The morning call., 1893-07-25
Would Not Give Positive
Answer.
HINKLE WAVED DESPERATE.
The Witness Caused CONSERVATION
bv Disputing the Transcript of His
Evidence Before the Coroner.

Daniel Daley.
LawtOn had undergone some cross
examination when the days hearing
closed on Friday last. but his memory had
not been put to any very severe test. Yes
terday it was different. and the wretched
man had to stand fire nearly the whole
day. He contradicted himself repeatedly
and seemed afraid to be positive OF any
thing He would make direct statements
and then refuse to swear to them, pro-
ceeding which caused Assistant District
Attorney Hinkle to tear his hair In an
guish.
Lawton was closely cross-examined as
to the peepholes he had made in the Gel
lar, leading both to his own room ana 10
Daley's Cross-examination on this point
lasted nearly the whole forenoon.
The proceedings opened very punctu-
ally aud General John II. Dickinson
opened fire on Lawton by asking him
what had caused him to be suspicious OF
his wife when be cut his first peephole on
March 10 last. Lawton said that Daley
used to return on Sundays about P. NJ.
and the two would be in the house to-
gether with all the doors locked and the
blinds down.
Ibid you ever show Daley that yuu sus-
pected hlm?'
day of the shooting were most friendly"
Lawton then went on to detail the cir
cumstances of his first observation of the
guilty couple. This was on the evening
of April 8. By that time he had con-
structed two peepholes. Daley came in at
P. NJ, Lawton being at his post in the
cellar, and in response to a question from
Daley Mrs. Lawton said, He's gone."
locked the door and then Lawton saw
enough to confirm his Suspl cions. His
second observation was OF April %, two
weeks before the shooting. 1t was 10
o'clock in the forenoon and Lawton heard
suspicious sounds coming from Daley's
room. He then saw Daley go into the
bathroom and take bath. while Mrs
Lawt0n stood by.
Tell me, what was yorr real object in
watching your wife?" asked Dickinson.
Il wanted my indie pendence; she was SO
cruel TO me" whimpered Lawton.
Tia third observation was one week
before the shooting. 1t was o'clock in
the morning, and Daley had just come
home. Mrs. Lawton came out and offered
him some refreshments. On that occasion
Lswton was accompanied by his brother
John and Carroll. and the three saw all
that passed.
Asked why he did not at once sue for
divorce on the strength Of what be and his
friends had seen. Lawton said that he had
young mechanic, who had had soma ex-
perience in matters Of this kind. and
WINNER had told him that the evidence
was not sufficient. as counsel for the de-
tense in the divorce suit would main tain
the point that all three had suffered from
no case, Winner had said. you're not
sis leak N ~ on en- 'e%.s '''' -" "'''
On le strength of this advice Lawton,
his brSther and John Carroll had had
several consultations as to how the affair
was to be worked. The only obstacle to
success was Daley's pistol. Lawton had
and when asked what he was doing with
it Daley had said: well, you see. some
one might come along and try to do me
up"
"Well, then. what was the effect of your
consultation on that memorable Sunday
evening with Carroll and your brother
John, at Johns house. especially with
regard to Daley's pistoI?"
They all said that Daley was only
blower, and he'd COW down when caught
was afraid he'd shoot, myself, but the
others were prepared to take all risks"
did you give them any advice on this
point?"
Yes; advised them to go quietly in
and not bully Daley. But Daley gave
them no show at all. They entered his
room, and bang went Daley's pistol. Such
manners | never saw" added Michael, in
an injured tone.
At this point, and for the first time since
the institution Of the proceedings. it came
out that Lawton had been practicing with
a detective camera. His brother had
bought it for S. he said, but he did not
know when Or where. His wife had asked
h!m, Whats that?" and he had replied,
"Never you mind" and had hidden the
camera IN the cellar.
Then Lawton vas made to explain with
reference to the diagram, and with great
minuteness all about his procuring a
heavy plank to burst the door In with. He
explained how be brought the plank in
and placed it in position IN the back yard
the evening before the proposed attack.
II was ali so very simple, he thought: the
door was to be forced, The men were to
walk into Daley's room, which was never
locked, and bear testimony 20 his wife's
gcilt. John Lawton was to get near
enough to him TO prevent his grabbing his
pistol, while John Carroll was to raise the
window curtain.
How was it that your wife and Daley
never found out what you were abouty'
II was too careful Tor them. But tney
were on TO me-"
"How do you know that?"
"Oh. I'd see them look at each other some
times. My wife. too, always wanted to
know where was going whenever went
out And Daley always wanted to see my
cellar
did you show ii to him ?"
Yes, he talked so much about it that l
had TO show it to him. There were no
peepholes cut al that time"
Referring again to these peeph0les
Lawt0n was asked whether there was any
carpet on the floor above. He said yes,
but that John Carroll had cut holes in it
ON April 80. Lawton had thought of
mendng it again, but it could not be
mended.
And then came the whole detail of the
mornings tragedy. Lawton denied for
long time that his wife went to Daey's
room to ask how he was, knowing that he
had been sick the night before. But
nally he admitted ''having faint remem.
brance" of Daley having complained the
night before, and of Mrs. Lawt0n making
him some beef tea.
Then You won't swear that your wife
did not ask Daley how he felt, referring to
his sickness of the previous evenings"
No; l don't know anything about
that"
Now. tell the truth. Did you ever In
your life object to your wife going to
DaIey's room?"
'No; had full confidence in her."
How can that be when you said you
ma fnSA g.a