Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1908-02-21
DIR, SCHNlTTKER
GETS FOUR YEARS
PHYSICIAN CHARGED WITH MAN
SLAUGHTER SENTENCED
TO PRISON.
HE CAUSED WOMAN'S DEATH.
Anna Severson, Daughter of Respected
Parents, Came to Him for
Treatment.
MUST SERVE IN WAUPUN PRISON.

MILWAUKEE,, Wise, Jan. 49,
DR. Edward G. Schnittker, convicted
of manslaughter for causing the death
of Miss Anna Severson by criminal
operation, was this morning sentenced
to four years in the state penltenuary
my Judge Williams, after Il motion for
Il new trial had been denied. Efforts
of his attorneys, Henry j. killllea ana
Chauncey w. Yockey, to obtain stay
of proceedings pending an appeal to the
supreme court were frultless and the
term of imprisonment commenced to-
day.
License Is Revoked.
At the same time Judge William re-
voked Schnittkers license to practice
medicine in the state, although Attorney
hlllilea protested against such acton,
declaring that a separate proceeding is
necessary before this can be done.
Schnittker was deeply moved when
called before the bar for sentence. With
tears in his eyes and in voice hardly
audible he called on God to witness his
innocence of the crime of which he was
convicted and Dramatically raised his
hand as he made this declaration to the
court.
Maximum Is Seven Years.
The recommendation of the jury for
cIemency was considered by the court
in imposing the sentence. The maximum
penalty for granddaughter in the second
degree, of which Schnittker was CON
ylcted, IS seven years Imprisonment at
Waupun.
New Trial Is Denied.
The arguments on the motion for a new
trial, which were commenced Monday
afternoon, were concluded before the
court adjourned and were taken under
Amusement until this morning. I'm
mediately after the opening of court
Judge Williams announced that he
would deny the motion for a new trial.
>Schnittker was called before the bar
and asked by the court if he had any
thing to say why sentence should not De
passed upon him.
Your honor. I don't know that have
anything to say, except that [ am not
guilty" he said. his eyes filling with
tears and his voice choking with emo
ton: He paused moment and then
raising his hand as though taking an
oath, he continued: ''As sure as there is
a God in heaven | am not guilty" He
concluded abruptly and dropped into
seat. Attorney Yockey bent over him
and reminded him that he must remain
standing until the sentence was inn
posed, and he rose again and stood I'M
easily leaning against the table in front
of the clerks desk.
Mr.. Killilea called the attention of
the court to the jury's recommendation
for clemency.
Bearing in mind the testimony in this
case" said Judge Williams, sit is adj
Judged and it is the sentence of this
court that you, Edward c. Schnittker. be
punished by confinement at hard labor
in the state prison at Waupun for and
during the full term of four years, the
first day of such confinement to be soil
for nd cI1ob confinement IN hnpIn fhjS
eighteenth day of February, 1908"
eff the court please, we desire to move
for a stay of execution pending an APP
peal to the supreme court" said Mr.. Kill
liIea.
Argues Against Stay.
To this motion Assistant District At
torney Eschweiler objected, declaring
that it is not the practice of the criminal
courts to grant stay in these cases.
and urging that if the sentence means
anything it must be carried into effect at
once.
Mr.. Eschweilar also called the courts
attention to the statute providing for
the revocation of the license of a ply
sician convicted of malpractice or crime.
Another vigorous objection was raised
by Mr.. Killilea, who stoutly contended
that a separate action must be instituted
for the revocation of the license
THE attention of the court has been
directed to this statute before" said
Judge Williams. You may add to the
sentence that. having been convicted of
a crime in the course of professional
conduct. the court hereby revokes the
license or certifcate-'
IF the court please interrupted Mr..
Killilea, Il do not believe the court can
add to sentence after it has been i'm
posed"
The defendant is still in court" said
Mr.. Eschweiler. The court can prop
erly add what he desires"
- to practive medicine and surgery
within the limits OF the state of Wis
consin,' continued Judge Williams.
without noticing the remarks Of the two
attorneys.
May Save His Client
At this point Mr.. Killilea again moved
for stay and again Mr.. Eschweiler oh
jected, and, after a short debate judge
Williams declined to grant the stay and
placed the prisoner in charge of Deputv
Sheriff Joseph POllak.
Schuittker was taken to the Driva+a
Office of Clerk of Courts Fred W. Cords
where he remained until the commit
ment was made out, after which he was
taken to the county Jail
Attorney Killilea announced that ba
would make immediate application to
the supreme court for stay of proceed
ings pending the preparation of a writ
of error and it was hoped by the attor-
neys for the prisoner that such an order
may be obtained in time to save their
client from taking the journey to Wau-
pun.
crATE NEUc NOTrc