The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1898-12-22

Special Dispatch to the Post-Intelligencer
SIDNEY. Dee. 2L-The Connella- Nelson
murder triaj is in full blast. The jury was
completed last night and the taking of
testimony began this morning. A sensa-
tion may develop here when the witnesses
for the defense are called. since the prose-
cution rs determined on bitter fight and
its attorneys shake their heads omnously
and say: Wait and you viii hear some
thing drop" They contend that an effort
is being made here through the presence
OF paid men, to create a feeling In favor
of the accused. This is met by a counter
idea on the part of the defense that men
are here from Everett to rouse the peop.e
against Conne.la. IL is A small community
and the idea apparently Is that the jury
will feed the pulse OF public opinion and be
affected by il in their judgment. At night
when court is over there are many con-
ferences in the darkness. little group.
standing about the main street discussing
the murder and always taking pains 10 be
out OF earshot OF any possible eavesdrop-
Pers. Opinions OF the guilt or innocence
or conneilas s intent in shooting Ole Mel
son differ materially at this time though
the general impression seems To be that
tie extent OF the verdict viii be murder in
the second degree rather than III the first.
TIE defense is sparing 40 effect that
viii impress the jury with Connellas ply
steal weaknesses. His limp, his deafness
and his Reagrsi aateaness are constantly
referred to by his attorneys In sympathetic
tones
The prisoner himself follows every part
OF the trial with the most intense interest
lie uses an ear trumpet shaped like a
cup, and turns his head in the direction
of those who speak. his anxiety TO hear
every word causing him 10 twist continu-
ally about in mis- chair. He ~ dressed in
neat suit OK blue. and when seated is
what would be considered a good looking
snaH.
During the lmpanelng of the jury he
scanned each new face with the intent
stare of one who is near-sighted. The
twelve good men and true We're selected
with the greatest caution on hoth sides
ana are Acknowledged by both to he per
fectly satisfactory. The defense exhausted
its twelve peremptory challenges while the
prosecution used two The political ASPECT
Of the jury. which may cut some figure
IN the event of such an issue entering into
the trial. as now seems possible, is favor
able TO the prosecution standing: Nine Re
pl5tIicans, cue Gold Democrat, and two
Peoples party. Norwegians were careful
" excluded by the defense FOR fear OF
sympathy with Nelson, q man with a
name indicating that nationality standing
litt,e chance ot selection. Two are on the
jury. however.
Following are the jurors:
\ j. Stewart. tallvmnn n Port Blake
'ry mill, J II. storey. ship carpenter AT
Port Blakeley; Frank Mcdonald. hlack-
smith at Hairs shl7yarl. cart W r.
seymour OF Charleston. " r Wright
Port Gamble mill hand. william Dowling
employee - Puget MlG Company: W. T.
Morga~t. of Port Gamble; John Ryan. OF
Breida blk rancher: Martin Rjcrmelapd
roneher of Paulsho. :. NJ Wetzel Of Sid
mev. painter g II Heonsr. of Kingston.
raneher: + = HYDE. Of Eagle harhor
rancher
Prosecutors Opening Statement
The opening statement Vas made on tss-
half ~ tho state ~ Prosecuting Attorney
Yakey- He said C'oupella vas accused of
the crime os murder in the frs; degree and
rea1 :he information formally charging
that Clnneua had, or Octoler 10. in Ever
ctt. "pur"osely ard q deliberate and pre-
mea,,s'e,i malice" killed Ole Nelson.
We vii expect 20 prove % you. gentle
men" SAD fakcy "that about OF
o'clock on The evening 90 October thfs
cr mc vas committed IN me city Of Ever
e.; that az ;hat ,lfne ole Nelson ua-
standing on Ffa.gfff axr~s.t- ,sesr IS f-s+r~-