The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1909-04-19
Prisoner Looked Bad When Brought Into Court This Morning - Committee Likely to Pass Upon
 His Sanity.
No Absolute Promise. Ac- cording to District Attor- ney De Witt, that Claudia Libby Hains Will Take the Stand Against Her Husband.
Special from United Press.)


 Flushing, L. l., April 19.-When the killing of William B. Annis at the Bayside Yacht Club last August was called before Justice Garretson to-day long drawn out owing to the state ment by the Justice that he will lock the jury up. This fact is expected to keep away many who would be willing to serve on jury. There was a prob ability to-day however, that the case will never reach the jury. Attorney John F. Mcintyre believes that not t~on- ly was Captain Hains insane when he killed Annis but that he is still in that condition and it is reported that when the case of the prosecutor is complete he may ask the appointment of a com- mittee to pass upon the captains san ity. The captains family also think he is insane but believe he could be tried and acquitted. The matter however, will be permitted to remain in abeyance until the strength of the states case is developed.
 Captain Hains looked bad when he was brought into court to-day, hand cuffed to Sheriff Harvey. Since his arrest he has grown a strangling red dish beard and moustache and his face is deeply lined. He took apparently no interest in what was passing, in the courtroom and addressed his brother Major John Hains and his father, Gen. eral Peter c. Hains in listless man. ner.
 Justice Garrettson and Sheriff liar vey have secured quarters for the trial period in a local hotel close by the courthouse.
 When court opened this morning the regular weekly panel of AS and spe- cia1 venire of 150 ta1esmen were on hand but many of them presented ex- cuses and asked to be disqualified. If present plans are not changed, Thorn ton Hains, who was acquitted last January of participation in the murder of Annis will not be present in court during the trial, until called as wit ness. It is feared that his presence might prejudice the jury as his actions at the killing are expected to be de- tailed at length by the witnesses for the state.
 District Attorney Frederick Dewitt stated to-day that if the defense ad- heres to it's present plan not to call eX- pert alienists as witnesses he will also dispense with his medical witnesses. District Attorney Dewitt admitted this that he has no absolute prom ise from Claudia Libby HainS that she will take the stand against the Cap tain ''If we find we need her testi- said Dewitt, 'tshe wilb be on hand"
 Dewitt said the prosecution will call about 25 witnesses.
 Judge Garretson convened court at 1920 andf the roll of talesmen was called. Attorney David c. Hirsch, for the defense. then made the formal mo- tion to dismiss the indictment. This was denied and the examination of talesmen begun.
 Nervous1y lingering his mouStacheI and beard and twisting a stray lock of hair Captain Hains sat at the table with his counsel and between Major HainS his, brother and Attorney Daniel O'Reilly. the old general. his father, sat opposite the captain. The first three ta1esmen were excused for cause by the court. The questions of the de- fense showed plainly the intention to base all on a plea of insanity. Especial stress was laid on questions relating to the credence the juror would give to expert alieniStS.
 At the conclusion of the examination of the 18th talesman at 12:40 o'clock was taken for lunch. Not a single seat in the jury box had been filled.