Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1895-10-28

Philadelphia, October 27.-H. H.
Holmes, or Herman Mudgett, whose
name or alias has rung throughout the
length and breadth of the continent as
the most INSCRIPTIONS and skiiful
murder of modern times, will be placed
on trial for his life tomorrow morning
in the Court of Oyer and Terminer of
this city. The specific charge TO which
he will be called upon to answer is the
murder of Benjamin f. Pietzel, and he
has already officially declared himself
not guilty.
THE REVOLVING DETAILS
of the many crimes with which Holmes
name has been directly or indirectly
connected, have been given such pub
licity, and The cold implacable de-
meanor which has characterized the
man throughout, has been so frequent
ly commented upon, that the trial will
probably pass into history as the most
celebrated case known 10 the criminal
annals of the western hemisphere. The
commonwealth has already expended
thousands of dollars in it's efforts TO
bring the prisoner to summary JUS
tice. and there is an indication that
should a conviction for murder in the
first degree be obtained, he will be
"RAMROADED" TO THE GALLOWS.
Witnesses have been brought to this
city from Boston, Chicago, Indianapo-
lis. Irvington. Ind, and almost every
city where Holmes is known TO have
lived at various times. What revelations
these witnesses will make has been kept
a profound secret by the prosecuting
officers, but there is expectation OF SEN
sational developments. Detective Gey-
er. who has been for months travelling
extensively throughout the country in
search of evidences of Holmes move
ments, will be one of the principal wit
nesses for the commonwealth. The
skull and portions OF the body of Pet
eel. who is thought to have been muir
dered by Holmes in Indianapolis,
WILL BE EXHIBITED
during the course Of the trial.
Judge Arnold will be upon the bench,
and he has already signifed his inten-
ton Of holding three sessions a day
morning. afternoon and night-so long
as the persons interested can stand the
strain. The prosecution will be in the
hands of District Attorney Graham and
corps Of assistants, while the inter-
ests of the prisoner will be guarded by
Messrs. Shoemaker and ROtan, young
members of the local bar.
Consequent upon the widespread
publicity given the case, it is feared
that several days will be occupied
IN SECURING A JURY
Of men who have not already formed
decided opinions concerning the guilt
or innocence of Holmes.
1t is impossible to learn even ap-
nroximately the number of witnesses
10 be called on either side, but that
there will be a gOodly number is ap-
parent from the precautions that Will
be taken to insure their entrance to the
court room.
Announcement has been made that
only those who have business therein
will be admitted, and an increased
corps of court officers, augmented by
detail of reserve policemen, will en-
force this order at the doors.
THE MURDER OF PIETZEL,
# murder It was, occurred more than
wear ago. The body, burned and black
ened as if by an explosion. was discov-
cred in the house, No. 1926 Callowhill
street. this city, on September ), 1894
and as he had been known as an in
ventor named Perry. the suppositlon
was that he had met death by accident,
while experimenting. subsequently,
the charge was made that Pietzel had
been murdered by Holmes in an at
4emnt TO defraud the Fidelity Mutual
life Association, of Philadelphia, out
of $40 600. which had been paid by the
companv to Mrs. Pietzel, who was sup
nosed to have been party to the con-
spiracy. Holmes having first introduced
Pie-zel to the company.
Holmes was arrested in Boston on
November 18th and Mrs. Pietzel IS in
custody as, probably, the principal Wit
ness against him.
There is a likelihood Of the case con-
suming several weeks time, unless un-
forsaen circumstances arise to bring it
to a speedy conclusion.
The remains Of Howard Pietzel found
in the Irvington house were brought to
this city tonight by Detective Rich
ards. of indianapolis. They were car
red in a small box and were immedi-
ately sent to District Attorney Gra-
hams Office, where they will be kept
until such time as they will be brOugh
into court.
Weather lndica fions