The sun., 1898-12-19
THE B6TEIG CASE.
Tho Defendant Hovss to Clear Her
self of the Da,naslng Testimony
.Againat Her.

\ @@sC
self of the Da,a aging Testimony
..Against Her.
SAN Francisco, CAL, Dsc. lS.-Several
important points have been established
by the prosecution in thu. trial Of Mrs.
Cordelia Botkin. charged with murder
Ing Mrs. John p. Dunning q DoveF, Del. I,
by sending her poisoned candy through
the mails.
Witnesses have shown that Mrs. Bot
kin purchased the candy which caused
the death of ex.Congressrnan Penning-
toms daughters, Mrs. Dunning and Mrs.
Deane; that she purchased the handker-
chief found in the box Of candy; that she
wrote the address on the wrapper and
that her relations with Dunning were
such as to give her motive for desire to
get Mrs. Dunning out Of the way.
But the most damaging testimony
against the accused women is to come.
The prosecution will seek TO establish
by Mr.. Dunning himself that Mrs. Botkin
at one time contemplated poisoning him
when she heard that he was about to re-
turn to his family.
An effort will be made TO have Dun
ming testify that Mrs. Botkin confessed
to him that she intended to kill him.
She told him some months after this
murderous purpose had left her that
she had really intended to put him out
Of the world. She did not say that she
planned to poison him, but her words
left no doubt as to her deadly intent.
She was determined that he should not
leave her. Her courage failed her, how
ever, and his life was spared.
The police have ascertained that
though at that time Dunning had been
drinking heavily, Mrs. Bothin's con-
fession alarmed him exceedingly. For
all that, however, he did not even
abandon her. t..
The defense will make strenuous ef-
forts to keep out this sensational testi-
mony, but the prosecution will be even
more insistent in the attempt to place it
before the jury.
Mrs. Botkin does not appear to be
fearful Of any damaging effect from testi.
mony given yesterday against her by
Mrs. Emira Ruoff. In speaking of 1t
she said
II knew from the affidavit Mrs. Ruoff
made to the police what the substance Of
her evidence would be, so that what she
said on the stand did not surprise me in
the least.
"Mrs. Ruoff has long been on friendly
terms with me. She has accepted ou
hospitality and-well, I do not want to
criticise the woman or cast any rehec
tions on her action. She has given her
testimony, and when my turn comes /
shall do the same, for have resolved to
take the stand in my own behalf and my
attorneys offer no opposition TO this
course.
"What I shall say will clear away
many Of the misleading statements that
have been made. l wish to take the
stand that may have the opportunity
Of telling my story and presenting the
facts in this matter in way that will be
comprehensive to all intelligent men
and women.
'It is my intention when l go into
this matter to tell the entire story, to
hold nothing back, for it is only by
thorough explanation that this matter
can be properly sifted AID correct re-
suits obtained.
"As for Mrs. Ruoff, shall not give
her any serious consideration, for what
she has said will in no way affect my
peace of mind. 1t would were not able
to explain and refute it. In few days
things will assume a very different as
pect."