The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1891-08-07

the spectators and wrangling among
counsel than at any time since Mrs..
Gilmer left the witness stand. Both
sides watched the proceedings with
argus eyes and were qui:k to object to
any question that would in the remotest
degree injure their cause if answered.
Hours were consumed in the argument
of counsel over disputed points. but
owing to tho early converting and late
adjournment OF tho court great deal of
testimony was heard.
The first witness called by the defense
was Prof. James a. Davis, a brother of
Mrs. Baker. His testimony was not
important except in that it showed
that the rotations between the
doctor and his wife were affection
ate to a higher degree than usual with
married couples, and that witness never
heard Of DR.. Bakers criminal intimacy
with Mrs. Gilmcr until after his sister's
death.
Mrs Annie Diggs, ncice of DR..
Baker, testified that she was at his
house on Saturday, Sunday and Monday
before Mrs. Bakers death on Wcdnes-
day, when she complained of her head,
saying it was hot. and She feared she
could not get we'll, but had not spoken
OF this TO the doctor and children, be-
cause She did not want to pain them
The doctors conduct toward his wife
denoted the tenderest solicitude, and
the only unkind word she ever hoard
him utter was wheu he would fret he.
cause She overcXerted herself. The
family kept no servant Mrs. Baker and
the children doing the work.
While | was at DIR. Bakers his wife
could not move about, but assisted in
the work from her chair. She was
threatened with convulsions, but nv
uncle struggled and kept them off.
did not talk to the doctor about his
wife's condition. He had always been
SO solicitious did not think it necessary.
loved him and his wife dearly and he
is so skillful. did not think it neces-
sary to offer any suggestions. He was
tenderly solicitious over his wife sun.
day night. / don't think that his
daughter, or any member Of the family,
except his wife was embalmed.
Mrs. VIII Baker, who married Dr.
Bakers ne ohew, confirmed Mrs. Diggs
as to Mrs. Bakers condition on Satu rday
and Sunday, on which days she visited
the house. She received the visitor in
the door OF her room and entertained
her company.
Mrs. Diggs and Mrs. Baker were
ncttled by the questions of Mr.. Wysor,
for the State, and exhibited some tenn
per. The former was what the lawyers
would term swift witness. Dir. Wysor
read the latter gentle message on
temper but it had no appreciable effect.
Mrs. Robert Rush said Mrs. Baker
was at this time delicate and could not
stand much upon her feet. She esteemed
the doctor very highly as a physician
and friend and was now stopping at his
house. l saw Mrs. Baker about week
before she died. did say on tho wit
ness stand the other day that heard Of
her sickness and death was on the day
she died. l meant her last illness. I
have sister living in Abingdon.
DR.. James T. Clark, former resident
of this county, but for eighteen years a
practlcing physician at Ham burg, Iowa,
said:
left this section about eighteen
years ago. but came back on visit
about four years since. | am a nephew
of DR.. Baker and attended Mrs Baker
professionally at that time. Dr. Baker
requested me to examine his wife care
fully and prescribe for her. The most
difficulty found was heart disease.
discovered q mitral lesion of the heart.
and in the semi-lunar valves thero was
induration. In addition you NAV saw
there was aortic stenosis. by this /
mean organic disease of the heart
(Objec ton was raised to a history OF the
treatment going to tho jury and the
court ruled that it was revelant) on &C.
count Of the relationship l took more
than ordinary care in the treatment OF
Mrs. Baker. She had all evidences of
convulsions, but improved after several
days. l talked with her about her
trouble and danger. Her death was 10
surprise; we knew it before.
Cross examined
came here on my own responsibility,
knowing the character Of the charges
against DR.. Baker and that l had impor-
tant testimony which should be given in
the interest of justice. II had believed
DR.. Baker guilty l would have come as
quickly. My respect and regard was
as strong for Mrs. Baker as it was for
the doctor, and l want to see Justice
done. had received letters from diff
ierent members of DR.. Bakers family
and was posted on the facts and made
up my mind to come. The only solicita-
tlon was in telegram from Joe Baker,
saying his fathers trial would com
mence on the 2Sth." My sister, Mrs.
Clyse, neice of Or. Baker, wrote me.
don't think She has done enough 10
have justice done in this case. don't
think have done enough. She wanted
me TO come here, if necessary. She
sent me statement OF the charges and
asked my advice. l think all the
family wanted me to come. have not
heard the facts testified 10 and only
read the first DAVIS prOcepdinps in thu
Bristol Courier, and was so Disguised