Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1902-09-26

Augusta. Thursday. Sept. y.
In the case of James Granger 70,
manslaughter. in the superior court
Thursday. the government closed in tn.
forenoon and, in the afternoon. the re-.
spondent, James Granger. took tn,
stand All during the day there was !
cross fire OF questions between Attor.
| neys Sheldon and Maher for the de.
fence and County Attorney Leigh. Tn,
evidence on the part Of the defence was
practically completed at the adjourn.
ment of court, Thursday evening.
Johsua +. Bean, a coroner, was the
first witness called at the opening OF
court, Thursday morning. He testified
that there was blood near the Grange,
house the morning Of the sixth of last
April.
On croSs-eXamination witness testi.
fed that he got the poker at Chris
GonEella's lunch room.
At this point Attorney Sheldon pro-
duced Il report of the coroners inquest
which the witness identified
Charles j. Dunn of Augusta. was the
next witness called. He testified that
last April he lived in the next house
to Granger Knew Albert Heseltou
Oh the evening of April heard loud
talk and swearing at the Granger
house. Heard James Granger's voice
between s and 8 in the evening. also
heard noise at 1890 o'clock. Heard
the voices of Jim Granger and Jake's
WIFE
No questions we've asked by the coun-
sci for the defence.
Joseph Phelps was recalled. CUES
toned by Attorney Sheldon for the de-
fence he stated that Heselton drank a
good deal on the night of April :.
Haselton drank oftener than any other
person in the room.
The government case Vas concluded
at 1920 o'clock.
Attorney Sheldon for the defence be
gan his opening at 1920 o'clock. and
closed at 1855 O'clock
Five witnesses We're sworn for the de-
fence. including the respondent. James
Granger
DR.. ii. j. Frederick of Augusta, was
the first witness. He testified that he
Rad been in practice - years De-
voted attention and study 10 the sub
Ject of post-mortem examinations.
Went to Plummer's undertaking rooms
the morning of April sixth last and
examined the remains of Heselton.
The wound through the skin was be-
tween the fifth and sixth ribs. Should
say that the wound was not an ade-
qlIdte cause Cor death. Think that
the wound would not be cause of
death. 1t would not be possible accord
leg to the post-mortem examination to
determine the exact cause OF death
on cross-eXamination witness testified
that he went to the undertaking rooms
TO examine the body and not to per-
form Il complete post morton. Would
not state that the wound and the large
amount Of blood lost was not sufficient
cause for death. DO not know and
have no idea Of the cause of Hesleton's
death
ON redirect examination witness
testified that he went to tho undertake
ing rooms to see if possible Sryhether
the wound would or would not cause
death.
After short recess Dr w. =. Cid
dinSs of Gardiner, was called. He
testified that he had been in the prac-
tice Of medicine for 81 years. Had ex-
pefience in post-mortem examinations
Wound in the heart wall as the wound
in this case would not be an adequate
cause for death.
On croSs-eXamiEation witness stated
that the greater number of wounds in
the heart are fatal.
DR.. A. II. Sturtevant testified that he
is the jail physician ana that he at
tended the respondent at that institu-
ton. Granger made a complaint about
d lame back. The prisoner also made
complaints about his stomach and
medicine was given him.
At y o'clock court adjourned until
LEO o'clock
Harry w. Perciyal was the first wit
ness called at the opening of court al
100 o'clock, Thursday afternoon H
testified that during The session of the
grand jury during the noon hour Of the
day that Phelps was in his store. anC
would say that he had been drinking.
on cross examination witness testi-
man was intoxicated. Phelps acted
and talked like sober man.
At this point the county attorney
asked Phelps to stand up.
The county attorney-Do you iden-
tify this man as the one that was II
Your store?
don't think ] do.
Alfred Couvrette was the next wit
ness. lie testified that he was a public
carriage driver. On the night of Apri
). saw Phelps at Gonnella's lunch room
between Il and o'clock. Phelps hat
poker up his sleeve. Phelps wanted
witness 10 take him home but refused
on cross examination witness testi-
fed that Phelps walked all right
Phelps was ordered out by the pro.
prietor.
Charles l.. Cushman of Augusta.
livery man. was called. He testifie,
that ne saw Heselton the Saturday be
| fore his death Heselton showed symp
| toms of drinking.
| Jacob Granger. the son of the re
| spondent. was called as the next wit
ness. He testified that James Grange
rented the house and that the witnes
| and wife resided with the father
| worked during the day of April 5. At
| ter arriving home found wife Their,
| On the way met father going dow
town. Father later returned. Hesel
| ton was the first to arrive at the hous
and later Phelps came Retired abou