The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-01-22
LUETGERT HAD MANY LOVES.
DEFENDANT BREAKS DOWN AND
SOBS LIKE \ CHILD.

His Display of Grief Draws Smiles to
the Face of Police Captain Sit
ting just Behind HIm-Defendant
Unable to Spell the Name of One of
the Women He Married-Married
His Second Wife IA Month After His
First Wife Died.
Chicago, Jan. 21.--Adolph L. Luetgert
went on the witness stand to-day and told
the jury the story of the doings in his sau-
sage factory the night of May /. He en-
deavored to explain the mystery surround
ing the disappearance of his wife, for
! whose murder he is being tried.
An immense crowd gathered around the
Criminal Court building, long before the
burly defendants case was called, but
VARIED by the experience. the police only
allowed those to enter who had tickets of
admission.
Judge Garys court room was packed
some time before the opening hour. There
was an unusual number of women present.
The audience paid the closest attention to
Luetgert's examination.
Prior to going on the witness stand.
Luetgert, while taking exercise in the jail.
was accompanied by James Smith. who
had been on trial with Chris Merry for
the murder of Merrys wife. Smith was
extremely nervous over the outcome of
the jury's deliberations in his case but
Luetgert spoke encouragingly to him.
Il received an invitation to a masoue-
arade ball which takes place on Feb. 3"
said Luetgert to his companion. 'I win
let you have it. You will be able to use it
before l will"
After being questioned about the various
financial schemes in which he was inter-
ested Luetgert was asked If during the
first time he was engaged In business he
was married. To this Luetgert replied in
the affirmative
81 was married to Miss Pauline Ruebllsin
in 1872, answered the defendant.
How do you spell that name?"
"Oh, 1 don't know never could smell
it," was Luetgerfs reply.
Attorney Harmon, counsel for the de-
tense, then went into Luetgert's financial
affairs at the time of Mrs Louisa Luet-
serts disappearance, and drew out the
statement that Luetgert was worth 500, 900.
exclusive of real estate.
Attorney Harmon then asked Luetoart
when his first wife died.
In November, 1877"
And how long was you widower?"
Until next year In January"
AT this point Luetgert broke down and
commenced crying like a child. Seeing the
condition
mon asked for recess, but Judge Gary
refused to allow it, and after few min
utes Luetgert gained control of himself.
The display of his grief drew smiles 10
the face of Police Captain Schuettler. who
occupied a seat Immediately behind the
defendant, and the Jurors looked on in es-
tonishment, and Luetgert buried his face
in his hands and sobbed.
Before you were married, where did
you and your little boy, Arnold, live?" was
the next question.
II slept in the store myself. and my
boy at my mother-in-law's."
when were you married the second
timer" Luetgert was then asked by his
counsel.
"In 1878, to Louise Bicknese."
There was no trace OF emotion In the
voice Of Luetgert when he mentioned the
name of the women he is charged with
having murdered. The defendant then
told of the various places he and his wife
had lived, and of his going into business at
his latest location, in 1879
The court at this point took a recess.
Nothing important developed during the
afternoon, and the examination of the pris-
oner by his attorney was slow
roll Of . x l,
tire plant for 100000. The proposition
came from Charles Davey and the great.
est bundle of detail marked the further
recitation. When the deal was closed
Luetgert said he received a telegram from
John Phillips of New Haven. Conn, say
ing that Davey was threatened with rheu-
matte fever. Luetgent then left for New
Haven. He found DR.. Phillips to be an
old man, who had not practiced for fifteen
years. The doctor said he did not know
Davey and had not sent the telegram
saying he was Ill. He could not locate
the man.
Questioned as to the effect of the news
OF his failure to find Davey on his mari
tai happiness, the defendants face coll
ored, he nerVously drummed with his PEN
Gil and sank low in his chair and slouched
forward as he explained why he hesitated
to tell his wife the result Of his trip.
saying she dsiked the location of their
home and wanted TO move and he had
agreed to settle $4,000 upon her and keep
only 100000 himself when the deal went
through.
What was the effect of the news when
you did tell her2" asked Mr.. Harmon And
everybody knew what was coming.
Luetgert looked down and then glanced
up bit his lip and swallowed.
He leaned back in his seat and drummed
audibly with the pencil. Finally he reach
ed back for his pocket handkerchief
Judge Geary was watching him closely
At this point he said the defendant had
been on the stand nearly three hours, and
the court would adjourn until tomorrow.
Luetgert proved to be a very lachrymose
witness, his tears coming firmly and in
considerable volume whenever the name
Of his wife was brought into the case. He
will take the stand again tomorrow.