The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1901-12-06
Puzzling Features in Pickett
Murder Case.
THE DEFENSE BEGINS
Testimony introduced Tending to
Impeach States Main Points.
CORONER SAYS LAMP WAS BROKEN
The State Has Introduced One in
Evidence That Is Wholly
Uninjured.


est mysteries have ever heard off, said
an eminent jurist this morning In discus
sing the case now on trial before Judge
Elliott. ''It is more mysterious than the
famous Hayward case which attracted the
attention Of the whole country, and the
equally famous Hamilton case is sim
plicity Itself compared to it, Take the
case from any viewpoint and try to ar
rive at some reasonable conclusion and
one is met with most mystifying condi-
tions. The more evidence you hear, the
deeper becomes the puzzle. A thousand
questions present themselves almost i'm
mediately when one attempts to unravel
the case"
While a great many persons, some of
them able lawyers, experienced in court
proceedings, have attempted to follow the
case, they have not been able to arrive at
any conclusion. 1t battles all theories and
all speculation.
There are many expressions Of opinion
as to Picketts guilt or innocence, but none
is based on evidence. Those who abide
by the old English rule that person is
innocent until proved guilty say that the
prisoner is not guilty. While others con-
tend that Pickett's actions and the many
suspicious incidents almost establish a
complete circumstantial case against
Pickett.
While the crowd in attendance is not
large as compared with the throngs which
clamored for admission to the Hayward
and Hamilton trials, the individuals follow
the case as closely as either of the other
famous causes were watched.
Pickett and his family are noticeably
more at ease to-day. Some of the
damaging testimony adduced during the
first two days of the trial has been i'm
peached and partially controverted and
the gloom which settled over the family
is clearing away as the case for the de-
fense grows stronger and stronger.
The late Mrs. Pickett's sister continues
to groan and sigh and sobs Historically at
all reference to her sister, whom she firm
ly believes was murdered.
Mrs. Walsh Heard No ScuHling.
Mrs. Katie Walsh was the last person
who saw Mrs. Augusta Pickett alive and
there was much interest in her evidence
when she took the stand this morning in
the Pickett murder trial.
Mrs Walsh met Mrs. Pickett on the
back porch about $50 in the evening.
Mrs. Pickett had returned from a visit
to her friend Mrs. Carlin. She said that
the remainder of the family had retired.
Mrs Pickett complained of being tired
and said that she would retire herself
Having lived at the fiat building for
several years, Mrs. Walsh was well ac
quainted with the Picketts. They were on
excellent terms; Mr.. Pickett was a good
husband and an affectionate father.
Mrs Walshs attention was called to
conversation between herself and her
neighbors while they were gathered in the
house across the way after the fire. She
denied having made statements attributed
to her by the other ladies regarding the
noise which awoke her.
"Will you say that you did not state on
that night that you were awakened by
strange noise, a sound of scufiing and
other disturbances" asked Mr.. Board
man.
st heard no sound of scuff1ing." replied
Mrs. Walsh.
"Will you say that you did not say to
the others that you heard the noise OF
scuffling?"
"Yes, will. 1 heard noise. but it
was not scuf1ing."
Describe the noise you heard"
'It was like the roaring of fire. I
awoke and rushing into our bathroom saw
glare from the Pickett bathroom
Mrs. Walsh had then aroused her hus-
band and they dressed and left the build
ing.
Shortly after on returning to the build
ing she heard Pickett say that he had
tried TO save his wife. The flesh Of her
foot had come off in his hands and he had
to run to save himself and the children.
The next morning Pickett told Of being
awakened by what he thought was a call
of Reuben! Help!'
Later she heard Mr.. Pickett say:
"When l saw what I had done l turned
around" but Nshe did not know in what
connection these words were said.
She admitted that she had conceived
that Pickett knew more of the fire than
he cared to tell. This impression still
remained with her from time to time.
Continued ON Second Pare