
plication, which was sworn 10 by Cen.
Harmon. In this application for 4 continu-
enCe the facts which he expected TO prove
sby two absent lady witnesses were set out
in detail, and We're highly dcrOgatory of the
character Of the alleged injured females.
The case was continued on this application.
At the time great crowd was il the county
courtroom. including the defendant. On
the l4th, or four days later, rs Gen. Ham
mon was walking up Dallas street in New
Birmingham. when Just opposite Cooney's
place of business, the defendant stepped
out of his store with 4 shotgun in hand and
fred both barrels rapidly into the body of
Eammon, killing MN instantly. Not
word was spoken by either There has
been considerable evidence on both sides
affirming and denying meeting of the par
ties after the 10th. ard before the day OF
the killing. There has been considerable
seFiGence on both sides as 10 the character
and conduct of defendants wife, most
beautiful and accomplished woman Of one
of the best families in the state. Mr..
CoOney's father is wealthy business man
of Nashville. Tenn, and is in constant at
tendaucea well as several other relltives
and friends. Gen. and Mrs. Ham
mon have host of friends and synpa-
thizers The defense IS, that the reading
OF the application for a continuance was
such insulting language toward Mrs.
COoney rs to reduce the killing to man
slaughter. but they go further and claim
that it dethroned CoOney's reason and re
sponsioility, and that he was in an Insane
condition at the time of the homicide.
MANY witnesses have been examined on this
phase of the case, and several reputable
witnesses have testified 10 his insanity.
What the result of the trial Will be IS I
matter of great uncertainty. Col Wash
Jones began yesterday evening and spoke
until after noon to-day. making one OF the
greatest efforts of his lie for the prosecu-
lion. He was personal friend Of Ham
mon, and his defense Of Hammon's conduct
and character was superb and eloquent.
Ex-senator r h Morris has consumed the
balance Of the day for the defense, and made
= most eloquent and able argument fer his
Gent. Mi Davenport of Eastland will
follow Judge Morris for the state. Judge
:. ~ Wilson will then conclude for the de-
Tense, aud District Attorney Joseph L.
Polly will close for the prosecution. | neg
lected to state that Judge NJ. J. Whitman
opened the case for the prosecution IN an
able and exhaustive argument Of over two
hours, and that Gel. X. Mcclure was the
first speaker Tor the defense on yesterday.
Col. Mcclure made q splendid speech and
one that had its effect on the jury.