Kansas City journal. [volume] (Kansas City, Mo.) 1897-1928, 1899-02-24

the attending physician of Mrs. Kunkel in
her last illness, was in measure RESPONSE
bic for the creation of the quandary. I'm
der direct examination the doctor made
an admirable witness, but he could not
Withstand the cross. His memory was
poor, he contradicted vital points In his
testimony given at the preliminary ex-
animation. and ''wobbled" until his blood
must have been at a fever heat
Other Witnesses Better.
Susan Hawkins Mrs. Kunkers last
nurse told her story frankly and with
every indication of trying to hew to the
line of truth.
So did Mrs. Stella Remington. who pre-
ceded Mrs. Hawkins as nurse, and Deputy
Sheriff Myers.
The women and the doctor stated that
Kunkel apparently was assiduous in his
attentions to his wife; that he was always
kind and seemingly devoted to her when
in their presence, and Myers testified that
when he went to the Kunkel home to Sc
cure the medicines used by Mrs. Kunkel
! that Kunkel had suggested such proceed
ure and had offered him the freedom Of his
house in making the search.
The doctor and Mrs. Hawkins, however,
laid the testimony foundation for the ar
senical poisoning theory and the prosecu-
ton can be depended to work the lead
for all it is worth.
As to Other Accusations.
When court was declared in session this
morning. Judge Barker. for the defense,
argued against the contention Of the pros
ecution that evidence showing Kunkel
guilty of crimes other than that he is ac-
cused of should be admitted in order that
the motive behind the death of Mrs. Kunkel
could be shown. and cited numerous au-
thorities in support of his opposition.
Judge Riggs, contrary to expectation. did
not decide the question, but announced that
at the proper time, that is, when the COM
potency of hearing testimony became an
issue in the case, he would make his rul-
| ing.
| Prosecutor Brownen then addressed the
| court and jury and briefly explained wha,
| the state expected to prove and graphl-
| cally traced the history of the case. from
! the time of the inception of Mrs. 'Kunkel's
| fatal Illness. During the recital Kunkel
who, as usual. was alone. sat immovable
; in his chair. but did not remove his gaze
! from the speaker until he had said his final
I word. eel.
DIR. Morse on the Stand.
| DR.. F. D. Morse was the first witness
| called by the prosecution. Sam Bishop
| conducted his examination. Witness was
| the attending physician during the last Ill
ness of Mrs. Kunkel. He described with
| minute attention to details her symptoms,
! condition and his method Of treatment and
! said that her death was caused by gas
| tritis. During the last few days Of her
| illness her eyes were puffed and she gave
other indications Of having taken arsenic.
'Is gastritis ever caused by poison?'
asked Mr.. Bishop.
| Often" was the reply.
Suppose from your knowledge Of the
! symptoms of Mrs. Kunkel. II poison. ar
senic. was found in her vomit what would
you then say to that being the cause of
gastritis?'
witness wobbled Widely.
| Judge Norton interposed an objection.
| which was sustained, and he then subject
| ed the witness to a rigid cross-eXamination
| as to the effects Of poison in cases Of
abortion and by his questions ran the
| gamut of the subject. An operation for an
abortion could produce an Inflammation of
| the stomach and certain poisons could
| produce the same effect. He was called to
| treat her for vomiting in pregnancy and,
with the exception of q few days. she
4 Vomted daily until she died. Nurses were
| competent, he said, and performed their
| duties properly. Kunkel rarely spoke to
| him, but at the time Mrs. Kunkel was
| threatened with a miscarriage he appeared
| anxious and solicitous. kunkel always, so
far as witness observed. treated his wife
| with kindness and was very attentive.
| When deceased was Mrs. Collins he had
| removed two tumors from the mouth of
| the uretha. She was a spare, slender
| woman and not very strong.
1 e Antidotes Were Useless.
Ibid you treat her for arsenical poison
ingg"
| Did you at all?'
"Yes. but I did not give her an anti
| yet. you saw symptoms Of arsenical
poisoning?"
| Yes"
Did you tell her husband?"
No."
why didn't you? Didn't you ever tell
the husband Of her condition."
Not. that remember.
4 When witness first noticed symptoms Of
arsenical poisoning 1t was too late to treal
her with antidotes and he could only build
| up her system.
You thought she was being poisoned?
| 81 thought she had taken poison.
What do you now say caused Mrs
Kunkers death?'
'Gastritis:"
What do you now say caused gastritis? 2
| 81 have not said"
Then you do not now say that gastriti
/ was caused by arsenic?"
| II do not"
| Not n Very Strong Card.
i Witness testimony in great many re