The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1897-05-12
DEATH OF DUNsON.
Cooper Claims He Did Not Intend to
shoot Him.

LAGRANGE. Ca, May 1.-THE trial of
Douglass Cooper charged with the MUIR
der of Claud Dunson. has been replete
with sensations to-day.
The defense showed it's hand when the
state rested, shortly after 2 O'clock.
Both sides developed surprises, The
prosecution had subpoenaed more than
forty witnesses. but rested after the ex-
animation of less than half that number.
BY these witnesses 1t was endeavored to
show that the killing was deliberate, and
that Cooper fired the fatal shot after
slapping Dunsons hat Off and just when
he had Strengthened up after placing his
hat back on his head In the cross-exam-
ination, Mr.. Watson, for the defense,
sought to show that Cooper only intended
to strike with the pistol when he thought
that Dunson was trying to grapple with
him.
The defense had nearly a score of Wit
nesses, but it was decided at the last mo-
ment not 10 introduce any testimony other
than the defendants statement The de-
fendant took the stand. He was cool and
self-possessed. He told OF the events that
led up to the tragedy and of the interfer-
ence of Dunson in the difficulty with the
negro. III said he slapped Dunson, but did
not knock his hat Off, and that he believed
Dunson was about to attack him when he
drew the pistol. lie feared an attack from
the negro behind, he said, and seeing Dun
sons aggressive movement, his first
thought was to strike him with the pistol
and disable him. He said he was not con-
scious of the grip he had on the weapon
until it exploded He said the firing was
unintentional and accidental. The defend
ant stated then that he had made no at
tempt to escape, but was advised to get
,tsta 81 3 tls4N fs.rf he n
who, he thought, would kill him.
The state then offered testimony In re-
buttal of this statement. The defendants
attorneys made a big fight on this and
claimed that the issue Of the trial had al
ready been established.
Mr.. Watson and Col Sam Ford made
strong arguments in support of the objec-
ton, but Judge Harris ruled the testimony
admissible.
Witnesses were then put upon the
stand by whom il was shown that last
summer Cooper complained OF a wrong
done him by Dunson, and threatened to
kill him. In the cross-examination of G.
r. Hudson, who testified that Cooper had
told him he would kill Dunson If he cross
ed his path, the interesting fact was
brought out that the witness was engag-
ed to marry Dunson's sister
The defendant was again put on the
stand. His statement was most sensa-
tional. He acknowledged having made
the threats against Dunson at that time,
and told of an alleged attempt on the part
Of the latter to take undue
liberties with the young lady 10
whom he was then engaged,
and whom he subsequently married. lie
stated, however, that he later forgave Dun
son, and all differences between them
were settled. He said that when holding
the pistol he did not know 1t was self-act-
ing.
The state later introduced testimony to
show that he examined the weapon when
he borrowed II.
Both sides then closed. Court adjourn
ed TO meet again tomorrow morning at
o'clock. when the argument will be taken
up. Col. w. J. Sanford of Alabama, Will
open for the defense, followed by Col. +.
M Longley OF La Grange, and Hon.
Charles d. Hil of Atlanta, for the state,
closing with Hon Thomas E. Watson
Of Thomson, for the defense.
Its generally believed the verdict will be
involuntary manslaughter
The defense has been conducted In a
very masterful manner by Mr.. Watson
the leading counsel.