Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1894-05-02

So far the trial has been characterized by
q manifest desire to get at the truth. Per
haps this sec ms so as there has not been the
slightest attempt made to confuse wit
nesses.
The case bids fair to be one of the most
memorable ones in this county, and there
will be much of interest in today's proceed
ings.
On the opening of the court the govern
ment recalled DR.. Giddings but he was not
about the court house and DR.. o. w. Tur-
nef of Augusta was called to the stand. DR..
Turner was present and assisted in the post
mortem examination. His testimony cor
roborated that of the other physicians pres
ent at the examination. From the
post mortem examination alone he formed
no opinion of the mans death. He thought
there was no congestion of the brain. He
saw no congestion of the spinal cord where
it entered the brain.
w. II. Keeu of Sidney was called. Mr..
Heath objected on the ground that this wit
ness did not come in in accordance with the
order of the court; that this witness name
was not upon the list of witnesses.
County attorney said he supposed witness
name was on the list; that he testified be-
fore the grand jury. Counsel tor defense
knew nothing of this but witness was al
lowed to testify.
Witness was at VIM. II. Getchelfs house
on the evening after Getchelfs death.
Laforest Trask and others were there at
the time. Mr.. Getchell was buried about
10 rods below the house. Was present
when the body was put in the cofin
Monday light by the undertaken, as
sisted by Laforest Trask. He was one
who assisted in disinterring the remains
which were put into the wagon house.
Ambrose Getchell took the body from there
to Augusta.
Cross.-Was present when Ambrose Get
chell started away with the body and came
with him mile and half.
Q.-Did you stop anywhere?
A.-No.
Q.-Came right along as any ordinary
| conveyance for the mile and half you
were with him?
Ayes.
Q-Ambrose Getchell was alone with
the remains when he went out of your
sight?
0s-AAC " 40.
Cross examination of this witness was
suspended and DR.. Giddings was recalled.
Witness was asked to describe strychnine
| its origin, etc.
Q.-Can person become accustomed to
| the use of strychnine.
A.-They can.
Witness was asked as to the accumulation
of the poison in the system. He said that
given in tonic doses it could be admin
istered continuously without harm. Strych-
nine is constantly being eliminated by the
system but given in certain doses it tends to
accumulate.
Q.-Would it be true that whiskey would
be cumulative if given in doses sufficiently
large and continuously?
Witness thought it would.
Cross.-You now state strychine will ac-
cumulate?
Al do, under the circumstances have
explained.
Q.-Do you state that persons may be ac-
customed to strychnine in larger than medi-
cinal doses? l am talking of strychnia rath-
er than nux vomica.
A.-Have seen man take 18th of a
grain 8 times day with no i'll effects.
Q.-Is it not as bitter a substance as is
known?
Alt is intensely bitter. One part of
strychnia to 10000 parts of water will rem
der it bitter.
Q.-Suppose four grains of strychnine
were placed in glass of water wouldn't it
be so intensely bitter as to be repulsive? !?
and wouldn't this be true if in similar
quantity of gin?
A.-Tbiok alcoholic liquors conceal the
bitter taste somewhat.
Q-Dont you understand that such an
amount of strychnine placed in a small
amount of GIN would render it repulsive to
the taste!
Al think it would but have no expert
mental knowledge. l know that whiskey
neutralizes some of the bitter taste of
strychnine.
The defense laid considerable stress on
the idea that such quantity of strychnine
would render the gin very repulsive.
Chas. Knowlton, Augusta, undertaken,
was called. Testified that man whom he
supposed was brother of deceased brought
remsins of Getchell to his undertaking
rooms one evening. The shop was locked
up. No one staid in the shop that evening
Remains were in coffin and coffin in box
This Was after the evening train came in
but he hadn't yet gone for his evening paper
as was his custom.
Cross-Train at that time of year was Of
course liable to be late after heavy storm
though on time as a general thing.
Fred L. Perry of Augusta, undertaken,
was called. Was at Knowltons undertaking
rooms. Thought cover was on box of cof-
fin that morning when he went there but
that top was unfsstened Was not sure
box cover was unfastened. Coffin lid was
fastened by thumb screws and he himself
opened the casket that morning. He WAS
present during greater part of post-mor-
tenn examination.
Cross.-These thumb screws are easily
turned by the hand!
A.-They are.
John T. Fowler was called and there was
a perceptible murmur of interest, for be
was expected to be one Of the most impor-
tant witnesses. Before he took the stand,
however, recess was called.
At the close of the recess, Mr.. Knoxlton
was recalled and questioned regarding the
cover on the box Of the casket. He said tn at
when the box was delivered to him the
cover of the box was nailed down. He took
this box cover off and viewed the remsios
Mr.. Fowler then took the stand. Resides
in Sidney, aged p. Resided there years,