The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-11-29

and ascended the two small steps lead
ing to the uncOnfortable old fashioned
wooden, arm chair, which witnesses oc-
cupy. She seated herself and gaZed
calmly at the attorneys who are bend
ing their energies to send her step-son
to the Uenitentfary for life Mrs Col
in her lap. She was VisibIy affected,
but answered the questions put to he1
with calmness and deliberation. The
examination was conducted by H. Q.
Stafford, who is Mr.. JetmOre'S principal
assistant in the case. A. T. Williams
and Galen Nichols also represent the
prosecution.
Q.-State your name.
A.-Helen A. Collins.
Q.-You are the widow of James S.
Collins?
A.-Yes sir.
Q.-How long have you been living
in your present home?
A.-Thirteen or fourteen years.
Q.-Were you married before?
A.-Yes.
Q.-To whom?
A.-Mr. Meade.
Q.-How many children have you?
A.-Three. A son, Grant Meade;
daughter, Grace Collins, and John
Henry Collins.
Q.-HOw old is John?
A.-TWenty-On
Q.-HOw old is Grace?
A.-Eighteen.
Q.-What was your husbands busi-
ness?
A.-Teal estate
Odd John work in the office?
A.-But little.
Ole attended the university?
Ayes sir.
Q.-Has the house in which you live
been changed since May 13?
A.-NO sir.
Q.-In going to your home you go out
on Sixth and turn south on Van Buren,?
Q.-Who lives north of you?
A.-Dr. Francis.
Q.-South oS You?
A.-Mr. Smith.
Q.-AcrOss the street?
A.-Mr. Knowles.
Q.-How many rooms are there in
your house on the first floor?
Ask.
On which direction does the hall
run?
A-East and west. A short han run
ming north.
Q-Is there a room in the angle?
A.-As you go north there is a room
on the right, the library.
Q.-How many rooms are there north
of the hall?
A-The sitting room.
Q.-On the south?
A-The parlor and a sleeping room.
Q.-What kind of doors are at the en-
frances?
A.-Sliding doors.
The examination was confined for
some time to a description of the in
terror of the Collins residence Every
out, after which Mr. Stafford exhibited
a blue print and asked what it was.
Alt is a blue print which we had of
the house when it was built.
This was fastened to a large book
and then Mrs. Collins pointed out the
various rooms, on the first floor, the
reached, and also described the interior
of the rooms on the second floor. The
witness, with the plan of the house on
the rail in front of the jury, then leaned
index finger, being compelled to tilt
her chair forward, the various entran-
ces and the different rooms. Mrs. Col,
Inns, with her chair still tilted forward,
her elbow on the railing and her hand
supporting her chin, answered further
questions which gave to the jury a
complete idea of the general plan OF
the residence. The jurors seemed
greatly interested in this part of the
proceedings.
4 cannot hear the answers" said Mr.
Cav, the court reporter.
Mrs. Collins, will you speak louder?''
I will try to do so,'' replied Mrs Col
Inns, smiling. Then the examination
proceeded.
Special attention was given to the To-
cation of the windows and doors, clos
cts, beds and other furniture, and the
character Of the carpets. On all the
room floors, and the hall, Mrs. Collins
testified, were Brussels carpets. She
also located the mountain lion fur rug
which was spread diagonally at the en-
trance of the parlor. Mr.. Stafford in
Quired particularly as to the conditions
of the carpet, to later show that it
would have been possible for John Col
Inns to have murdered his father and
escaped upstairs to his room without
being heard.
The witness now and then glanced at
Sheriff Cook who sat in front of her,
holding under his arm the shotgun with
e