Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1894-05-05
FINE POINTS
As to Time Strychnine Would
Require to Kill.
Government Gets Doctors Onto the
Witness Stand Again.
Clearing Up" Process Begun-GirI Who
Wore Mrs. GeteheIrs Clothing.


cision of the jury. Not yet even are opin
ions freely expressed concerning what this
verdict will be. There is too little of the
defence in for that, if one would express
| an unbiased opinion.
1t is doubtful, also, if one who has sat in
the audience would care to express an opin.
ion on the science of strychnine poison ng,
for science it would seem to be and an oc-
cult one at that. There wasn't fine point
allowed to escape through the legal sieve
when the testimony of the physicians came
to be sifted again Friday.
In reality "expert" testimony and cross
examination along that line formed prom
inent feature of Fridays work on the case.
Could Henry Getchell have had between
three and four grains of strychnine in his
system from 8 O'Clock to $50 and remain
alive? seemed to be very important ques-
ion, judging from the time spent upon it..
Wouldn't the first dose or doses have killed
him or put him beyond aid before the doc
tor came? is another important question
along this line. There was sharp, skilful
legal work done in this connection Friday,
such as is not commonly seen even in muir
der trials. 1t is doubtful if this work is yet
ended.
The testimony for the defence did not
take up much time Friday. 1t sufficed to
put in question the veracity, or the memory
or ability to form correct judgments of
witnesses whose testimony is contradictory
concerning Mrs. Getchell's relations with
Trask, at Ambrose Getchelrs one night, at
Ocean Point and at Belgrade campground.
Tue court room was crowded in the af-
ternoon, as many thought Mrs. Getchell
would be put on the stand. 1t is not def
nitely known that she will be put on to tes-
tify, but the general opinion is that she
will be.
F. E. Southard, Esq, made the opening
and conducts the direct examination of the
witnesses for the defence.
Ewing W. Hamlen was called as the frs
witness Friday morning to read his notes IF
the conversation between Sheriff Norton
and Mrs. Getchell at lstter's house Jan. l6.
Counsel for the defence said the account
written by Mr.. Hamlen was written in
narrative form and he thought the witness
should use the original notes.
Witpess said the account was an exact
reproduction of the notes.
Coursel cross examined Mr.. Hamlen as
to his experience as a stenographer.
Witness said be had done court work in
Boston and had reported in the Maine Sen
ate. Would sometimes drop out phrase
which didn't relate to the subject. Tried
his best to get the sense of what
defendant said. Would not say that he had
verbatim report.
Witness read from bis notes how Mrs
Getchell said husband got the medicine Dr.
Brickett prescribed. Got it for heart
trouble. Used to have spells when his feet
and legs were numb. Told DR.. Driscoll
they grew worse.
Q. Did she say he grew worse or they
grew worse.
A.-Notes were at bottom of page where
it was hard to write. Might have been he
grew worse. Thought it was they.
Witness read that defendant told how he
had a spell with his left side Thursday
night of that week and she rubbed him
Henry came in Saturday noon past ~ some.
Never saw him in better cheer than then
Went into buttery and took bis medicine
she supposed. Defendent said when hus-
band went by her into the buttery, "Well,
old boy, how is your srm?"
DR. Ri, kett ordered she nndersood
two spoonfuls of the medicine as dose
Later Henry would drink from the bottle
Henry went to the well and drew water
He pumped up enough for the cows. She
told what they had for dinrer and what
Henry ate and said, all at once he
hut his eyes and said, "Gorra, how
funny 1 feel" Henry says "what do
do ou suppose ails me?" Jack Fowler
says, II guess you took too hig drink"
and Henry said, perhaps did," Henry put
his hands to his head and said, God, Won
don't know how feel" Defendant though
he was fooling and told him not to scare
George. Henry remsrked, "My God, |
guess I'm going to pass my checks in
Defendant unfssteped his shirt on thu
lounge and ribbed his side. She asked i'm
if he were in pain and he said mo, feel
queer" He lay with his feet Strengthened
out on the lounge. He acted as if he had
chills and trembled all over. He said his
feet we're cold and held them just as though
they were stiff. Fowler said give him
something hot. "Give him some of
that whiskev." 1t vas the gin he meant.
Witness came to word which he didn't
exactly know how TO translate. Going on
witness read from Mrs. Getchelrs state
ment, Pour out some of that gin, said Jack. -
Did your husband ask for any of this
medicine asked the sheriff, and defendant
said no. Didn't think husband said any,
thing at the time.
Did your husband objet asked the sheriff
and defendant said no, if he had they
wouldn't have given it to him. The conver-
sation then related to the sending for the
doctor and Henry Nash, also how they rubbed
the patiert meanwhile and Jack held fiat
irons to bis feet, Henry sweat. Didn't
know who said it but think Jack said give
him something to vomit.
County ttorney asked witnes IS if any word
after vomit.
After minute witness read vomit him.