Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-11-22
CRITCHLOw'S ALIBI.
The Defense in the Trial of the Homeste ad
Striker at Pittsburg.

The defense in the trial of Critchlow, the
Homestead striker, at Pittsburg, devoted the
entire afternoon to proving that Critchlow was
not at the mill at the time of the riot. Samuel
Rothreuff said he saw the defendant on the
Braddock side of the river Opposite to Home
stead at 10 o clock in the morning. He was on
a street car and was going to Braddock. Later
they went together at Homestead and separated
about o'clock. They were not near the mill
yard. Critchlow carried a gun nearly all the
time, but finally left il in hardware store.
The witness was subjected to a searching
cross-examination. but he could not be made to
deviate from the main story. His answers were
prompt and given without hesitation.
Six other witnesses, including one woman,
all swore positively that they met the defendant
in the town of Homestead in the afternoon
Four said that they had seen him between 8
and 3:15 O'Clock between 18th and 14th streets
going to his home.
Court here adjourned until pm.
A brief session was held in tine evening. Only
three witnesses remain TO be examined by the
defense. The commonwealth will likely have
some witnesses in rebuttal. The case will prob
ably 60 to the jury this evening.
EFFECT OF THE SENATORIAL INVESTIGATION.
1t is not improbable that the senatorial in
vestigation into the question of the Homestead
riots may have some effect upon the charges of
murder and treason prepared against number
of the strikers. Senator PETER in speaking of
the general effect Of the investigation, has this
to say on the point: Il think the committee
will make some recommendation with regard to
bringing about q termination of the struggle.
10 continue these prosecutions will only en-
bitter the feeling all around and Senator Gal
| hnger and myself are SO thoroughly in accord
| on the subject that l think We shall report
somewhat on the lines have Indicated
Mrs. Critchlow, who has heretofore occupied
a chair in the lobby. came within the bar and
took a seat behind her husband
Capt. o. g. Coon of Homestead was called by
the defense. He was on the shore the morn
/ ing the barges landed. He testified: II
| left home about 4 O'Clock. When tho plank
was thrown out my attention was called to a
I man on the barge; he had a gun in his hand
there was boy on the shore who was tan taliz-
| ing the man; the latter raised his gun to shoot
| the boy; / said, For Gods sake don't shoot
| that boy, for he is only boy asked him il
4 he was a deputy sheriff; he said no; asked
him If he was guardsman; he said no. I then
said: You are a Pinkerton.' He replied that
he was, and holding up his gun said his party
was going to enter the mill in fifteen minutes.
! The boy on shore continued to call ut the man
on the barge. The latter raised his gun and
aimed at the boy, but some ono pushed his gun
| down. When he raised it again he had it
drawn on me. About that time boy came
fell across the gangplsnk A minute later
there was shot from the barge and heard
afterward that the boy on the plank was shot
in the side. The first shot fired after the land
ing was fired by either the second or third man
on the plank. 1 don't know who he was
went to try and preserve order. never So "
Crltchlow to know him until saw him in cou ri
| today"
The commonwealth did not cross-examine.
Charles Mansfield sworn. He was on the
| river bank when the barges came up; was there
when the attempt was made to land. Witnessed
the crowd resisting the efforts of the men on
the barges to throw out the gangplank; was
about sixty yards from the boats; the first shot
came from the bow of one Of the barges; did
not see Critchlow there that day. Witness had
conversation with Charles Reese (witness fol-
prosecuton). II was in a cupola with Mr..
Reese. l saw man named Critchlow 60 into
4 the pump house. ! said to Reese: There goei
Critchlow into the place where Morris was
killed. He will be killed sure; you had better
I get good sketch Of him."
Was the man you pointed out to Reese the
DEFENDANT"
"No. sir!"
/ who was the man?'
| Il do not wish to state"
Was his name Critchlow?"
1T was"
On cross-examination witness said: "The
crowd on shore was telling the men on the
them. Stones were thrown at the barges before
the first shot was fred. The man saw and to
whom called Mr.. Reese's attention was Harri'
son Critchlow, who lives In Braddock. He
somewha: resembles the defendant, whose cousin
be ID.