The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1907-02-27

'-'ouAu Sdli the central USuTe IN lne
tragedy, Mrs. Bywaters. Every en-
oeavor to convince the jury that there
was JUSTIFICATION tor precipitating the
bridegroom Into eternity on his wedding
night will be vigorously and stubbornly
combatted by Captain Woods and Mr..
Keith.
Testimony of Prosecution.
Testimony taken by the State was
entirely about what was done and said
after the tragedy was enacted. Cross
examination OF che defense's witnesses
and re5uttal testimony is relied upon by
the Commemorative representative to
batter down the plea of justification.
The States case, although presented
thoroughly and competently. was laid
before the jury without effort, excite
ment or heat by Mr.. keith and cap
tain Woods. 1t Is plainly evident mat
tney have not played "A trump card eI,
but expect 10 sweep the board wnen
they, think the proper moment has ar
rived.
Yesterday afternoon they imposed a
fresh task on the defense. that of
meeting the theory that Bywaters was
held by the coat collar by one Of the
defendants and snot in the head with a
revolver, which was pressed so close 70
ms skull that PARTICLES of powder were
CARED into the necessarily fatal wound.
AO DIeaK DOWN Oe1enSe-
Cross-examlnation is depended upon
by the state to disgorge the true story
OF the happenings in the bridal chamber
immediately preceding the shooting.
The Strothers' version Of it was outlined
In Attorney Jeffries' opening on Mon
day. The commemorative representa-
tives believe they can perforate this bull
wark behind which the accused are en-
~ ~ - fenfr Dc
have implicit faith in their ability to
shake the story at It's very foundation.
but as IL stands today Il Is regarded as
improbable that any man would convict
another for employing extreme remedial
measures.
No denial OF the Staying OF Bywaters
Is made by the brothers. They say he
deserved the fate melted out 10 him.
From the OFFSET the defendants have
manifested a Willingness 20 tell all. and
II is So by their counsel that not q
page II the life OF either the men or sis
- VIII be left untouched.
Mystery of Third Revolver.
No murder case would be complete
without the element of mystery What
seems inexplicable is why should third
revolver turn up at this late day? Who
used 1t? Who has had it these two
months and more and what was the OBJ
ject in keeping II from the sheriff until
Monday No one has answered any OF
these questions yet, but there is con-
siderable speculation James. when he
handed II TO the deputy saerih, said:
This Is The gun l had that night Two
pistols, which were yesterday introduced
as evidence. were taken in charge by
Sheriff Pulliam on tine night Of the
shooting, and he was given to under
stand the that they were the weapons
In the h-nds OF Philip and James when
Bywatei was shot. IL Is generally be-
lieved b sre that third member Of the
StrotheT family had the weapon, but il
is difficult 10 determine the answers TO
the questions asked about its turning
up at this stage Of the proceedings.
Witness Weeps as Testifying.
The testimony OF John Lamon and its
effect on two men deeply interested In
the outcome OF the trial will live long
and remain fresh ir the miads of those
who saw and heard In the court room.
Heartstrings were tugged at and wave
after wave o. emotion swept over every
one In the room. Jurors wept the father
OF Bywaters sObbed, as did James
Ssrothers. and tears welled In the eyes
OF the young judge and spectators. as
the witness narrated that graphic story
OF the manner in which William Bv-
but few feet from the bedside Of the
girl 20 whom he had given his name
chance visitor might have believed
the funeral of a universally beloved
one was being held in the courtroom as
Lamon described the writings and ut
terances OF Bywaters as ne lay for
twenty minutes struggling with death
and crying out 10 the Diety and for
his mother. His throat parched with
a burning thirst, he begged for water
that he might live little while longer
and see his mother again. Bywaters ut
tered no syllable regarding his assaiI-
ants, but went to his death thinking
only OF his aged mother and the effect
his assassination would have on her
The witness cried as though the vic
tim of the StrotherS' deadly aim had
been mis- own flesh and blood. and re-
cited the pathetic story between sobs.
Just before leaving the stand he said
Before God. did all I could for him,
but l wish / could have done more. -
The story had a depressing and sadden-
ing erect on all who heard IL, and the
cloud of gloom did not raise with the
adjournment.