The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1897-02-17
OTHERS HAD KEYS
Theory of the Defense in IrIal
Of Johnson
Who Received the Bodies at the
Medical College
ISTHATOTHER PEOPLE
Had Keys to the Dissecting
Room Besides Johnson.
Mrs. Van Fleets Mother Testi-
fieS on the Stand.

Alma, Kan, Feb. 17-At $40 yester-
day afternoon the jurors in the Topeka
grave robbery cases were called and
were examined as to their qualifica-
tions by County Attorney Jones of w a.
baunsee county. His questions were
of general nature and brought out
nothing that would disqualify any of
the men in the box to sit in the case.
Most of the men had either heard of
the cases or had read something about
them in the papers at the time of the
alleged robberies, but not one of them
said that he thought that he was biased
or prejudiced in any way that would
interfere with a fair trial of the case.
The examination of the jury by the
defense was more thorough and de-
tailed.
NJ. T. Campbell of Topeka examined
the jury as to their qualifications for
the defendants.
w. S. Thompson did not know any of
the officers of the medical college. He
had read of the accounts in a Kansas
City paper; was not prejudiced against
medical colleges and their operation
Q.-Have you ever had any of your
friends or relatives stolen from the
grave, or had their graves molested?
A.-No, sir.
William Swanson had read of the oc-
currences; did not know where the col
lege was situated.
Q.-From what you read have you
formed any opinion as to the guilt of
any of the parties.
Ayes, sir.
Q.-Have you that opinion yet?
A-WeI, 1 don't know about that.
read about it at the time and formed
kind of an opinion at that time.
After a few questions by the court
Mr. Swanson was excused.
c. w. Schneider was called and was
examined by Mr.. Campbell.
Q.-When did you first hear of this
case?
Aust what I heard in the court
room.
Odd you ever have any friends
taken from their graves?
A.-No, sir.
Q.-When were you last in Topeka?
A.-Twelve years ago.
Mr.. Campbell here stopped and went
back to the jurors whom he had al
ready examined and asked:
Have you any objection to the dis
section of a human body for scientific
purposes when it is legitimately OBJ
tained?"
They each said they had not
Mr. Campbell then asked J. 3. Gar
ringer if he knew anyone that was
connected with the case.
Only DR.. Minney; he operated on
my mothers eyes some time ago.
He further stated he had not formed
any opinion as to anyone's guilt or in
nOcence- He had had no trouble about
any of his friends or relatives graves
being bothered.
The same questions We're asked by
Mr.. Campbell of T. L. Castle and F. S.
Whitaker
F. S. Whitaker: "I go to Topeka
quite frequently, but never heard any
thing there about it. What L read in
the papers has not affected me-"
Q--Have you read anything about
this in the State Journal?
A.-Yes.
Q.-Have you noticed that it took
sides in this matter?
A.-No. don't think that I have
Q.-Have you read anything recent
1y?
Ayes, read something last week
about an important witness, but don't
remember what it was
Odd that not in some way preiu-
dice you?
A-Well, I think not. I think I came
to the conclusion that something of the
kind had been done.
Odd it not prejudice you against
the parties?
Alt did at that time.
Q.-Have you that opinion now?
A.-NOt that I know of
Q.-DOn't you think that the news
paper articles have prejudiced you?
Didn't you think when you read the
Journals account of the rObberies thai
the people at the college were respon-
sibie for them, and if this defendant
was connected with the college
wouldn't you think he was a guilty
man?
A.-Well. no. think not
Q.-This last account was about one
of the witnesses being away. Did you
think from that that the college had
something to do with his going away?
Al don't think that reading the
paper has prejudiced me.
Q.-Do you believe that bodies were
stolen?
Ayes, I formed an opinion that
bodies We're stolen and it would take
strong evidence to convince me that a
body had not been stolen.
Mr.. Whitaker was exucsed by the
court and Charles Hcnsel was called
In answer to Mr.. Jones, he said he had
heard of the cases, but had not formed
or expressed an opinion. In answer
to questions by Mr.. Campbell he said
he had no prejudice against dissection
If bodies were obtained in a legitimate
way.
bell. said that he had read a weekly
paper and saw what it said.
Odd you believe that its account
was true?
Al simply had the papers for it,
Asked by the court:
Odd you form an opinion?
Al simply had an idea that the
bodies were taken up.
Dwell, was it an opinion or an i'm
preston?
A.-Wen, I think it was simply az
impression on my mind.
Mr.. Campbell then asked Mr. McWil.
1iams when he was at Topeka last.
About a year ago
Q.-Have you any prejudice agains
dissection for scientific purposes?
A.-No, sir.
Q.-What papers did you read?
A.-Some Kansas City papers,
Odd that prejudice you against
the college or its officers?
A.-No, sir. 1 thought 1t might Oh