The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-09-11
TESTIMONY OF EXPERTS
CHEMISTS ON THE WITNESS STAND
IN THE LUETGERT CASE.
Prof. Haines Tells of His Experiments
luton of Crude Potash.

CHICAGO, Sept. 1O.-There was consid-
cradle progress in the Luetgert trial to-
day, particularly during the afternoon ses-
sion. The day was devoted to the hear
ing of expect testimony. 1t was shown that
the matter collected in the crevices of the
pocket knife given by the alleged murderer
to his former sweetheart Mrs. Feldt, on
the eve of his arrest consisted of blood
and particles of muscular tissue. One fact
the state continuously attempted to estab-
lish, namely, that the particles of bone.
flesh and organic matter taken from the
vat and connecting sluice had at one time
been portions of human body, but though
their experts readily as5ented to the
proposition that the stuff resembled the
flesh and bone Of the human animal. they
refused to deny on cross-examination that
tt ey bore an equal resemblance to the flesh
and bone of any other warm blooded animal
who eats similar food. The three experts
who testified were Professor Mark Della
fontaine. teacher Of chemistry in Chica-
go high school; Professor Walter S. HaineS,
professor of chemistry in the Rush Medical
PSYCHOLOGIST of the Field Columbian Museum
Professor Delafontaine, whose examine
ton was begun yesterday. was the first
witness placed on the stand by the state.
The almost inaudible tones of the professor
were hardly heard beyond the stenographer@
ana barely a WOrQ COulu ne distinguished
by the jury. The witness identified several
bits of bone which he had received from
Inspector Setback, asserting that the par
ticles were taken from the slime which
was designated as being the residue taken
from the sluice leading from the vat After
a few minutes of questioning the witness
positively identified the bits of bone as
human, asserting that they were portions
of joints from fingers and toes. This IS one
Of the most important facts which the state
expected to establish. 1t produced no effect
on the equanimity of the prisoner, who was
tilted back in his chair wearing his usual
expression of interest, but betraying no
emotion as he listened closely to the testi-
mOny
who followed Professor Delafontaine on the
stand was clear modest and concise He
asserted that on three different occasions he
had immersed human body in solution
and that slightly different result was OBJ
tanned on each occasion. Each time the
hair skin leather boots and wooden clothes
were completely dsintegrated. The mus
cular tissues and vital organs were largely
eaten away. the degree TO which they were
affected varying with the different expert
ments. In all cases the ribs and veterbra0
Of the bones showed to the greatest extent
the effect of the action of the alkali. be-
coming partially disintegrated and so brit
tie that they erumbled to the touch. The
skull was not affected to so great de-
gree as the vertebrae and back bones, the
but slightly and the joint of the foot and
hand least of all. The residue obtained as
the result Oh the experiment. was Oi a PINK
ish brown color and disagreeable odor.
These facts correspondent to the theory OF
the destruction of the body offered by the
state. Scrapngs from Luetgert's pocket
knife were subjected by him to chemical
and microscopical analysis with the result
that it proved to be blood and muscular
tissue of some one of the higher animals.
Cross examination failed to shake the testi-
mony of the witness.
Osteologist Bailey proved to be very
important witness on direct examination.
With reservation. he asserted that one OF
the bones found in the ashes of the street
near the factory resenlbled a certain bone
in the second toe of the left foot of a hui
man being, possibly a woman. Tomorrow
his testimony will be concluded.
Attorney Vincent made a move in court
to-day which he believes TO be one of the
important points of the defense. He estl-
mates from the capacity of the vat in
which the body is said to have been dis
solved and the amount of water said to
have passed through 1t that the amount OF
animal flesh dissolved must have amounted
to nearly 80 pounds in weight. Assistant
State Attorney McEwen says that the large
amount of water was not admitted
to the vat until after the pinkish brown
slime had collected in the slutce and that
therefore the theory which the defense
intends to advance Is built upon false as
SUMPTION