Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1895-11-19

counsel for the defense, VIM. A. Shoe
maker. was charged with manufactm-
ing evidence in behalf Of the alleged
mult.-murderer by bribing a woman
who knew nothing Of the case to swear
in his favor.
To-day had been fixed for the argu-
ment of a motion for new trial for
Holmes. and Judge Arnold, who pre-
sided during the trial Of two weeks ago,
which resulted in Holiness conviction
for the murder of B. +. Pietzel, was
Joined by Judges Thayer and Wilson,
sitting as the court en banc.
The proceedings were begun by Mr..
Shoemaker. who asked that the argu-
ment be postponed. He urged that
since the verdict had been rendered the
defense had come into possession OF new
information and additional clues OF vital
importance to the case and which would
result in Holiness acQuittal. Subse-
quent to the trial, he continued, they
had Obtained information of a person
who had known PietZel when he lived
at 1916 CallOwhill street. This person
Blanche A. Hannigan-had made afti-
dayit
IN SUBSTANCE AS FOLLOWS:
In August. 1894, she kept a cigar stora
at 1883 Calowhill street and had known
and talked with Pie.zel, then known as
Perry. On August 29, in her store, she
told him she would have to leave the
store and visit a dying friend, where
upon Pie-Zel spoke of the uncertainties
of life, saying he had more troubles
than anyone would suppose, and that he
would not care if it was he who was
dyinS instead of her friend. He spoke
of his many troubles and added o.
the end would come soon, as he could
not stand it much longer All his ac-
tions and word tended to show thoughts
of suicide.
/. In presenting this affidavit, Mr.. Shoe
maker said that Mrs. Hannigan would
have come forward with this testimony
before, but she disl.ked notoriety and
had been out of the city for some time
AS soon, however, as she found that
there was life az stake she had C0IGo
forward.
Besides this new testimony, Shoemak-
er went on, there was many other clues
to be run down, some of which had
come to their knowledge as late as last
Saturday.
District Attorney Graham asked that
before this application be passed upon,
Mrs. Hann!gan be called to the stand
Mr. ROtan, who is associated with Shoe
maker, replied that they had been unable
TO find her; that the affidavit had been
procured by John Sweckler, a detective,
and that counsel would not permit her
TO testify until they had an opportunity
to eXtmine her privately and sift the
truth Of her statement. In response to
questions from the court, Mr. Shoemak-
er said that the affidavit had been writ
ten by him at the dictatiOn Of Mrs. Han
nigan.
3ir Graham said it was his duty to
make
A PAINFUL DECLARATION.
During The early part Of the recent trial
ne had received information that efforts
had been made to procure false testi-
mony by bribery. Subsequently he
learned uhat these efforts were being
prosecuted to the end ThereupOn he
sent for the person thus employed to
furnish evidence, and she was in court
at the present time.
Il viii produce her and show that
she was employed by Mr. Shoemaker;
that she was taken to his Office and
questioned: tlaJ she said she knew
nothing about the case, and the attorney
tod her that was all right; and that
she was induced, upon the payment to
her Of $40 to sign the affidavit, which
had been already prepared
In support Of this statement by Mr..
Graham, Detective Geyer, being sworn,
J testified that during the trial he was
called upon by John Sweckler. who said
that DIr. Shoemaker had asked him to
procure a woman who lived around
Thirteenth and Callowhill or Vine
streets. who would swear TO certain facts.
The next day Sweckler again called and
showed him the typewriter affidavit.
This was before the woman had been
looked for. Mr. Geyer submitted the
matter to the district attorney. and on
mis- advice after the trial, Geyer pro-
cured the woman. He introduced her
10 Sweckler. who in turn took her to
Shoemaker. After several interviews
with him, she signed the affidavit and
received the money in TWO ten dollar
bills which she had marked with her
initials fer the purpose Of identified
zion
The supposed Mrs Hannigan. who
said her name was Margaret Reah, took
the stand and
CORROBORATED THIS STORY
Tn detail. producing the money. She de-
clared that Shoemaker had neither read
or told her of the contents of the affi-
davit. and she signed in absolute ignOr-
anre The statement made in court by
Mr. Shoemaker that she had dictated it
TO him was false.
Mr. Shoemaker here arose and excit-
edlv cried: Il did not say so. l eX-
plicit,y-'
One after the other the three judges
interrupted him with there IS no doubt
whatever of your having said It,"
The district attorney then said that
he had CODY Of the affidavit made, and
in his Office before the woman had been
found.
Mr.. Shoemaker pleaded for time to re-
buf these charges against his character,
and Judge Thayer significantly retort-
el. you are certainly in a position re-
ouiriug thoughtfulness.'
John SWeckler was next called, and
he 100. .ccrrobOrated the preceding wit
nesses. saving that ne was first employ
ed bv Shoemaker TO get The woman on