The Washington times., 1909-12-03
COLLIER IS COOL
TELLING OF CRIME
1T Was Mathews Life or
Mine, " TeStiheS the
Policeman.

In cool. International manner and in
conversational tones, as &c he was relat-
ing the story of an everyday happening
instead OF a murder tragedy that has
brought him within the shadow of the
gallOws, John w Collier this morning
told the jury in Judge Gould's court Of
the killing OF capt William Mathews In
his office at the Fifth precinct station
on March last.
The accused policeman passed through
the ordeal admirably, leaving out no de-
tail that would tend to show iustifca-
ton for the killing OF his superior Off
Ger and that il was done i'm moment
when he thought that his victim was
about to do him bodily violence.
1T was either his life or NINE" was
the keynote of Golfers plea OF self
defense.
Frequent Interruptions.
While Golfers story was frequently
interrupted by chickering's between Dis
trict Attorney Baker and Attorney
Lipscomb. Of the defense, yet he got
before the jury those features OF the
tragedy which his counsel intended. and
that the defendant made an excellent
impression was not to be denied.
When the district attorney attempted
to get Collier to illustrate the actual
shooting. even to the putting on of the
uniform coat he wore on the day Of
the killing. and the drawing of the re-
volver Judge Gould sustained Mr.
LipSCOmb'S objection and in conSe-
Quence the Government lost an oppor-
tunity intended to dsprove Golfers
statement that he had saved his own
life only by reason CT his ability TO draw
his weapon quickly and fire
Collier was called 10 the stand after
II
reputation for peace and good conduct.
All ten of these character Witnesses
declared without hesitation that the de-
PENDANT was known 10 them a a quiet
unobtrusive man, not given 10 quarrel
ing.
LipscOmb Examines Prisoner.
Collier was examined first by Attor-
ney Lipscomb. and in answer to cues
tons concerning Captain Mathews
reputation for uuarreIsom eness, said
In his lifetime the slain officer was
known as "a violent, viudictive man.
He was known as a man who would
not hesitate TO kill when the occasion
arose" declared Collier.
This question provoked a wranEle be-
tween District Attorney Baker and Mr.
Lipscomb as TO his admissibility. but
Judge Gould ruled that IT could be ad-
mitted, inasmuch as Collier could show
that his victim was a man to be feared
Leading UP 10 the time just prior 10
the killing, Collier testified that Cap
tain Mathews had threatened him over
the telephone when he called up from
Union station.
Threat Over Telephone
II haven't seen YOU for three DAYS"
Collier said Captain Mathews remarked
TO him, "and when you get here 1
wouldn't give Il cents for your chance. g"
When he reported to Captain Mathews
At the station, Collier said he saIuted
the latter and inquired about his next
detail.
He was sitting at his desk reading
paper Collier said. When I spoke
he turned in his chair looked at me-
With intense hatred. and said, I think
you have cooked YOUR goose this time.
Moves For Gun.
Il replied. I think you have another
think coming. captain. NV remark
seemed to enrare him. He made a mo-
ton as il to IN for his gun and I
drew mine fired. That bullet
struck him in The hand. He then reach
cd toward ms wounded right hand with
Eis left hand. and 7 thought he vas
about TO take mis- capon in his left
hand ! fred again, and after that shot
don remember anything. ] shot him
necduSe thought me was going 10 shoot
me- repeated Collier several times
After the shooting" he said i'm re-
Spouse. Il refused 20 make any state
ucnt because my experience as a po-
freeman and as man I'M trouble warn
ed me not 20 talk. ! asked Lieutenant
Sprinkle now many shots 7 had fred
Jle said. How many shots we're In
your gun. / told him five. and he
said We'll, YOU fired them all
fhie ended the direct examination.
The District Attorney then took Col
lier in hand. but failed 10 shake his
testimony I'm any material particular.
Baker Rests Case.
Somewhat to the surprise Of The de-
Tense. the Government rested its case
yesterday afternoon after the tcsti-
mony Of Lieutenant Sprinkle. Poncemen
oyer and BurliuEane. and Detective
sergeant Springman, who rushed to the
aid Of the dying Captain Mathews nm
mcdiately after the shooting had been
heard.
Tine testimony OF Dyer. Burjingane and
SpriHgman differed in no material point
from that OF Policemen Moran and
Cullinane given earlier iu the day. while
that OF Lieutenant Sprinkle, Who wrest-
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