Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1892-07-22
Alice EIitcfeIi's Trial.
The cross-eyamination of Lille Jof

The cross-examination of Lille John
son in the Alice Mitchell case was re-
sumed in Memphis yesterday. Miss
Johnson detailed the history of the day
on which Alice killed Freda and told
how she and Alice left the scene of the
tragedy III a buggy after Alice had cut
Freda Wards throat. After the break
between Alice and Freda. Miss john
son and 10 Ward became enemies and
ON being pressed by the State as to the
reason for this arrangement, she said
it WAS because 10 Ward had not an
swered her letters After searching
inquiry Miss johnson admitted that
She and Miss Mitchell llirtcd with an
opera singer, J. l.. Shotam, and also
admitted that she and Alice had llirted
with several young men ut the Chcsa-
pcake and Ohio depot. She said Miss
Mitchell was very proficient in music;
and had taken two medals at school
for proficiency in this art.
Frank Mitchell, Alice's young broth
er, stated that she had been his play
mate, and as child she played with
tops, marbles, etc, and often curried
the mules and rode them through the
back alleys. She stated to the witness
that she took her fathers razor
with the intention of using it on Freda
when they met. Her mother attempt
ed to get her to 60 to Sunday-school,
but she persistently refused to obey.
She told her brother in January that
the night before Freda left her home
she attempted to kill herself On the
day Of the departure of the boat on
which Freda intended to go to Gold
Dust Alice called Freda into state
room and told her sh ewas going to Kill
herself. Freda started to scream and
Alice told her if she loved her she
would not cry out. Freda then re-
manned silent and Alice took the con-
tents of bottle of laudanum. but she
vomitcd it up. She further stated that
she carried the razor always when it
was missed by the family. She has no
regret for having committed the act
and has no fear of the law
The defence had smooth sailing until
yesterday in proving Alice Mitchell III
sane, but Yesterday morning the Attor-
ney General objected to the reading OF,
the hypothecated case.
The deposition of DR.. Griswold Com
stock, of st. Louis. was read down as
far as the Hypothetical case, and when il
came to question of the sanity Of
Alice, based on the Hypothetical case,
the State objected The objection was
made on the ground that the hypothe
sis had not been proven.
Judge Dubose thought the objection
was well taken, and wanted to know
where the proof of hereditary insanity
came in, the mother being afflicted with
only puerperal insanity before or after
childbirth, and the brother Of Mr..
Mitchell became insane only after
sunstroke. He thought the hereditary
tendency should be made clear.
The question was discussed for sever
al hours, and the courtiinally suggest
ed that the hypothetical case be read
seriatim and for the suggestion that the
Attorney General specifically point out
his objections.
Miss Johnson's admissions on the
stand that Alice and she had firted with
an opera singer was bomb in the camp
of the defense, who have claimed that
Alice hated men as did Diana the
Hnntress. After mich hesitation she
said that she and Alice had flirted with
]. L. Shotan, an opera singer, and
had presented him with costly flowers.
Then she was also compelled to admit
that she had several meetings with
young men at the Chesapeake and
Ohio depot, AMI also had a speaking
acquaintance with young men 10 whom
neither had been introduced. The wit
ness was put in Jail with Miss Mitchell
the morning following the tragedy.
She said Miss Mitchell read the ac-
counts of the tragedy and laughed at
the comments of the press.
Frank Mitchell, Alicc's younger brother,
testified. but his evidence, as well us that OF
his sister Matte, WAS only commulatiyc.
Miss Matte was at home when Alice return
ed She went out to the buggy and there
found the bloody razor. Alice told her moth
er of thee utting of Frela's throat, and then
went on laughing ard talking about other
matters; In Jail Miss Matte said her sister
was perfectly Indifferent TO the trial. often be-
ginning to laugh and Sing when it was dis
cussed Alice wanted new dress and hat
for the trial, and declared that she desired 10
make an impression on every one
All of the medical experts are against the
State, aud yesterday DR.. David Campbell of
Knoxville, founder Of the East Tennessee
Asylum for the insane, arrived ut Memphis
under subpoena from the State. 1t is thought
his testimony will countcrct the statements
of DR.. Hammond and others.