Evening star., 1898-05-28
IN HIS OWN BEHALF
Dennis ]. Canty, on Trial, Takes the
Witness Stand.
Ills VERSION OF TROUBLE WITH RYE
Other Witnesses Testify to Threats
Against Defendant.
EST IN THE CASE

Judge Coles decision, announced yester-
day evening, to admit the evidence offered
Dy the defense to show that George NJ.
Rye made threats against Dennis J. Canty,
| now on trial for the killing of Rye, before
| the day of the tragedy, increased interest
! in the case. and a large crowd was present
in Criminal Court No. this morning. The
prisoner preserved the same cool and i'm
perturbabe demeanor that has character
lied him since the day of the shooting,
and which has not changed during the
| trial. but it was evident his wife and other
| near relatives felt much relieved over Judge
Coles decision.
The first witness called was Jennie Han
son, chlmbermaid at the Wellington Ho-
tel, who attended to George NJ. Rye's ROOM
She stated that Mr.. Rye never smoked to
her knowledge, and used eyeglasses she
thought, when reading
James Hudnall, head waiter at the Well
fngton Hotel, recalled, also said Mr. Rye
did not smoke. Every Sunday morning
witness would go to Rye's room and get
what cigars were there out of a drawer in
his dressing case. being given this privi-
lege by Rye. Rye wore eyeglasses when
reading, but not at any other time.
John G. Holden paying teller at the
American Security and Trust Company, was
sworn. He said the day of the shooting,
shortly before II o'clock Mr. Canty, who
had small balance in the bank, came in
and draw 1t out. This was about ten min
yates before witness heard about the shoot
ing.
Mr.. Worthington objected to Mr. Davis
asking witness how long Canty had an ac-
count in the bank, but was overruled. Wit
ness replied that Canty had an account
since 1896, but had never before called for
MS balance or drawn 1t out.
Rye's Threats Against Cnnty.
Then came what was considered to be
very important testimony.
H. Cabell Maddux was the next witness
called. He told of meeting Canty in New
York last September, and then coming here
to Washington. Was eating breakfast at
Hancock's two mornings in succession when
Rye came in. The first morning witness
told Rye he had seen Dennis Canty over in
New York.
over there is he?" said Rye. 1.-THE -
- - - owes me a lot of money. I'll
have my money or I'll have his blood"
Next day Rye met witness again. Rys
said he had been to see a lawyer, but the
lawyer wanted all the money
Then Rye said
IF he don't pay me I'll cut his CUTS out"
Witness warned Rye saving that Cauty
was big fellow with a touch of Irish in
him, and might hurt him. Rye replied that
he could take care of himself, that he had
been III several troubles before but he had
got the drop on the other fellows Rive had
sinai! penknife in his hand, and said to
witness that he could stick it into Canty
and make him jump out of the third-story
window Had never seen Rye since. Never
saw Rye smoke.
Witness met Canty in October in Lose
kams, and told Canty he had better watch
out for George Rye; that Rye was a dan
gerous man, and had said he would cut
Csnty's CUTS out. He had not sean Canty
Rye and Canty about five or six years Met
them both here in Washington.
Cross-examnation did not affect Mr.. Mad
duxS statements.
Charles II. Havenne- the stock broker
testified to having Rye's note for $3.50
which was transferred to Van Senden. Rye
had always said he would see that the note
was paid. Witness told Van Senden that
the note was outlawed, but that Rye had
said he would take care of it.
Cross-examined, Mr.. Havennar said Van
Senden came to him and asked If he had
any OF Rye's paper. Witness replied he
sideration of his promise to pay 500 for it..
Argument Over Testimony.
Simeon T. Walton, a stock broker, the
witness who was not allowed, when first
called. several days ago, to testify to tell
ing Canty what he had heard from a third
party about the threats made by Rye
again bjected to the admission of Mr. Wal
tons testimony, and Mr.. Worthington Wig
orously claimed that it was absolutely prop
er to show to the jury what was the state
of Canty's mind, and the fact that 1t had
been conveyed to Canty that threats had
been made should bs shown. He quoted
Underhill on Evidence regarding the ad-
mission Of testimony relating to threats
Mr. Davis, replying, characterized Mr.
Worthington's offer as the most extraordi-
nary proposition he had ever heard ad-
v2nced in a murder trial and presented the
various phases Of cases where men were
excused for taking their neighbor's lives.
but declared that when man heard vague
reports of threats having been made
against him he was not permitted to be-
come at once Judge. jury and executioner
The evidence Of Mr.. Walton, he declared.
Was inadmissible. The threat was unprov-
ed. and, Judge Cole. said Mr. Davis, was
the nrst judge In the world who would be
called upon to decide the question.
Judge Cole interrupted Mr.. Davis and
suggested that the question Of Mr.. Wal
tons evidence be postponed until later, and
TINS suggestion was followed An attach
ment was issued for Witness William
klausmann, who had promised to appear
at 10 o'clock. but failed to do so.
Andrew Lawrence, colored, was recalled
to testify to hearing what Rye said about
hve or ten minutes before the shooting oc-
CURED. Witness was coming out of 1871
F street at the time. Mr.. Davis here asked
to cross-examine the witness. In reply to
Mr. Davis questions witness said he was
employed in general way as messenger
around that building, but was not regu-
iariy employed by any one. Witness was
going down to the corner of 18th street to
the pump to eat his lunch. He left No
1881 at twenty minutes Of II o'clock. He
knew the time because he looked at his
watch. Several other persons were on the
porch.
Mr.. Davis course of cross examining was
objected to by Judge Wilson, and Judge
Cole upheld the objection.
The direct examination of witness was
then continued, and he was permitted to
relate what Rye said when witness was
going to lunch. Witness said he heard Mr..
Rye say that Mr.. Canty owed him 500 and
he was going to get it or get satisfaction.
Then he said IL he didn't get the money
hed be afraid to say what he would do to
him. Rye had a small pearl-handled knife
In his hand, which he wss shaking, and
was very angry.
Again cross-examined, witness said he
had worked around 1881 street for two
years. Had been there when Mr. Canty
was there, and was there with Mr.. Jeffords
He was paid no regular salary by either
Mr.. Canty or Mr.. Jeffords. When witness
did Job or carried message he was
paid afterward. Witness knew Rye by
sight. and he knew it was Mr.. Rye who