The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-10-04

:
''Did you have q cow ersation with T. A.
Taggart about this matter?"
eyes, sir; in store on Eddy street"
Did you state to him that Durrant had been
Turner, and that as she was not there then he
had gone away"
Deuprey objected to this, but was over
ruled, and witness answered:
81 probably expressed that as my opinion.
He, told me he came to see the school, but I
had reason to believe otherwise"
But did you state that to Mr.. Taggart?"
opinion"
ways-because it was the day you exchanged
places with another teacher and that it was
the date, as shown on the rollbook, upon
which Miss Turner was absent?"
81 probably did"
you know Miss Edna Lucille Turner?''
81 do; she was q member of the school at
that time"
Then came the witness who furnished
the sensation of the day, Miss Carrie Gun
nlngham by name, a small but comedy and
very plucky little woman, who was not
shaken in her purpose by the very darkest
OF Judge Murphy's frowns.
She Is one of the brightest newspaper
women in the City. at present employed
cred, from newspaper standpoint, one of
the most important witnesses for the pros
ecution-Mrs. Leak, who testified to seeing
Blanche Lamont and the prisoner going
into the church together.
Mr.. Dickinson showed Miss Cunningham
a scrapbook and she identified her
SCOOP" headed: "Saw Blanche Lamont
Walk to Her Death"
There was some discussion at first as to
the relevancy of her testimony. Judge
Murphy read the article and then ruled
that she might be examined upon it.
t'Where did you obtain the information upon
which you based that article?' asked Mr.. Dick
inson.
Mr.. Barnes objected and the court ruled
that she should first be asked whether she
obtained any of the information from Mrs.
Leak.
Witness answered that she did not.
Then Mr.. Dickinson reiterated his
former question.
Mr.. Barnes objected, saying that no
foundation had been laid in the cross
examination of Mrs. Leak.
The record was referred to, and Judge
Murphy expressed the opinion that the
District Attorneys position was correct.
There was considerable argument on the
point then, and finally Judge Murphy said
that as he would rather err on the safe
side he should permit the question,
though it did look very much like fishing
expedition.
''Where did you obtain the information upon
which that article was based?" repeated Mr.
Dickinson.
81 decline to say"
The court-But have already ruled that you
may answer the question
81 decline to do so,' said the witness, quite
calmly and unpretentiously.
Dlckinson-I must insist upon the question.
The court somewhat astonished and begin
ming to frown)-I shall have to direct you to
answer the question.
81 have given my word of honor that would
not reveal the source OF my information" said
Miss Cunningham, very mildly, but not at all
frightened.
The court-The court directs you to answer
the question, Miss Cunningham and will COM
nit you to jail unless you answer.
Witness-I shall not answer.
Judge Murphy squared himself around
until he faced the witness directly and
then admonished her at some length. He
told her that her word of honor could not
bind the court and that he would surely
send her to jail unless she answered the
question.
Still the witness refused.
Mr.. Dickinson and Mr.. Deuprey both
arose and were about to speak, but Judge
Murphy was thoroughly aroused and
would permit no interference. He said:
81 will attend to this now, gentlemen. Ito
the wituess) shall commit you to Jail unless
you answer the question. Do you still refuse
to answer?"
eyes, sir. cannot answer that"
The court-Very well. Mr.. Clerk, make out
commitment to the County Jail for this young
LADY,
The witness remained impassive Mr..
Dickinson and Mr.. Deuprey rose again,
and the latter asked that more time be
permitted the witness.
at is near the hour for adjournment now"
said Mr.. Deuprey, land 1 think the ends of
justice will be fully preserved by allowing
Miss Cunningham to think over the matter
until tomorrow morning
The court-Well, 1 will follow that sugges-
ton. You are TO be here tomorrow morning at
10 o'clock Miss Cunningham. In the mean
time, advise you to consult your friends or
an attorney and come prepared to answer the
question
An adjournment was then taken until
this morning. Many in the courtroom at
once crowded around the plucky little
woman, commended her course and ad-
mired audibly her bravery in adhering
stoutly to what she conceived to be her
course of duty.