The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1899-01-21
TAKING PROFESSIONAL TESTIMONY
Evidence Presented as to the Con-
ditIOn of PIaintiR POIhiII.


The hearing of the evidence for the rail-
road in the Polhin damage suit against
the florida Central and Penlnsular Rail
road was continued yesterday and last
night. The case has attracted considera-
bic attention among lawyers and others.
The standing OF the lawyers engaged in
the case, the laboratories Of the evil
dence the heavy damages asked, all con-
tribute to the interest in It's hearing. 1t
is hardly probable that the arguments
will be heard before Monday, ara il may
not be until Tuesday or Wednesday that
the case will go TO the jury, Some good
arguments are looked forward 60.
Last night there was professional evil
dence presented for the railroad. Dr.
Foster, who attended Mr. Pohii at Al
gusta soon after the accident, testified
there were no outward physical nantes
tations of injuries when he examined Pol
NIL, no wounds, bruises etc. His body
appeared normal and he had average
strength and power in his arms. one or
both Of his legs, though, appeared weak.
AS regarded these he was to some eX-
cent compelled to rely upon the good faith
of the patient Mr. PolhM was in a
nervous condition when he saw him IN
augusta. DR.. Foster was a witness for
the railroad at the previous hearing Of the
case IN the state court and received $40
day at the time from the ra lroad for
ms services as an expert witness for
every day he was absent from Augusta
Inc hearing of the dispositions of physi-
clans at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Bal
umore was in progress when the court
adjourned at 10 o'clock last night. Mr.
Polhill was IN the hospital from July 10
70 Aug. Is, 1896. DR.. W S. Fair. acting
RESIDENT physician at the time, said that
VT. Polhlll was suffering from profound
nervous prostraton, with hysterical man
liestauons at the time he examined him
upon his arrival at the hospital He
found him physically in good condition.
out with considerable nerve weakness He
complained of pain in the back of his
head which he appeared unable to move.
Ihere was no evidence Of any organic
trouble with his neck or spine. He seemed
stupid for few days after being admit
ted but recovered from this Mrs Pol
mil accompanied her husband TO the hos
pltal DR.. Fair stated that there was
some trouble experienced in getting infor-
nation from Mr. Polhil owing to the yav
IN which his wife Interrupted, prompting
him quickly and refreshing his memory.
She seemed in a highly nervous condition
herself and was a hindrance 60 his recov-
his condition, which was refused.
The manifestations of extreme nervous
ness shown by Polhill, Dr. Fair regarded
as real and not as feigned. He was great
ly improved when he left the bospitaI
but was still in a nervous condition al
though so that the physician expected him
to be all right in a month and able to re-
sumo his regular business. There was no
evidence of any disease of the spine or
brain. His nervous manifestations were
purely historical. There was no evidence
of any organic disease. When he entered
the hospital Mr.. PolhilI held his head
stiffly, and seemed unable to move it at
all. The same day, though, he was seen
by nurse, who had been instructed to
watch him for symptoms, to move his
neck. In a week there was a conscious
movement of the head. When he left the
hospital he was carrying his head perfect
ly normal
At present. as has been noticed by everv
one in attendance at the court, Mr. Polhin
carries his head stiffiy TO one side
DR.. Fair stated that there was nothing
that ever suggested the necessity of sur
gical interference
In discharging the jury for the night,
Judge Speer laid much stress on the inn
portance of the case, and enjoined them
20 be extremely careful to avoid any dis
cussion of the case