The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1895-10-31
HOLMES PLACED ON TRIAL.
CIRCUMSTANCES WHICH FORCED
THE PRISONER TO HANDLE
HIS OWN CASE. 81
his Lawyers WITHDRAW FROM The CASE
The Judge Refusing CONFERENCE.-The
Prisoner Shows Skill in Questioning
Jurors-Dramatic Scene Winds
Up Yesterdays Session.

Philadelphia, Oct. 28-H. H. Holmes,
or Herman Mudgett, which he says is his
baptismal name, was brought on trial in
the court of oyer and terminer today for
the murder of Benjamin Peitzel in this
city on September 2, 1894, and the devel-
opments of the first day verified better
perhaps than ever before the force of the
maxim that truth is stronger than fic-
ton. !G,
From the nature of the case and the
startling stories concerning it, which
have gained currency during the past
year, sensational developments were nat
urally to be expected when he who has
come to be regarded as the most skillful
and audacious criminal of modern times
was placed on trial for his life. Yet
what did occur in court so far surpassed
all expectations that the most vivid
fights of imagination could scarcely have
.. conceived the days events.
Z Protestations and entreaties for con-
'Stinuance of the trial summarily over
ruled, sudden withdrawal of the lawyers
who had hitherto represented the prisoner
in the face of threats of disbarment, the
appointment by the court of new counsel
and the refusal of the prisoner to accept
them as his defenders, the declination
of another lawyer after being selected by
Holmes, and finally the prisoner trying
his own case This, not to speak of sun
dry dramatic passages at arms between
Holmes and the commemorative prose-
cutting Office is a summary of what oc-
Cured. Long before 10 o'clock, the hour
set for the opening of court, an eager
crowd thronged the corridors without
The regulations were so complete, how
ever, that none but lawyers, witnesses,
jurors and newspaper reporters were per-
mitted to pass the Gordon of police, which
formed barrier across the entrance to
the particular corridor leading to the
court room, and the force of court Off
GERS, who guarded every entrance to the
room. This prevented undue crowding,
Although every seat in the big room was
occupied. The general public will be ad-
mitted to the capacity of the gallery,
which will seat about 500, when the TAX
ing of testimony is begun tomorrow.
The clocks of the town had scarcely
ceased striking 10 when Judge Arnold,
clad in the long black gown which was
recently adopted by the Philadelphia jul
dietary, entered and took his seat upon
) the bench.
District Attorney Geo. S. Graham and
his special assistant, Mr.. Barlo, in whom
the Prosecution is vested, was already in
court, but delay of Is minutes was oc-
casioned by the non-appearance of coun-
sci for the defense, VIM. A. Shoemaker
and Samuel 2. Rotan, young members
Of the bar.
"a During the wait HolmesJ who had been
Wrought up from Moyamensing prison in
1.-THE van, guarded even inside the closed
wagor by an officer, was placed in the
small dock.
Holmes, who at the time of his arrest
in Boston on November II, last, was
sturdy built man of middle height, has,
since his long. confinement grown ,gaunt
3 and hollow chested. The prison bleach
has brought his peaked face to deathlike
pallor, heightened by the closely cropped
beard. In appearance, as he sat in the
dock today, he was neatness itself. The
beard was carefully trimmed, the hair
smoothly parted and the black cheviot
suit he wore betrayed no spot or blemish
His demeanor throughout, save on one
or two occasions, when he gave way to
slight bursts of anger directed at the dis
trict attorney, was characterized by that
marvellous display of nerve which has be-
come associated with his name.
The original intention of the common
4 wealth was to hold three sessions of
court daily-morning, afternoon and
p night, but so much time was consumed
by the unexpected developments that it
was nearly 5 when District Attorney
4 Graham concluded his opening address
K to the jury. In view of this and to avoid
breaking the testimony of the first wit
ness by the supper recess, it was decided
to adjOurn until tomorrow morning.
Hereafter, however, the original program
will be followed.
Philadelphia, Oct. 2S.-Holmes was
brought into the dock at 10 o'clock, his
counsel entering the court room with the
prisoner. Mr.. Shoemaker asked for con-
tinuance of the case, urging lack of time
for the preparation of the defense. Mr..
Graham, for the prosecution, protested
against the granting of continuance
which he said would mean the absolute
destruction of the commemorative case.
tx Mr.. ROtan for the defense renewed the
( plea for respite, but it was oVerruled
5 by Judge Arnold.
Mr.. Shoemaker and Mr.. Rotan created
mild sensation by saying that If the
iudge's decision was irreyocable they
would withdraw from the case, but Judge
Arnold spoiled this by declaring that
Anember of the bar who would withdraw
4 from murded case on the very eve OF It's
Y trial would be called upon to show cause
why he should not be disbarred for I'M
professional conduct. Counsel did not
appear anxious to accept this alternative,
but before they could reply Mr.. Graham
arose and said:
N|# "As far as the plea for lack of money
g is concerned, have positive knowledge
of where large sums of money have been
+ offered to attorneys to come into the case
as associate counsel for the defense,