Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1905-05-25
Special to Times-Republican.

Hpecial to Times Republican.
Red Oak May 25.-The Dennison
case today was a duel between Attor-
ney Connell and Frank Shercliffe In
which the ex-convict carried away the
honors. For seven hours the keen
criminal lawyer searched for weak
spot in the armor Of the ex-convict
and was foiled. sherclife kept his
head and held to his story. He met
every thrust with a cool defense that
visibly annoyed the eminent lawyer op-
posed to him. There were several little
mixups between the witness and coun-
sci in which the witness came off un-
scathed. Shercliffe told straight
story and stuck to It. He was all to the
good in tile first round. Mr.. Connell
took rather more than he gave and
was vtsiblv annoyed by the aplomb of
the witness. Shercliffe told his story
with q convincing straightforwardness
that lent weight to his words and gave
the impression that he was telling the
truth. 'rh, court ruled several times
against Mf. Connelrs g method of conduc-
ting the cross-examination and at last
administered a mild reprimand in
which he included Attorney Thomas.
1 All In all the day was against Denni-
sons hopes Of acquittal.
Calls Gsnnison Coward.
There wis a sensation in court this
Gmorntng when Shercliffe, under the
goad OF Ihennison's attorneys. called
Dennison a, coward, and said he never
would shoot q coward in cold blood, but
that he would kill Dennison if the lat
ter ever attempted to assassinate him
slshersliffe9 ~ his relatives.
The defense was attempting to show
that Sherchffe had money deposited
with one Hooker and that Hooker, not
Dennison expended the money for the
trial. They exhibited letter from
Shercliffe in support OF this theory,
but It was declared by the witness to
have words erased and others substi-
tuted. Number 8, an account book,
was absolutely denied by Shercliffe
Previous tlepositions by Shercliffe
were introduced to show discrepancy
In the amounts 1t was claimed Sher-
cliffe received from Dennison. Witness
explained he was sick and on crutches
when he made the affidavit. Sher
cliKe called Dennison a coward and
said he never would shoot a coward
in cold blood. He would kill if Dem
snison ever attempted to assassinate
him (shercliffe) or his relatives.
The cross-examinatio is attempting
to show the expense account" was
manufactured to get Shercliffe's share
Of his fathers estate. The cross-ex-
animation 50 far is a failure.
Attack Thomas.
"A feaure Of the case this forenoon.
was an attempt by the defense to dis
credit Thomas. Shercline was asked
Chomas told him he wanted to break
down Mayor Moore's chief. Donahue,
and send Ihennison to the penitentiary
and himself run for governor of Ne
braska. He was also asked IL Thomas
didn't pledge him a parole by political
influence. Shercliffe replied to all
OF these questions emphatically, 'He
did not" He said Thomas did say
the Omaha politics are rotten and he
was attempting to purify the city. He
did want t., break Dennison's influence
for evil.
SSnGTCHlIIS Wt1<3 COlIlIO1pUSN Win VI La
Bean, a witness for impeachment.
Bean processes to have had a CONVEX
satipn with Shercliffe In a hospital at
Kansas City to the effect that a de-
tective had promised Shercliffe free
dom, IL he would impltcate Dennison.
/. Details Of Evidence.
Dennison's expense account" and
letters from him to Homer Norris.
were offered in evidence and admitted
against the objection of the defense.
These exhibits include the letter in
which Dennison says Frank is talking
too much. and that murder does not
outlaw. They contain damaging adj
missions OF Dennison's connection with
Shercliffe, OF transactions between the
men and tf warnings sent by Denni-
son to Shercliffe.
Judge Green's rulings on proper
cross-exaMination appeared to put
criinp in the defense. It was not per-
mttted to question the witness as to
alleged commission of crimes and force
an answer. This ruling visibly discon-
certed Attorney Connen and his at
,tempts to ,.vade it caused much delay.
This and other rulings forced the de-
tense to announce its purpose to i'm
lpeach the witness. If the impeach-
ment fails Dennison would seem to be
In a bad way.
Court Room Crowded.
The court room was crowded yes
terday with curious crowd, many
women being present to catch
glimpse of the renowned highway man
and Tom Dennison, his alleged pal. The
case dragged and the cross and redirect
examination Of Shercliffe will probably
occupy most if not all Of today and
may extend into Friday. Judge Green
IS doing everything possible to expe-
dite the case and save costs. Court
opens at g. holds till noon, reopens at
1: 80 and closes at 6. If the case drags
1t is not the fault Of the presiding
Judge