Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1894-05-15
GOES FREE.
Thomas O'Brien Before Judge Stevens,
Monday, and Discharged.
4, was Thought Evidence Wasn't Sufficient
TO Hold Him.

Thomas O'Brien went out of the Jail with
smile on his face, Monday afternoon. He
had good reason to feel pleased with the
ou,come of the hearing, which was held be-
fo,e Judge Stevens of Chelsea in the Jail
Office.
F.. w. Whitehouse, Esq, acted as coun-
sel for the prisoner and County Attorney
Carleton was present.
DR.. Elwell of the National Home, was
the first witness. He testified as to the e1-
animation he made Of Corrigan's injuries.
he found two small bruises on the exterior
Of the abdomen, but probably neither of
these caused the fatal internal rupture, al
though one of them might have. He thought
corrigan's mind was clear when he made
his deposition Thursday to the effect that
he did not give his money and valuables
into O'Brien's keeping. Corrigan at that
time hoped to get well but knew that his
case was serious.
The doctor said the bruises and the rup-
ture might have been made by falling but
not likely. He thought the fall must have
been violent one if it produced the injury.
He said Corrigan had bruise over one eye
that looked as if it might have been pro-
duced by falling on the ground.
Sergt. Harper testified as to arresting
OBren that Monday night and to hearing
cries up over the hill. He thought O'Brien
acted as if he were crazy and just getting
over drunk. Stated that O'Brien said
when the sergeant asked him where his
chums were, They're up on the hill. Don't
you hear them hollering?"
He saw O'Brien with Corrigan and Shee-
han during the day. Witness said he heard
who he supposed was Corrigan hallooing
up on the hill during the night. Wednes-
day afternoon witness said he talked with
Corrigan in the hospital and the latter re-
Piled to question about giving his valua-
bles to O'Brien, mo, don't give my
things away like that without fighting for
them. have to work too hard for them"
Corrigan indicated that his injuries were
the result of fighting to save his property.
During that Monday afternoon he saw them
lying drunk beside the road and Corrigan
was frothing at the mouth. O'Brien seemed
to be the soberest of the trio. He
said that O'Brien was not considered a
bad fellow, the only thing against
him being his drinking habits. Capt. Don
nelly, who is the captain of the company to
which Corrigan belonged, stated that he
went with the doctor to see Corrigan. He
didn't see any bruises on the abdomen
although he was present at the examina-
ton. At that time Corrigan, while he ap-
peared to be clear in mind, smelled of
liquor. He said then that he slept in the
cemetery over night. Corrigan asked him
to see Tom O'Brien and get his money, say
ing that they were drinking the day before,
and O'Brien took his watch and money to
keep for him. Capt. Donnelly said he
didn't remember of seeing O'Brien before
that time. He said that the ward master
was present when Corrigan made that state
ment The doctor at that time thought
something allied Corrigans kidneys.
Deputy Sheriff Ames, who has carefully
worked up the facts in this case, related
the particulars. Governor Stephenson was
unable, on account of bad health, to be
present at the hearing.
Thomas OBrien was called to testify
His story did not differ very materially
from the one he told JOURNAL reporter
Friday night He said that Corrigan goi
pretty drunk, and IN buying bottle Of
liquor, spilled some of bis money on the
ground, and he, witness, told him to lool
out for his money; that Corrigan replied
You take it and keep it. I'm pretty drunk
and am going to sleep or words to tha
effect. oBrien appeared dull in giving hi
testimony, as if he wasn't quite clear in hit
mind. His story didn't account for the way
he got the ring and cuff buttons. He sale
he didn't remember any scutlle that nigh
or afternoon. An inmate of the Home ties
titled that he had known OBrien for 81
years, and never of bis being in trouble
before or ever committing larceny.
1t didn't come out at the trial but il
commonly reported in connection with thu
habits of the vets at the Home, that if one
OF them gets drunken than the other the,
take his property away and keep it for him
man living on the road also told one O
the officers that he saw, Monday afternoon
these three men either squabbling or in
dulging in what might be termed ''rinl
wrestle." That they all fell down, tw,
falling on top Of one.
The evidence was deemed insufficient +
hold O'Brien and he was allowed to 60.
Tho first oe akpr