The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1893-12-29
The Jacobs Investigation.

The following is review of the testi-
mony taken before Commissioner Bumps on
Friday:
Fred Edwards, president of the Owosso
Light Infantry, was the first witness called
Friday morning. He testified that it was
common rumor that Sullivan, if captured,
would be lynched. The witness also testi-
fed that he had a talk with Sheriff Jacobs
week or two before Sullivan was captured
and asked him about his power to call out
the militia in case of an emergency, without
consulting the governor. The sheriff replied
that he did not think he had power, where
upon Edwards asked the sheriff to step
into his Office and the law upon the subject
was read. The cross examination by Mr..
Geer brought out no new points. The wit
ness testified the company was prepared to
render the sheriff assistance and expressed
the opinion that had the company been
called out the mob would have had a far
different reception than it did with the
with the splinters torn from the jail door.
Upon redirect examination the point was
brought out that the company has members
that have been in the regular army. AT
this point the encouragement rested his
case.
DIR. John Darlington, of Corunna, was the
first witness sworn by the defense. He tes-
tilted that he was at home on the day of
the lynching; saw a large crowd of strangers
in town but did not think any violence
would be used. He heard the noise at the
jail, went oyer and saw Sullivan dragged
out by rope; saw him drawn up on the
tree two or three times. The witness gave
it as his opinion that Sullivan was dead
when brought out of the Jail. Witness ac-
companied the body when it was returned
to the cell and saw broken bottle which he
thought Sullivan had used to infiict the
wound. The cross examination brought out
the point that the witness never knew of
another case where such wound had been
inflicted by broken bottle. Witness also
admitted that it was common talk that Sui
liyan would be lynched If captured.
William Cole was the first witness called
at the afternoon session. lie was In Corun-
ma in the afternoon and again in the even
ing; gave it as his opinion there would be
no trouble. The witness could see no inn
propriety for Sheriff Jacobs to allow every
one who desired to see Sullivan during the
day. Question-'Could not Sheriff Jacobs,
with three deputies, properly armed, sta
toned behind the corridor doors. have pro-
tected the jail against all comers?"
The witness said they could IL they were
determined to shoot.
In answer to why he returned to Corunna,
distance of eight miles, In the evening,
the witness said he wanted to see the hang
ing II 1t occurred, yet asserted that he did
not think there was much chance that Sui
Ivan would be hanged. The witness tes-
titled that he thought there were $500
people In the city that night Witness tes-
tilted he saw persons there from Durand,
but could not say who they were.
A. A. Harper, of Corunna, ex-judge Of
probate, was the next witness for the de-
Tense. Nothing new was brought out by
this witness on direct examination. On
cross-examination witness said he believed
1t to be the duty Of the sheriff to shoot to
keep persons from breaking into the jail,