Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1891-05-10
THE ABINGDON CASE.
OR. BAKERARRAIoNEp FOR TRIAL AND
PLEADS mot GUILTY.
Demurrers and Exccptions--Ths Case Con-
tinusd- Baker Held TIL Monday
Mrs. GiImer Baiied.
rspecial telerram 10 the Dispatch.l

Especial telegram 10 the Dispatchl
ABINGDON, Va, May 9.-The special grand
jury. composed of ID. A. Jones, James Il.
Hammer. jefferson Dye, L. J. Keller, Alex
ander Keller. James Logan, and Thomas
Hendricks. which was empanelled last
Thursda to investigate the charges on
which DR.. Baker was held in the county
Jail. completed their investigation at noon
to-day, resulting in an indictment against
DIR. j. A. p Baker for numbering his wife,
Susan Baker, by poison. Also an indict-
ment against Baker for attempting TO pol
son w. II. Gilmer with arsenic, strychnlne,
prussic acid. and other poisons to the
Jurors unknown; and a third indictment
against Baker for administering poisons
known as arsenic and strychnine to w. K
Gilmer with intent to kill.
HE PLEADS NOT GUILTY.
On account Of other business before the
court further action was not taken until
o'clock this afternoon, when Dr.. Baker
was brought into court, arraigned upon
all the indictments, and pleaded not
guilty. Mr.. John A. Buchanan, OF coun-
sci for the defendant, demurred to all the
indictments and to each and every count
thereof.
CASE CONTINUED.
The Court oyerruled the demurrers, and
the defendant by his counsel excepted.
The attorney for tho Commonwealth
stated that he was not ready for trial at
this term Of the court, and asked TO have
the cases continued TO the next term,
which was done.
BAIL ASKED FOR.
T. s. Blair, OF counsel tor the defendant,
then moved the Court to allow DR.. Baker
to give bond for his appearance at the
Nav term of the County Court, arguing
that under the statute of Virginia the
court had absolute control of such mat
ters and could in its sound discretion bail
a prisoner held under any charge before
conviction.
The Commonwealth Attorney simply
stated that the court was familiar with the
| law and that the question was with him.
DECISION RESERVED.
Judge Ward said that he would take the
matter under consideration until Monday
morning. at which time he will render his
| opinion as to his right to grant bail in such
| 8 case.
| MRS. GILNCER BAn.ED.
On yesterday the grand jury brought in
| its indictment against Mrs. Wyndham
| Gllmer for administering poison TO her
| husband with intent to kill him, and was
admitted to bail in the sum of 800 900, her
husband and brother being her bondsmen.
| Her trial il also continued 10 then term
of the County Court. The interest IN this
case does not seem to abate. When DIR.
| Baker was brought into the courtroom
| this afternoon every seat was filled and
| the aisle was crowded with people, almost
| breathless to catch any word concerning
| this unparalleled criminal charge against a
citizen ofsuch high standing. While County
| Court-Clerk d. @. Cummings, Jr., was
reading the indictment DR.. Baker listened
| attentively and showed no signs of ner.
| vousness, and the audience was relieved
| when DIR. Baker said in clear, firm, and
| distinct voice " not guilty"
| MIssrATE,IESTs.
The recent report regarding the feeling
| against DR.. Baker here is untrue, and the
| people who know him best and the rela-
| lions which existed between him and nls
| wife say that they cannot believe that he
| is capable of committing 80 heinous
| crime.
MYSTERIOUS.
The statements which have been so free
| " circulated concerning the possession Of
| his letters to Mrs. Gilmer are all false, the
| Commonwealth having failed TO produce 8
| single written line from him before the
| grand Jury. As the people get closer to the
| facts the case grows more mysterious, anC
| those who were the first TO believe the
| charge arc at loss TO understand the con
fict OF statements in the affair.