The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1901-11-15
RAID WAS PLANNED.
Evidence in the Milburn Trial
Becomes Sensational.

I4eavenworth, Nov. 15.-The third day
of the trial of John Wilburn, charged
with completely in the Wildwood affair,
opened with the introduction of the evil
dence of the defense. The sensation of
the day was sprung when Charles Will
son testified that John Cummings had
informed him of the raid at noon of the
day that it occurred This testimony
may lead to Cummings arrest. John
Wilburn, the defendant in the case testi-
fed in his own behalf Thursday after
noon He denied all connection with the
plot if there was any.
The defense in the John Wilburn case
opened its side in the district court by
swearing fifteen witnesses who were
present. Fritz Meinet was the first wit
ness called to the stand.
In reference to the occurrences in the
barrOom while Turner and Wilburn
were present, Meinet said that there was
nothing in their conversation that would
indicate plot to raid the place.
The second witness to testify was one
of the cO-defendantS with Wilburn, Andy
Wilson. Senator Baker asked in behalf
of the defense:
When did you first hear that there
was any trouble at Lakner's placer"
Il heard it on February 49,
Wilson denied being in Lakner'S place
on the night of the raid.
Mrs. Wilson, wife of Andy Wilson, next
took the stand. She corroborated the
statements of her husband. She swore
of the house late in the evening, but that
she did not report the matter to her hus-
band.
Louis Goodman, of Easton, testified
that he did not hear of the tragedy until
the next day.
DR.. ]. L. Everhardy, who was one of
the witnesses of the state, and who
sprung a surprise on the county attOr-
ney by giving it as his judgment that
the shot which entered the head of Rosa
Hudson was fired from the rear, was
recalled to the stand and reafirmed the
statement he made, thus making wit
ness for the defense.
John Nieman was called to the stand,
but he gave no testimony that would be
of value to the defense.
The testimony of Chas. Wilson, brother
of the co-defendant, John Wilson, was
introduced by the defense for the pur-
pose of Substantiating the testimony all
ready given that Wilson was at home
on the night of the tragedy.
How long had you known about the
raid2 asked the attorney.
Il had known it since noon that day."
replied Wilson.
~ 40 told you%
What did John Cummings tell your"
tonight and notify Lakner that they have
to quit selling liquor to our boys. My
and something has to be DONE. He asked
me to go with them, but refused he
along. who would get drunk, therefore he
would not ask Wnburn or Turner to take
part
Thornburn, another of the men who is
under arrest for having participated in
the raid, was then put on the stand.
state whether or not you We're at LAX
ner's the night of February is. asked
Mr.. Baker
Thornburg replied that he had not, but
that he had remained at home with his
wife who was then in confinement Mrs
Thornburg eorroborated her husband $
testimony. Thornburg declared that he
did not hear of the raid until the next
day and that he had no knowledge of a
plot to commit such deed.
Just before noon DR.. W. A Adams and
Edwin B. Barnard were called to the
| stand to submit testimony in connection
with the. medicine case. that Dr. Adams
! lost on the afternoon of February Is.
John Wilburn, the defendant, was
| placed the stand in the afternoon. He
| admitted having been at Lakner'S saloon
! on the night of the shooting. but denied
| having taken any part in aiding the raid
ers. He also denied having raped on the
| counter and swore that he knew nothing
| of the raid before it occurred.
In the cross examination Wilbur said
| that neither Jim Kelsey or any other man
| had talked to him about plot to raid
| the Lakner place.