The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1910-05-24
Attorneys Declare Prisoner
Was Given Doctored Gig
aretteS BY Police.
POLICE DENY USE
OF THIRD DEGREE
Efforts of Attorneys for Defense
Fail 10 Establish Unfair
Treatment.

MAYS LANDING, n. J., May 24-That
drugged cigarettes were given William
Seyler. on trial here for the murder Of
Jane Adams 10 force from him a con-
fession, and that he was put through
so vigorous a third degree that even
Chief Of Police Woodruff called a halt.
was the charge made by the defense In
opening its case heer shortly before
noon
The defense will try 70 show that
three Turkish Trophy cigarettes from a
box that had already been opened were
given the accused by Detective Miller
before his statement was made. and
that these cigarettes were drugged.
The prosecution in the trial Of William
Seyler, for the murder Of Jane Adamg,
day. Lawyer Gasklu Immediately began
his opening address for the defense.
Prior 10 the opening of the court,
Bessie, the three-year-old daughter OF
the accused, broke away from her
mother and ran to the prisoners dock.
| Seyler, while the jurors and spectators
watched curiously, picked up the child
| and kissed her and dandled her on his
| knee.
Richard Whalen. captain Of detectives
| In Atlantic City, was todays first wit
/ ness, Immediately the defense scored
an important point. when Judge Tren-
chard sustained defendant LAWYER Cas-
/ kilIs objection TO Whalen testifying
! about the important statement" made
10 him by Orv!s Seyler, brother Of the
| accused. All that Whalen was permit
ted 70 say was that Orvis Seyler had
| been in his office on Sunday. February
-, and made statement which he re-
peated before a number Of officials.
Denied Using Third Degree.
Detective Whalen was questioned
closely 70 bring out the details of the
thlrd degree tOrtUres alleged 10 have
been given Seyler He denied that
| promises or threats had been made 70
Orvis Seyler to induce him 70 talk.
Didn't you threaten OT7vis SpvIer
with the electric chair?" asked the at
torney for the defense.
No, did not" replied the detective
Did YOU feed those boys as Won dId
other prisoners?"
Yes, sir"
Did YOU say you would strs,-e then
TO death If they did not make a state.
ment?'
NO. sir
! The detective said that Orvis D,ada ~,
statement February ls, the dav afte,
the return from Virginia, in the preseno,
| Of several persons.
7 No Weapon Exhibited.
Did you have any weapons or IN.
struments of torture in the room?" wa.
mo. sir"
DID you ever strike this defendant. ,.
/ mo, sir"
The witness said he gave the defend.
ant aT5,Io no Cigarettes. but thought Detectiv,
DID not Chief Woodruff come into III.
/ HIM" 'alA IC
NO. sir"
! Chief Woodruff. called, testified tbo-
b.', tle SeyIerS S were treated not roughly
Dut as well as any prisoners.
/ Were any Of the cigarettes given ?,
/ Seyler drugged?'' y
I don't think So I smoked some NV
seIf' and they did nc: affect me
Cigarettes Unopened,
Detective Miller, who came next. wa,
also questioned about the cigarettes II,
said ne handed the box TO, Sevler nm.
opened. He denied. fourishine nIstol
al Seyler or threatening to scare him
The accused man entered cour-
with an air Of nonchalance. Tbi.
manner OF bravado, which he hay
maintained much Of the time sine.
MS arrest, was not broken down b,
the testimony given yesterday b1
physicians who swore that the blow
on Jane Adams forehead caused
/ death. and was mada bafora bor l.. =
entered the water.
Both Prosecutor Goldenburg and At
/ torney Gaskill for the defense TODAY de
clared that the verdict is expected h,
| thursday night or Friday morning.
Into an obscure corner Of the cour
| room, Mrs. Seyler. wife Of the accuse,
! murderer. shTank from the crowd
! throughout yesterdays testimony sh,
| never removed her gaze from her hus
band She frequently seemed on tn,
/ point of collapse ard tears shone in he
eyes again and again.