The Dickinson press. (Dickinson, Stark County, D.T. [i.e. N.D.]) 1883-1927, 1903-05-09
TIL, PLEAD, INSANITY
CEFENSE OF CR. LEES, ON TRIAL
At MINNEAPOLIS: FOR BRlR-
EKY AND ExToRTlON.
Attorneys for Former Mayor Declare
His Mind Is Affected as Result Of
Weakness Contracted During His
Military Service-Defendant Takes
the Stand and Makes a General De-
nial Of the States Evidence.

Minneapolis. May 5.-A general de.
NAL of the damaging evidence intro
duced by the state, and insanity, re-
sulting from weakness contracted
during military service, is the defense
OF DR.. A. A. Ames, charged with &C.
cepting bribe of $500 while mayor
of Minneapolis.
The state rested its case at IL a.
M. and, after a recess until 2 o'clock
In the afternoon. w. w. Erwin opened
for the defense and set forth in an
able address what the state intended
to show.
Furthermore the defense will, dur
ing the progress of the trial, introduce
expert testimony to show that ever
since Dr.. Ames was discharged at the
close of the Civil war disease has un-
dermined his constitution and that at
times he manifested signs of mental
weakness and entertained extravagant
ideas.
During the progress of Mr.. Erwin's
remarks DR.. Ames wept and there
were tears in the eyes of Mrs. Ames.
This scene was brief and only last.
ed while Mr. Erwin eloquently pic
tured the return Of DR.. Ames with
his regiment, and because of illness
having to be taken from his horse dur
Ing the final review at the state cap
itol.
Ames Placed on the Stand.
Immediately after Mr.. Irwin's intro.
duction, Ames was placed on the stand.
The doctor denied all the incriminat-
Ing conversations testified to by Gard.
ner, the payment of the money, etc.
He admitted that he had heard rumors
OF grating and had ordered the chief
to stop them. His understanding Of
the case was that members Of a po-
litical organization were collecting the
graft. He only learned Of Gardner's
claim after his return from New
Hampshire.
After that Ames was led over the
details OF his trip to New Hampshire,
the reasons for his going via Chica-
60 and other similar features. Ames
said, rather testify, that he did not
know why he had gone. All he knew
was that he did go.
Under cross-examination Ames was
extremely irritable and short in his
answers. He became confused in his
answers to questions and seemed in
fever of suppressed excitement. His
cheeks were flushed and his eyes
shone brilliantly. Ames declared that
he had never received any notice to
return from his bondsmen or anyone
| else, but he had received notice from
attorneys representing the bondsmen
| asking for money, but he felt that his
| property holdings in Minneapolis
amply protected the bondsmen.
Case Of the Defense Complete.
Minneapolis, May 6.-The defense
in the Ames case concluded it's testi-
| mony yesterday and today the attor-
| neys will make their arguments to the
jury.
County Attorney Boardman will con-
clude the summing up on the part of
the state at the morning session and
Frank M. Nye will follow for the de.
fense.
The defense yesterday put on num-
ber of witnesses to testify to the de.
fendant's previous good character.
John Long, an attorney, swore that
when he called on the mayor with
reference to an appointment, the lat
ter seemed to be out of his mind
Witness told several people that the
mayor was crazy.
DR.. J. T. Clark, who officed with
Ames. said the latter had number OF
delusions. His mental condition was
bad and witness ascribed it to alco-
holism. He testified that in his opin.
ion DR.. Ames was not capable of judg.
ing the effect of such acts as receiv.
Ing money in the manner charged, nor
could he distinguish right from wrong.