Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1909-10-28
Presents Its Testimony
In the Damage Suit
Brought by 0sceo|ar Robbins
Against l., A. & ". ST. Ry.
Expert Medical Witnesses Testify
As to Robbins Present Condition.

w cQneSudy forenoon IN the pldlntlff S
side of the $4,000 damage suit of Os-
cedar Robbins of Hallowell against
the Lewiston, Augusta & Waterville,
st. Ry. The remainder of the day was
devoted to the presentation of the case
for the defence. Attorney Heath after
his opening put witnesses on the stand
to disprove alleged acts of recklessness
of Merton l.. Taylor the motorman
whose car collded with the car on
which Robbins was mOtorman on the
day of the accident. Among these wit
| neSseS were Leander +. Taylor super
intenlent of the Augusta division of
the Lewiston, Augusta & Waterville
st. Itv., and father Of Merton l.. Tay-
lor. This class of testimony was fol-
lowed by expert medical testimony as
to the physical and mental condition
of the PLAINTIFF. The case will probably
go to the jury by noon today.
| DR.. w. H. Harris of Augusta was
called to the stand as the first witness
| at Wednesdays session of the
Supreme court in the personal damage
action of Robbins versus the Lewis
ton. Augusta and Waterville street
| ANoiiNoS Company ilC tVSliiiSu SlliI
the plaintiff now had a deficient or
with a poor memory. The plaintiff 8
condition might have been caused by
a severe blow on the head.
The witness testified on cross ex-
animation that he did not think he
was an expert in the diseases of the
mind. He did not hear the testimony
of the plaintiff at the trial
| DR.. Harry w. Mitchell, superintend-
ent of the Eastern Maine hospital at
| Bangor, testified THAT he had made
examinations of the plaintiff. two at
his home and a superficial one at the
court house. The witness found the
plaintiff suffering from nervous
trouble. In the opinion of the witness
the accident which the plaintiff sus-
tanned two years ago was responsible
for his condition.
Attorney Maher-'From your obser-
walton of the plaintiff is he able tC
work at the present tme?"
Witness-"Absolutely not"
Attorney Maher-"Do you think
that the plaintiff will be ever able tc
work."
| Witness-'I do not
This completed the testimony fol
the plaintiff and Attorney HEATH
opened for the defense, outlining il
detail the points which he proposed t.
prove, particularly in answer to the
allegations of recklessness agains
Motorman Taylor. The opening
consumed one hour and Is minutes.
Clyde H. Nottage, foreman at the
E1ppfrin A.,
he visited the scene Of the wreck a
East Winthrop before dark on tn,
afternoon of the accident Witnes:
was unable to state on cross examina
ton whether there was any trouble
with the trolley wheel or trolley pole
Orren L. Choate of Augusta, former
motorman on the Electric Road testi
fled that he had been on the road fol
six or seven years. Witness taugn
Merton l.. Taylor to drive an electri,
car. Taylor was on his car for sis
weeks or more. Witness reported a
the end of that time that the yount
man was competent to drive a car.
Willis L. Mace. who is employed a
the Winthrop sub-station. was tn,
next witness. Witness did not re.
member Of Taylor and Sanborn beinf
at the sub-statiOn when they had {
car there without any passengers.
Sherman w. Dunn, assistant super
intendent Of the L., A. & w ST Ry.
testified that he was in the office Whn,
Charles Fl. Staples told Leanda,
Taylor, the superintendent of the
road. that he would not run witt
Merton Taylor any longer anG
Leander Taylor told Staples that he
wouldn't have to. Witness denied
that he ever said it to Staples when
he came out of the office: You did
well in talking to the old man today
Leander F. Taylor. superintendent
of the Augusta division Of the Lewis
ton. Augusta & Watervlle St Rv
Witness, testified that Dana SanborH
was spare conductor No acts of
Carelessness on his part were ever
reported. Witness had received a
complaint from A. G. Pinkham that
Merton drove a car too fast on trir
from Augusta. Pinkham had ais,
made complaints in regard to other
motormcn. Extra cars were allowed
during the theater season to run to the
side track at the sub station. Witness
did not think he ever told Conductor
staples that he would have to run
with Merton if he stayed on the road
Leander F. Taylor, the superintendent
of the road, at the afternoon session. or
cross-eNamination. testified to seeing his
son at the scene of the wreck shortly af-
ter the accident He did not remember of
having any conversation with his son and
he did not receive any letters about his
sons fast driving.
Guy G. Longfellow of Augusta testified
that he worked spare on the Electric
road. He was the conductor on the car
when William Smith was injured. but the
injury was not due to any premature
starting of the car by the motorman. Mer-
ton Taylor
| Dana Sanborn of Augusta was called
as the next witness. He testified to being
a conductor at the time of the accident