The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1895-10-29
HOLMES, THE MULTI
A Jury Is Being Secured to Try the
Celebrated Case.
HE IS HIS OWN ATTORNEY
The Trial Opens With a Sensation
Tho Accused Fires His Coun-
sci Bodily = Tilts With
the Judge.

Philadelphia, Oct. S.-H. IL. Holmes,
who, according TO his own remarkable
confession. stands at the head Of the
list Of criminals, was put on the stand
In the court OF oyer and terminer this
morning for the murder of Benjamin
f. Peitzel. The prosecutors are District
Attorney George Graham and Special
Assistant Thomas w. Brastow. WILL
lam Shoemaker and Samuel Rotan.
young members of the bar. appeared
for Holmes. Judge Michael Arnold Is
upon the bench. Only enough people
were admitted to fill the court room
without uncomfortably crowding 1t.
Witnesses from Canada and different
parts OF the country were escorted into
court shortly before 10 o'clock by De-
tective Frank Geyer. whose travels
throughout the United States in his
search for evidence against Holmes
have been from time TO time pub
lfshed. Promptly at 10 o'clock Holmes
was placed in the dock. He was plainly
nervous and looked about the room
with shifting expression. Shoemaker
asked for continuance. He urged
the lack Of time for preparation.
There are three homicide cases in
volved in this case" he urged. "and
we had only such time as TO be ade-
quate for the preparation OF one. 1t
was expected to present the newly dis
covered evidence Of such vital import-
ance that Holmes will undoubtedly be
acquitted Of this charge"
Graham protested against granting a
continuance. He dwelt upon the severe
strain under which Mrs. Peitzel had
been put and said the examinati ton into
her mental condition made 1t apparent
were a continuance granted the COM
monwealth would lose its most i'm
portant witness. Rotan of the defense,
renewed hts plea for respite. Over
ruled by Judge Arnold. Shoemaker
and Rotan created wild sensation BY
saying if the judges decision was ire
vocable they would withdraw. Judge
| Arnold spoiled this by declaring a
member OF the bar who would with
draw from a murder case on the very
| eve of trial. would be called upon to
show cause why he should not be dis
barred for unprofessional conduct.
| "As far as the plea of lack Of money
Is concerned" Graham said. II have
| positive knowledge large sum Of
| money was offered within the last
| week to prominent attorneys at this
bar to come into the case as associate
counsel for the defense. showing there
| are funds at hand"
| "Will your honor allow the case to
60 over until tomorrow morning.
| pleaded Rotan.
"Call the jury" said the Judge firm
| ly. One of the Jurors had been admit
ted by the commonwealth when Holmes
In a quaverlng voice said to Judge
Arnold:
"May 1t please the court, I have no
inclination to continue with the trial
| of this case with Mr.. Rotan and Mr..
Shoemaker as my counsel, feeling that,
| in view of their desire to withdraw
my interests will be damaged. l there
fore discharge them as my counsel"
You cannot discharge them. Mr..
| Holmes" answered Judge Arnold
THAT is for the court, and IL they
withdraw from this case they will be
punished"
"If," continued Holmes In tremulous
tones you will give me until to-mor-
row to secure additional counsel"
I'VE will have no more debate. MT
Holmes, the matter Is decided"
The examination of Jurors was abou,
to proceed with when Shoemaker stat
ed the prisoner absolutely forbade them
representing him in the case and de-
clared he would examine Jurors and
witnesses himself. Judge Arnold said
he would permit Holmes to question
the Jurors, II he so desired.
Enoch Turner. the first Juror, was
turned over to Holmes for examina-
ton. He had already stated he had
formed an opinion In the case. but
could, nevertheless. try 1t according to
evidence. Holmes challenged peremp-
torily. Frederick slump, sr.. was &C.
cepted by both Graham and Holmes
Rotan and Shoemaker arose and de-
clared they felt Obliged to withdraw
from the case regardless OF conse-
quences.
you must take the consequences
then" said the Judge. They left the
courtroom. The commonwealth officers
consulted with the Judge. then called
upon Everett A. Schofeld and j. NJ
Faley. young lawyers. who agreed 10
assume the grave responsibility. with
all aid possible from Mr.. Graham
Holmes objected on the ground tina; he
knew nothing OF those gentlemen he
should not care to entrust his life &c
them. "As far as aid from Graham Is
concerned" he added with unveiled
bitterness. 81 had abundant proof thS
past year what a promise of aid from
the district attorneys Office means
| May | be allowed a postponement IN
tomorrow to consult Lawyer II. O
Moon. and whom l know / can en-.
gage?"
DO you. then. refuse to allow thes,
| gentlemen 10 defend your"
Il do. sir. II am not allowed a con
tinuance l win have to try the cas-,
myself"
we will go on to-day" said III,
Judge. "and we will see about engagin,
Moon later on"
The cNamiaation OF jurors was re-
sumei At 1i5 y. m. twelve juror
had been selected and the court tool
a recess until 3 p. m, Lawer Moor
declined TO participate in the case un