The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1895-10-28
Holmes F|atIy Refused to Have
the Counsel Appointed.
He Created q Sensation by Proceeding
With the Trial Himself.
The Judge Would Not Listen to .
Proposal for Postponement.

PHILADELPHIA. Pa. October 2s-Promptly
at ten o'clock Holmes was brought
in and placed in the dock. He looked pale.
but immaculately neat. He was plainly very
nervous. Occasionally he would lean forward
and address whisper to his counsel. The
first wait was caused by the non-appearance
of Mr. Shoemaker OF counsel for defense, who
did not come into court until l0:l5 O'clock.
When he did arrive he asked for continuance
of the case. urging the lack OF time for prep
aration of the defense.
"There are three homicide cases involved in
this case" he urged, ''and we have only rs
much time as would be adequate in prepara
tion on one"
The prosecution. Mr. Shoemaker added, had
been working ON the case for three hundred
days, while the defense had had but sixty
The defense, he said, would present newly
discovered evidence of such vital Importance
that Holmes would undoubtedly be acquitted
of this charge Mr. Graham OF the prosecution
opposed continuance and Judge Arnold
pr DmptIy said, "The motion for a continuance
ls overruled"
Mr. Shoemaker and Mr. Rotan then created
a mild sensation By saying that il the judges
decision was irrevocable they would withdraw
from the case, but Judge Arnold spoiled this
by declaring that a member OF the bar who
would withdraw from murder case on the
verv eve of its trial would bv called upon TO
show cause why he should not be disbarred
for unprofessional conduct Counsel did not
appear anxious TO accept this alternative. but
before they could reply Mr. Graham arose
"As far as the plea of lack Of money is con-
cerned" he said, ~ have positive knowledge
that large sums OF money were offered within
the last week to prominent attorneys at this
bar to come into the case as associate counsel
for the defense"
"Can the jury" said Judge Arnold
"win your honor allow the case to go over
until tomorrow morning o. pleaded Mr. Rotan
"Call jury" re-ecboed the Judge ana the
calling of jury was begun
One juror had been admitted by the COM
| monwealth when there was another cessation
Holmes rose in the dock, and in qnavering
voice. said TO Judge Arnold: MAY II please
| the court, have no inclination to continue
| with the trial of this case with Mr. Rotan and
Mr. Shoemaker a, my counsel, feeling that In
view Of their desire to withdraw. that my in
terests would be damaged, therefore dis-
charge them my counsel
"You cannot discharge them, nr Holmes,
answered Judge Arnold. that is for the
1 -
| they will be punished"
"If," continued Holmes, his tones stiii
more t.emulous, 'if your honor will give me
! until tomorrow TO secure additional coun-
| sell"
"we will have no more debate, Mr. Holmes.
| the matter Is decided
Tie examinations OF the jurors was about to
be proceeded with when Shoemaker again
| arose and stated that the prisoner abso-
lutely forbade them from representing him in
| the case and declared that he (Holmes) would
examine the jurors and witnesses himself
Judge Arnold said he would permit Holmes
TO question the jurors. II he so desired, while
counsel considered the question Of their pro-
ceediug Holmes armed himself with paper
and pencil and Enoch Turner. the first Juror,
was turned over TO him for examination. He
| had already stated, in answer to Mr. Graham.
that he had formed an opinion in the case.
but that he could nevertheless try 10 accord.
ing TO evidence.
| lContipuod an paga Al