The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-08-05
superintendent of Schools Hamilton
Says His Conduct Toward Women
Was Not Improper.
MISS cox ALSO A WITNESS
SHE FULLY EXPLAINED HER VISIT
TO THE SCHOOL AT NIGHT.
Testimony of Mrs. Anna Elliott Grif-
fifth as Positive as Mr.. Hamilton's-
All Declared Innocent.

HUNTINGTON, Ind, Aug. 4.-The second
day of the trial of superintendent of
Schools Hamilton was occupied by the
defense with it's testimony. One of the
most vivid features was the cross-examina-
ton of Robert Butler by Attorney Nc
Nagney. who appeared for Mrs. Griffith.
1t was scathing and confused the witness
to some extent. At times during the trial
the case became quite pathetic and Super
intendent Hamilton was moved to tears.
Attorney McNagney argued a motion to
prevent Buffers evidence in rebuttal from
being given with telling pathos. His ap-
peal was overruled but his argument made
many friends for his client. The arguments
which will begin Wednesday are expected
to be of great interest.
The hearing was resumed at 9:15 o'clock
this morning. The prosecution rested. Miss
Cox was first called by the defense. She
was in the habit of entering the school
building in the evening to attend library
meetings see Superintendent Hamilton
on private business concerning students who
were in jeopardy. On April II. 1902 there
was library meeting in Mr.. Hamilton's
Office which she attended. After the meet
ing Miss Cox remained in the Office about
an hour. She talked with Mr. Hamilton
in regard to a certain case of high school
student, afterwards admitted to be Robert
Butler. There were lights in the office. She
went from the office into the library, later
leaving the building and going home alone.
She did not see any one watching her.
She never had any improper relations with
Superintendent Hamilton. Cross-examina-
ton did not change Miss Cox's testimony
materially.
Superintendent Hamilton's recital Of how
the schools were managed was objected to
and the objection overruled. Mr.. Hamilton
gave a detailed account of his movements
on the afternoon spoken of In Mr.. Vooris's
testimony and while giving the evidence
broke down and wiped tears from his eyes.
He said he went to the supply room in the
basement after turning out the lights in
his office on that evening. He extinguished
his lights because he feared a broken
chimney might cause fire. Professor Hell
neys testimony was refuted by him. He
denied J. H. Vooris's testimony as to the
incident OF Sept. rs. There was no time
lights were turned out. Calling God to
witness, Hamilton, in an expressive man.
ner, Informed the board that he had never
had improper relations with any woman
during his sixteen years OF service as
superintendent. His voice was broken and
he cried during the testimony and after
wards.
Murmurs of "horse play" EFFECT" etc.,
were heard in the audience.
Continuing, he said he had known Mrs.
Griffith six years. She had been elected to
q place in the school faculty. Hamilton in
vited Mrs. Griffith to his office to consult
with him. She came at out o'clock in
the evening. She remained in the office
little over an hour. Together they went to
the Hotel Huntington by the back streets in
order to point out the home of Miss Flora
Purviance.
Characterization by Major Kenner dis
closed the following: Hamilton had writ
ten Mrs. Griffith in regard to a position
here. He had pulled the curtains down au-
Dramatically after half hour of conversa-
ton with Mrs. Griffith in his office. He
drew the curtains because of a glare of
light from the office on the lght-colored
soil of the campus. Seeing persons on the
corner of the campus influenced his round
about course to the Hotel Huntington.
Mrs. Anna Elliott Griffith, of Indianapolis
next testified. She denied any relations
with Hamilton other than of perfect pro-
prety. She said there was a light in the
office while she was there. She was in the
office alone with Robert i. Hamilton. The
blinds were pulled down, the door closed
to the window and did not see the glare on
the ground. She was not familiar with the
streets, hence thought nothing of proceed
ing the back way to the hotel
dispositions concerning Mrs. Griffiths char
acter. The School Board decided to exam
inc dispositions at leisure and the defense
rested.
Mr.. Butler was called in rebuttal to Mr.
Hamiltons testimony. He swore that he
could see light in Mr. Hamilton's office
from point within eighteen inches of the
window.
Mr.. Schaffer corroborated the evidence
insomuch as he assisted Mr.. Butler to reach
the point near the window.
The board agreed to make such inspec-
ton of the premises warranted by
the evidence at their own convenience. This