The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1906-12-05
SUSSMAN ON TRIAL
FOR WIFE MURDER
LIFE OR DEATH OF ACCUSED
HANGS IN BALANCE.
Courtroom Is Filled with Men and
Women Curious to See Defendant,
Who Appears Pale and Nervous
Extreme Care Taken in Selection of
Jurors. ~ f
sUssMAN JURORS TO DATE
Carl J. QuIst, painter and decorator,
1920 Eighth street S.
Frank n. kkley, machinlst, 1901
Bryant avenue S.

Have you any opinion or any condi-
ton Of mind that would prejudice you
against an insanity defense?'
This question was asked Of nearly
every venireman called during the first
session Of the Henry M. Sussman wife
murder trial begun today before
Judge D. F. Simpson. It's significance
is matter Of doubt, but it's repeated
utterance by F L. McGhee, attorney
for the defendant, caused general com
ment, especially among court officials
that an effort will be made to prove
that Sussman was insane when he IA
Sept. 26. " Wv ~ "
Asked as to the meaning of the
question Mr.. McGhee remained entire,
ly non-committal remarking with a
smile, cit means no more and no less
than the words imply.'
Courtroom Filled.
Even more than the expected amount
Of public interest in the trial was
eyinced at the opening session today.
early in the day and there was an
eager straining Of eyes and craning of
necks on the part Of many curious on
lockers to get sight Of the young man
on trial for his life. Many women, we'll
dressed and apparently more curious
than their male companions, were pres
emit and feminine expressions Of sym
pathy or Of adherence were voiced as
the sensation hunters got glimpses of
the young man.
Sussman, accused of one of the most
cold;blooded wifemurders ever known
in this city, was in his seat early and
70 20
Jurors he sat quietly beside his counsel.
lie is q good looking man. The pale
ness caused by Imprisonment and wor-
ny accentuates his regular features and
makes more striking his coal-black hair
and large dark eyese. He sat most
of the morning with his head bent
slightly forward and seemed somewhat
conscious of the fact that he was the
observed of all observers His nerv-
BUSINESS was shown by his ceaseles fin
gering of pen, pencil, or paper on the
trial table. Only once or twice did he
appear to nave any suggestions to
twelve veniremen who We're examined
and two Of whom were chosen to act
as: part of the jury which is to deter
mine whether he shall live or die.
Two Men Accepted.
Judge Simpson appointed as triers
Frank P. Nantz, Walter Brown and
W. B. Anderson. The securing of a
jury started out with unexpectedly
good results. The second man called
was Carl J. Quist,- and altho the venire.
man had read Of the case, he swore
that he had formed no opinion that
would influence his fairness. He was
promptly accepted. Frank H. Akley
was the next man sworn and he, too
proved acceptable. The hopes of get,
ting a jury quickly were somewhat
dispelled after that, however, and the
next nine men proved unsatisfactory
The wide publicity given the Suss-
man case by the local press will un-
doubtedly make the work of securing
a jury tedious. None of tthe men ex.
amined today had failed to hear or read
Of the case, and the fact that the We.
niremen know that once accepted they
will be subjected to long imprison.
ment will not aid in the Jury selecting
County Attorney AL j. Smith and his
first assistant, John F. Dahl, represent
the state. Mr.. Dahl is taking charge
Of the jury selecting, but Mr.. Smith sits
Immediately behind him, and is ready
all the time with suggestions. The de.
PENDANT used one of his twenty peremp
tory challenges.
The introduction Of evidence will
pro badly not be commenced before the
first Of next week.