davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-01-24
THE Plea OF INSANITY
BENJAMIN Smells Attorneys Outline
His Defence.
The Mother of the Accused on the
stand-shc swcars That Her son
Was Afflicted With spasms IN ms
yvuth-Iu Her Judgment He l. In
sauc-once Tried 10 XIII Hr"thcr-

When tho trial of Benjamin Smell. for
the murder of Lizzie Weisenberger, was
| resumed Yesterday morning number OF
women were present, many of whom are
being recognized as regular attendants,
| though not in any apparent way connected
with either the defence or the prosecution.
The corridors overlooking the court
room were crowded, many women being
there also, eager and curious TO get
glance at the prisoner.
About the entrance TO the building where
| Smell leaves the prison van there was
another crowd Of people, while many Curl
Gus eyes followed the families of both the
dead girl and the prisoner as members Of
each made their way toward the court
room.
There was ample room in the court as
the officers excluded all who were not
specially entitled to admission. SHELLS
wife was not present when court opened.
but came in at 1880. and kissed him, TAX
ing a chair close by his side. and watched
the proceedings of the day with apparent
interest
The Murdered Girls sister Testiaes.
The first witness called was Carrie
weisenberger. the younger of the sisters
Of the dead girl She gave her age as
sixteen years. and testified that she was
in her home when Smell came at about 10
o'clock one evening nearly two years ago.
Mr. Turner for the defendant, objected
to testimony of occurrences so long prior
to the deed for which his client was being
tried, and asked that 1t be stricken out.
Mr.. Anderson. who was conducting the
examination. said that the questions we're
being put to the witness in order to show
70 the Jury the motive for the crime. and
that the Government proposed to go much
deeper into the subject than this
The court ruled that the questions we're
proper.
Mr.. Turner noted an exception and a
long argument ensued, the District At
tornev being admonished by counsel for
defence TO be careful.
Il shall be properly guarded in my
statements" said Mir Anderson; Il ihink
know how to be So
Sometimes you forget" retorted Mr..
Mitchell.
That's only human" replied Mr.. An
derson.
u know II. anu mat why spc"h.
The District Attorney then proceeded TO
his argument that a motive for the crime
must be established, and that the witness
might be in possession of knowledge which
would be most material to the establish
ment of this motive. The recitation was
of some length, and al It's conclusion the
witness went into a detailed statement OF
her experience at SMELLS home. She said |
that she slept In the middle Of the bed, |
while Blanch Smell was on the inside, next |
the wall and Lizzie on the outside. They |
were not asleep and Smell she testified. |
came into the room and asked Lizzie to !
come with him.
she said she didn't want TO go. and he |
caught her by the arm and took her out |
by force. When sine came back, In a little |
while, she was crying, and when l asked
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-01-24

!
sixty eight years of age, and lived in
Washington county, Georgia. The ques-
lions were begun with view TO drawing
from the witness his knowledge of in
sanity in his family reaching back TO his
! grandfather, but the Government OBJ
/ jected.
The witness was then asked to stand
/ aside for a moment. and the defendant S
I counsel called the mother of the prisoner
on trial.
smell Had Fits i'm Childhood.
Mrs Smell stated that her name was
Mary A. Smell, and that She lived in Geor-
gia. that she was the mother of the de-
PENDANT, who was forty-two years :; age.
From the age of one up to six years. she
testified. the boy bad had hts
What do you mean by fts?' " she was
asked.
Il called them spasms The first injury
he had was turning somersaults. and he
broke mis- arm above the elbow in a
picket fence. The next day his face WIS
all black and swollen. Il remained that
way about two weeks.
THE physician who treated the boy was
not an expert, and he said he didn't think
there was much the matter with him.
Later the boy was kicked by mule.
Where was that kick receiye1?' asked
Mr.. Mitchell.
In Randolph county"
The crier called the court to order, and
the witness said that the kick was In me
head Mr. Anderson objected to the ques-
ton as to what change Mrs. Smell noticed
about her son after the kick by the mule.
The objection caused a spirited argument.
in which some sarcasm was passed, and
the court had to call the attorneys to
order for indulgence in personal argument.
The objection of the Government was sus-
tanned.
The attorney for the defendant then ques-
toned the witness about these spasms. and
asked her 20 tell the jury all about them
in her own way. but not to repeat what
anyone else may have told her on any
point.
Mrs. Smell then proceeded to tell the
jury about the spasms OF her son, begin
ming about the age of six or seven years
and continuing until he was thirteen years
of age. He was, the witness testified.
again kicked by mule.
When he was thirteen he tried to kill
his brother In the yard. One OF the men
took the gun away from him. After they
took the gun away, he had the hardest lit
he ever had.
At sixteen he went away TO school and
remained for three years.
Ibid your son ever drink. Mrs. Smell?
Was he drinking man when you saw him
after he had grown up
II never saw him drink a drop Of whisky
in my life she answered, with strong
emphasis. 81. d.
She was asked her opinion OF the sanity
of her son. and Mr.. Gould Instantly OBJ
jected. quoting from ruling in a Penn
sylvania case. f-i"-
The court ruled in favor Of the defendant.
after quitera lengthy debate between the
lawyers
The question was merely as TO the ad-
mission OF the mothers opinion. in evil /
dence. of her sons sanity, and she in sew
eral instances begged to be heard on some
point. Judge Clabaugh reminded her kind |
ly that the gentlemen defending her son I
would protect his interests fully.
The question being again ashed, The wit
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-01-24

soc Double Bed Sheets, made of good
quality unbleaehed muslin; only
4 to each purchaser; for one zoe
100 W. B. and Warmers Corsets,
coutil and jean, lace trimmed: full
boned; long and short; black. cQC
grey. and white; for the hour. w
SOC and Toe Gentlemen's Neck Wear.
in Tecks. Ascots. puffs, and four-in
hand; all good styles; for one DC
hour .--...+..,..........
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-01-24
A Lecture on the Trnn.,nai.

Col. L. =. Ilibler last night delivered an adj
dress before the mems club Of Assembly Presby
terrain Church on the subject Of the ''Transyaal.
After the address the club mcmprs and theii
friends enjoyed social hour" during which
Refreshments were served.
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-01-24
A site for nm Army Medical building

Mr.. Young of Pennsylvania introduced in
the House yesterday bill to purchase lot
3 and part Of lot 10. in square l42. for the
use OF the Army Medical Dispensary. The
plot of ground contains l., 800 feet and tho
cost is moi TO exceed $40 OO0
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-01-24

To be free from sick headache bijousness, con
stipation, etc. Cartcf's Little Liver Pills.
Strictly vegetable They gently stimulate the
liver and free the stomach from bile.
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-01-24

25c Belt Buckles. latest designs.
II 1-2c.
Toe Side Combs. black, amber. and
she'll, &c.
15c lot Ladies' slightly soiled Lin
en- Collars. all sizes and styles. &c.
SC Handkerehiefs. fancy borders,
1-2c.
Ladies II 1-2c Hemstitched Handker-
chiefs, &C.
Mems soc and 81 All-wool Under
wear. in natural grey and cam
els hair; shirts and drawers; ACC
for one hour. ~
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-01-24
10 to Continued.

soc and 39c Children's silk Caps. in
colors and white embroidered; 1lC
also fur trimmed, for the hour. ~
Odds and ends in Children's Grey
and White Wool Vests and Pants:
sizes "a to "a; sold up 10 soc. for zoe
the hour.
Odds and ends in Plaid and Wooler
Waists: full blouse tucked fronts:
stock collars; French backs; the d0C
regular 81 waists. for the hour. ~
Best quality Apron Ginghams; in
full assortment of blue and AT
brown check; for one hour. ... "
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-01-24

Lot Of odds and ends of All-silk Rib
bon. in all eolors. from 70 inches
wide. consisting of taffetas. satin. and
grosgrains-some of them plain and
some fancy; sold up to l5c yard; AC
TINS nour -.........-....-..-.
Fifty dozen Rhinestone Ornaments
In an assortment of styles. elegant for
hat trimming and dress trimming.
which are worth 15c to Csc each, nc
this hour to go for ...........J
Ladies' very handsome Trimmed
Hats. in a splendid assortment of
shapes and effects, which sold for OQC
81 this hour, to go for ~
39c Crib Comforters-fancy
covering on both sides-for one DC
15c Towels-fringed. full bIeached.-
very large size-22x44 inches-extra
heavy-only to each purchaser &C
for one hour ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS.
SOC and SOC Dress Goods, comprising
all-wool fiannels. serges. cashmeres.
brocaded mohair, novelties and 1QC
plaids-for one hour ..............IJ
One lot OF Muslin Drawers. UNI
brella shape, 5-ineh cambria rurie.
well made: regular 25c draw 11IC
er; fof the hour. ................isZ
Ladies Fast Black Seamless Hose.
double heel and toe; regular 15c &C
hose; for the hour. ..............!..J
Odds and ends in Ladies' Union
Suits. in grey and white, one-half
wool; silk finished around neck: the
regular sec kind; for the d7C
hour Observation-Disclosures.
Toe Linen Crash Toweling. extra
heavy; 20 inches wide; for one &c
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-01-24

her what was the matter she wouldn't tell
me. | cried. too. and Smell came in and
drew out a razor and told me II | didn't
keep still he would kill me-"
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-01-24

Heurichs Maerzen Beer has no equal in purity.
age. and strength. When people drink Maerzen
they always drink the Pride Of Warrington
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-01-24

DC INtu NUIhIU5 NUIlUN' IC spUUI.
Clark's o. y. T. Darning Cotton. &c
spool.
100 yds. Spool Black Sewing Silk. &c,
&c boxes Black Violet Pins. lie.
&c boxes Invisible Hairplns. 1c.
&c pkgs. Steel Hairpins. plain or
crimpled. 1c.
&c pieces English Twilled Tapes, all
sizes. 1c.
China Buttons. all sizes. 1c dozen.
&C Shaker Flannel. fine soft DC
quality, for one hour ............, Is
Children's Fast Black Hose. seam
less. double knee. spliced heel and
toe. Regular 19c hose. For one d4C
hour ~
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-01-24

Lot of colored ostrich plumes. nine
inches long. which sold at 25c origi- &C
nally. during this hour.
A large lot of untrimmed hats OF
) French felt in all shapes and coIors.
for ladies, misses. and children, which
originally sold for 15c to $50, for 01c
this hour Observation-Disclosures. -
Lot OF colored silk velvet ribbons. and
an extra fine quality. from ! to inches
wide, which originally sold at 25c &c
yard. TO go for this hour for .......
Ladies' kid gloves-all sizes and all
the fashionable shades, such as
sell in every store at s1.O0. This COC
hour ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS W
Boys all-wool gloves, instead of
4sc, their regular price, to go DC
LOT .'.........'........ ~
IL lie Percales in remnants. but
useful lengths-light nd dark a7C
grounds, for one hour g.. .......... 10
Bleached twilled tea towelling- fzC
limited quantity-for one hour. Is
One lot OF Muslin Corset Covers:
felled seams; well made. button and
buttonholes; perfect fitting;
regular IL lie cover. for the d4C
nour ...................... "
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-01-24

KINGS PALACE TWO STORES.
Premium stamps CIV
On free with purchases.

Lot OF Ladies' Very stylishIy Trim
med Hats, in a splendid assortment OF
shapes and also Of color effects. which
sold for as much as s. each: Il 40
this hour to go for .............'i.4O
Lot Of Mems and Ladies' Gloria TIM
brelias, in all the popular sorts OF han
dles-umbrellas which sell usual 10C
iy Tor 15c. to go this hour for. u
Odds and ends Of Fancy Feathers end
Wings OF all sorts and colors,
S which Sc sold up to Csc, to go this &c
One lot OF Infants Cambria Slips.
ruffie trimmed. full size: sold I1IC
everywhere at 25c. for the hour. W.
One lot of Boys Jaeger Vests. grey
and tan heavily feeced; Pants and
Drawers to match sold every 1QC
where at 39c; for the hour. ~
1914 Double Blankets i" white with
colored borders-worth see For f0C
one hour ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS. IL
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-01-24
smell Had FITS in Childhood.

Mrs Smell stated that her name was
Mary \. Smell, and that she lived in Geor-
gia. that she was the mother of the de-
PENDANT, who was forty-two years g. age.
From the age of one up to six years. she
testified, the boy had had hts
What do you mean by 'its?' she was
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-01-24

The witness was then asked to stand
aside for a moment and the defendants
counsel called the mother Of the prisoner
on III
Rock Island Argus., 1900-03-28
Commodore KnIeen.

Commodore John Killeen. the COM
mander in chief of the Diamond Jo
fleet. and next to Dewey, the most
popular seaman who has, in recent
years at least, stood on the bridge of a
vessel carrying the stars and stripes,
was in the city today, and sent his
greetings to The ARGUS Office by tel
ephone. Commodore Killeen de-
clined to talk on the warehouse ques-
ton, beyond stating that he stood
Just where he did the last time he was
in Rock Island, and that it might sur
prise the people of the city to know
that he was willing to drop the mat
ter right where it is. We don't know
whether Killeen winked when he
spoke or not.
Rock Island Argus., 1900-03-28
HEAVY MARCH SNOW STORM
Street Car and Railroad Tranac Suffers
Accidents,

4
Hopes of an early spring, buoyeC
up by the warbling of the blue bird:
and the appearance of Easter bonnets
were shattered last night by the
arrival of snow storm which gradu.
ally grew in severity, until this morn.
lug the ground was covered with
three inches of snow. And inquiry al
the government weather bureau was
met with slim encouragement, for the
announcement is made that we must
be content to continue facing rain or
snow through tonight and possibly
tomorrow. When the beautiful be-
gan falling here last night the tenn
perature was so high that the flakes
were melted before reaching terra
firma. But during the slum ber hours
the thermometer dropped down a few
bars and offered more congenial re-
ception on earth to the white bouquets.
The snow descended in binding
punches this morning, occasioniDg 9
considerable trouble in the operation
of the cars on the Tri-City railway.
as we'll as to passenger and freight
trains.
The most serious difficulty suffered
by the street car company was caused
by the burning out of dynamo at
the power station. The cars on the
Rock Island side were tied up for
about an hour.
Eastbound passenger trains Nos. II
and 20. of the Rock Island, were late
in arriving on account of the storm.
the former two hours and the latter
30 minutes.
The other roads say their trains
are all running on time.
The engine pulling the morning
passenger train on the D., Il. |. & n.
W., due to arrive here at sos, came
in this morning with a broken pilot.
The train was winding along on the
trestle approach to the bridge in the
lower end of Davenport, when it ran
into the rear end of a switch train
moving in the same direction. The
train was in charge of Engineer Rip
pen and Conductor Speere, aud was
running at an easy speed, with the
result that the damage was slight.
Engineer Keefe was in charge of the
switch engine.
A snow slide from the south wing
of the Harper house landing on the
skylight of the rotunda, broke hole in
the roof of that portion of the house.
The accident occurred about $50 this
morning during the heavy snow and a
generous shower of snow came
through the opening. The roof is
composed of iron lattice work, Overlaid
with heavy glass. which on falling
caused a crash and would probably
have meant serious injury to one
gentleman guest who was standing
close by but for timely warning from
Assistant Clerk Richard Pearce. The
DAMAGE was slight
Rock Island Argus., 1900-03-28
PERSONAL AND SOCIAL.

f. Cool is in Cordova.
F. ". Wilson, of Chicago, is'in the
city.
Ferdinand Schnell is laid up by ILL
ness.
Addison Gest is hunting ducks near
Hillsdale.
y Mr.. and Mrs. Joseph Gavin have a
new son at their home on Fifth ave-
nue..
Col. and MIS-. Henry Curtis are ex-
pected home from the south tomor-
row.
Mr.. and Mrs. Robert Barnes are the
proud parents of baby girl, which
arrived yesterday.
Rev. T. Cassidy, of Armagh, Ire
land, returned to Dubuque today after
visit in Davenport.
Mrs. P. H. Kelley and daughter,
Stella, of Omaha, are visiting with
Mr.. and Mrs. j. L. Shields.
j. q. Paddock returned yesterday
from hunt at Boston bay, and a
large number of his friends are eat
ing duck.
John Bean Is very low at his home
on Twelfth street and Third avenue.
He is 81 years of age and has resided
in Rock Island since 1912.
Miss Natalie Mirfeld, of Elm street,
last evening entertained at dinner a
number of the ladies in the city at
tending the county teachers institute.
Frank PAYNE and Wilbur Norris
arrived yesterday from Alta Iona.
Tex The former returns from trip
down the river in a cabin boat, and
the latter. who was formerly here, has
come back to remain.
w. L. Eyster returned today from
Crete, Neb., where he attended the
golden wedding anniversary of his
parents. The other children,
Mrs. j. c. Snively and Miss Alice
Eyster, and Dr. and Mrs. G. L. Eys-
ter, of this city, were present.
Rock Island Argus., 1900-03-28
LEW SHAW AT BILLIARDS
Defeats o. T.. Apple and Gives Exhibition
of Fancy shots.

OF Fancy shots.
Last night the billiard room of the
Biiou news stand was we'll filled wit h
devotees of billiards, who gathered to
witness an exampliiication of the game
by Lew Shaw. Mr.. Shaw lived in
Rock Island in the '70's. coming west
from Chicago with Cation and Schaef-
fer. He has been travelling for the past
25 years and is conceded to be the best
fancy shot in the country, and those
who witnessed the exhibition last
night are satisfied that he has Justly
earned his title.
o. E. Apple, the republican candi-
date for assistant super visor, was Sc
lected to play a match game against
MIR. Shaw, who Jagged along un-
til Mr.. Apple had reached 80 points,
when he corralled the three ivories in
a corner and made run of 100. win
ming the game, according to the rules
of which Mr.. Shaw agreed to run 100
or no count. The game lasted one
hour and 15 minutes. Mr.. Shaw
throughout the game kept the spec
tators in a merry frame of mind by
his witty remarks. After the game
Mr.. Shaw gave an exhibition of fancy
shots, made both with the cue and
fingers. These included the famous
nourse anchor and draw and call
l0ta
Rock Island Argus., 1900-03-28
a FiendIsh Attack.

An attack was lately made on c.
F. Collier of Cherokee, Iowa, that
nearly proved fatal. 1t came
through bis kidneys. His back got
so lame he could not sroop without
great pain, nor sit in a chair except
propped by cushions. No remedy
helped, him until he tried Electric
Bitters which effected such a wonder
full change that he writes he feels like
new man. This marvellous medi-
cine cures backache and kidney
trouble, purifies the blood and builds
up your health. Only SOC at Hartz
& UIlemeyer's drug store.
Rock Island Argus., 1900-03-28
BODY IS IDENTIFIED.
John Miller Recognizes Fort Mad.
ison Corpse as That of
Missing Daughter.
PosTMoRTEM EXAMINATION HELD.

L
Ian Music Teacher Met Her Fate-Con-
dItion of Remains Confirms Suspicious
/ Held Out by Some at Time of Her Dis
| appearance-BurIaI to Be at AledO.
Fort Madison. March 2S-The body
of the woman found on the ice in the
river above town was eXhumed this
| morning and identified by her father
as Nina Miller. A postmortem ex-
| animation will be made of the re-
mains, after which they will be
taken to Aledo, the former home of
the deceased, for interment.
The Keokuk observation-disclosures
speaking of the discovery of the body
men as they neared the head of Lead
| island, few miles above Fort Madi-
son, found the body of a woman fro
zen on cake of floating ice. They
tied line from the skiff about the
| woman's arm and towed the body to
shore. They notified the coroner and
the remains were taken to Fort Madi-
son. When the body was found. the
woman was lying on her back. firmly
frozen TO the cake of ice. She was
dressed in blue calico wrapper over
black skirt. She wore a union suit
of light summer underwear. Over her
dress she wore a black cloth jacket
| buttoned tightly about her and had on
knit wooden mittens. She wore black
stockings, held in place by red garters,
and pair of common shoes, No. 81.
In pocket in the jacket there was
key ring containing two satchel keys
and a paddock key, besides a bone
| marker, which bore no inscription.
The body was that of woman about
25 years of age who would weigh per-
haps 145 pounds. Her complexion
was fair and her hair was auburn.
Her height was about five feet six
inches. DR.. Downs was called and
made an examination of the body,
which disclosed no visible marks of
violence. AS all of the usual signs of
death by drowning or exposure were
present, he is of the opinion that
death resulted from either drowning
ing or exposure.
Distres sing Circumstances.
The paper referred to goes on to
speak of distressing and surprising
disclosure as to the girls condition,
and says further: Examination
showed that the right eye was missing
and the lids contracted as though it
had been removed for some time be-
| fore death. Both molars were miss
| ing from either side of the lower jaw,
and had been removed for several
years. All of the lower teeth were
present and in good condition.
The accepted theory in Milan is
that Miss Miller suicided, although
the most intimate friends of the FAM
lily insist upon the declaration that
the young woman met her fate
through foul play. The circum-
stances developed on the examination
of the body of course tend to support
the suspicion entertained by some at
the time of her disappearance-that
she had loved not wisely, and that
death was sought to conceal her
|
Rock Island Argus., 1900-03-28
Carpets, Rugs, Maftings, FL

Carpets eye.
10 pieces, yard wide carpets,
good patterns. per yard. 49,. 03C
Ingram Carpets.
Is pieces strictly all-wool warp
and filling. Monday and while
they last. per yard. $50
BRUSSELS Carpets.
All-wool face (no jute) in anum-
ber of good patterns, for this
sale, yard ..-.-.....-.... SOC
Ingram Carpets.
Best all-wool extra supers, all
standard makes, in the new
choice colorings. pure wool
and worth 75c, Monday and
Tuesday. at per yard. 52lC
Brussels Carpets.
Rich and durable, floral and oriental
effects, with and without borders,
regular 75c carpets, Tuesday,
per yard. 5Sc
Velvet Carpets.
Also Moquette and Administer. San
ford's and Smiths goods and Dob
sons imperial velvets. A large as
sortment with and without borders.
Priced elsewhere at 81 .05, for
lnlS sdle. ''''''' <0(
Rock Island Argus., 1900-03-28
Best of All

To cleanse the system in a gentle and
truly beneficial manner. when the
springtime comes. use the true and
perfect remedy. Syrup u Figs. Buy
the genuine. Manufactured by the
California Fig Syrup company only.
and for sale by all druggists, at so
cents per bottle.
Rock Island Argus., 1900-03-28
To Call Sharp Attention

To the opening of the paint season,
we will place on sale Tuesday morn
ing at . o'clock half-gallon cans of
our ready mixed house paint at, per
half-gallon can, 35 cents. Quantity
limited; none to children.
Rock Island Argus., 1900-03-28
For over FIftv Yeara

Mrs. Winslow's Soothing Syrup has
been used for children teething. 1t
soothes the child, softens the gums
allays all pain, cures wind collie, and
is the best remedy for diarrhoea. 25
cents q bottle