Daily inter mountain. [volume] (Butte, Mont.) 1881-1901, 1900-06-28

CONCLUDED
IN PETERS CASE
WILL BE HEARD THIS
AFTERNOON.
DEFENDANT TESTlFIES
IN HIS OWN Behalf.
Hurt His Head When a Boy-Consid-
cred Colby's Attentions Improper
Story of Stabbing.

The testimony in the case of the state
against Harry w. Peters, the slayer of
Edward T.. Colby was finished at 1890
O'Clock this morning and Judge Clancy
then adjourned court until 1880, at which
time the argument was commenced. 1t
was the intention of the court to place
the fate Of the prisoner in the hands Of
the jury before h hour for adjourn
ment, and in all probability it was don-,
and the jury is now celebrating on a
verdict.
Peters himself testified last night and
this morning, and had it been permissi-
BILE for the courty attorney to inject INTO
the cross-examination some of the de-
PENDANTS alleged doingS in Louisville,
KY, prior to his advent in Butte the
latter would have been placed in d a
light before the jury. When the defense
began it's side yesterday dispositions from
alleged prominent Kentuckyians were
read in support Of Peters good character
while In Louisville, but Peters was fore
ed to admit on the witness stand today
that he had been arrested in the Ken
lucky city for becoming too hilarious
and compelled to give a bond to keep
the peace for six months.
a evening Peters testified that he
was 80 years old n had been married
eight years. He had known Miss Hop
made her home with mis- wife and him
self. He said that when IA years old
he had fallen from an apple tree and
hurt his head and his father had after
wards warned to be careful and not en-
gage in sports or other pastimes, as a
blow on the head might result in either
death or insanity. He had been fearful
of receiving such ar injury since then.
He first came to Montana, he said. in
i 1898, but later ON had returned to Ken
lucky. He had come back to Butte last
November. After his return he had dis
cussed Colby and Miss Hopkins with his
wife. He had learned that Colby was
married, and considered his attentions
to Miss Hopkins as being improper. He
had heard that Colby had three wives
Miss Hopkins. Peters said further hat
he harbored no i'll will towards Colby.
Peters resumed his testimony this
morning. He said that after leaving his
home in the evening Of the %stabbing he
met Colby near the Brownfield-Cant
company store in West Park street.
What did you say to him?" asked
Mr.. Wines. !
When within about 80 feet of him
said to Simons, who was with me, here
comes a man I do not care to have any
! trouble with. Let's go across the street
We had reached the curb wnen Colby
) came up and asked me what I had done
to Louie. I told him none of his bust
ness. He repeated the question !
then struck me above the left eye. The
blow staggered me. It was followed by
another blow. I then drew a A.-ife and
cut him"
For what purpose did o get THAI
knife?"
ITO defend myself. I felt that I was
no physical match for him."
Were you afraid of him?"
L was; very much. He rushed on ms
like am Infatuated animal. Prior to thai
time 1 had been told of threats he mac
made against me-"
Were you afraid of him on account
those threats?"
II was, in a measured; yes. After thu
stabbing I went in search of Officer
BRYAN Peters to ave Colby arrested
as I wanted Colby taken away so l coult
attend to my sick Wife"
what was your state OF mind at tn
time of the affray?"
II had been thinking a goo deal abou
the trouble. Before I left the house m:
wife told me my life had been threatened
She called me to her bedside and aske'
me not to go out, as some harm WouE
surely come to me-. I was very nue.
worried"
twas Louisville your home before 70
came to Montana?" asked Mr.. Connoll
on cross-examination.
Eyes, sir; 1 lived there nineteen years.
WAS Colby paying attention to you
sister-in-law prior to the time you wen
east?"
mo, sir" :,
How long after your return from tn
east was it that Miss Hopkins ceased
be a member Of your Householder"