The record-union., 1892-09-21
PALMER'S TRIAL.
Doctors Give Expert testimony on the
Dangers of Smallpox.
DR.. Heating of San Bernardino VIII
Have to Come-They'l1 Fu-
lmigate Him.

There was another throng in Depart
ment Two of the Superior Court yester-
day when the case of II. J. Palmer,
charged with the murder of Charles Phle-
ger, was called.
The arguments as to whether or not
continuance should be granted were re-
sumed. The defense based their request,
it will be remembered, principally upon
the alleged fact that DIR. C. G.. Heating,
County Physician of San Bernardino,
was under quarantine and could not come
to Sacramento, smallpox having broken
out in the County Hospital.
District Attorney Ryan began yester-
day by presenting an affidavit in opposl-
ton to the request of the defense. ae
set forth that he had received dispatches
from the Sheriff and District Attorney of
San Bernardino County stating that
while the hospital was under quarantine,
DIR. Heating was not; that he made daily
trips to the city of San Bernardino and
mingled with the people.
Attorneys Bruner and Hart, for the de-
tense, argued that the court had no right
to summon the doctor away from his pa
tents.
Judge CARRIER, who is presiding in
Judge Van Fleets place, did not agree
with the attorneys. According TO their
arguments, he said, the trial could be
dino health officers. The only question
was, would it be dangerous for DIR. Keat-
ing to mingle in this community at pres
emit? The court said he desired TO have
some expert medical testimony on this
point, and would summon two of Sacra-
mento's best physicians to appear in
court for that purpose.
ffnrpnU a Il cd ha rt hot
there was another very desirable witness
for the defense, the engineer, Rankin,
who was also absent. The court, how
ever, did not think the point with refer
ence TO Rankin was SO serious as that re-
gardlng DR.. Heating. A short recess was
ordered, and Drs. G. B. Nichols and @. A.
White were sent for.
DIR. Nichols was the first to take the
stand when court reconvened. He had
had wide experience with smallpox
patients in the East, and was quite
familiar with the disease. He said if DR..
keafIIng was directly associated with the
smallpox patients there would be dam
ger in bringing him here. By thorough
fumigation, however, and changing Of
wearing apparel the danger of carrying
the disease would be slight.
DIR. White said that all the San Ber-
narnino doctor would have to do would
be TO fumigate himself thoroughly.
Doctor" said Judge CARRIER, ''you are
a resident of this community and doubt
less have its welfare at heart. You have
heard the statements about DR.. Keating's
condition and situation. If you were
sitting as Judge in this case, as I am,
would you, under the circumstances, de-
mand DR.. Keating's attendance?''
= would, if justice demanded it." re-
piled DIR. White.
Health Officer II. L. Nichols was called
in, and agreed with the other doctors.
that Heating could come to Sacramento
safely.
81 will continue this case until next
Monday until 10 \. NJ" said the Judge.
ing, and, il necessary, [ will order that
the health officers of this city meet him
outside the city limits, and inspect and
properly fumigate him.
The Sheriff started south last night
with the attachment