The Mitchell capital. (Mitchell, Dakota [S.D.]) 1879-1918, 1910-04-21


Kansas City. April 21.-A vigorous
attack on expert medical testimony,
severe criticism of the methods pur-
sued by the prosecution in gathering,
evidence, and a general denial of every
charge made by the state against DR..
B. c. Hyde marked the opening state
mento of Frank P. Walsh. chief counsel
for the defense in the Swope murder
trial here TODAY.
Referring to the state chemists as
hired men," the attorney repeatedly
warned the jury that it was likely to
be tricked by the testimony of the
VIII testify are DR.. Ludwig Hektoen
and Walter S. Haines. both Of Chicago,
and DR.. Victor c.. Vaughn. of Ann
Arbor, Mich. Mr.. Walsh covertly
charged that the reports of the chem
lists We're altered at times to suit the
convenience of their employers.
The state had unfairly denied DR..
Hyde the right of having the viceras
of Colonel Thomas H. and Chrisman
Swope, SO that the physician might
nave them examined for poison,
averred MI. Walsh. Even theft had
been resorted to in order to obtain
evidence against DR.. Hyde, the attorney
said. He pointed to the taking OF
germs from DIR. Hyde's office as proof
of this statement.
Mrs. Swope Attacked.
Mrs. Logan o. Swope was assailed
as the cause Of DR.. Hyde's trouble.
Belief that DR.. Hyde had Influenced
his wife in a money matter, which
Mrs. HN1e decided adversely to the
desires OF Mrs. Swope. caused the first
trouble over Colonel Swope's will and
precipitated the Swope affair, said Mr..
Walsh.
The attorney also charged that it
was six hours after that Mrs. Swope
heard of the fatal attack of Colonel
Swope before she went to his room.
Mr.. Walsh closed his address at noon.
The first witness for the state. il was
announced, would be called this after
noon.
Extreme precaution has beer taken
by DR.. d attorneys to keep their
defense a secret. Not a charge, nor a
denial had ever before beer made
which might have given an inkling of
what the physician expected to prove
or disprove. Mr.. Walsh spoke extem-
~poraneously.
The court room was so crowded to-
day that the court said it would clear
the aisles after the morning session.
More tina 100 women were present.
Walsh Opens His Attack.
Mr.. Walsh began his address with a
short review of the life of DR.. Hyde
from his birth to the present.
The testimony will show you. gen.
tlemen. that DR.. Hyde and his wife.
who is a daughter of Mrs. L. o. Swope,
have lived in perfect contentment since
their marriage, and his point will
prove of great weight in this case" he
said.
Taking up the death of j. Moss Hun
ton. Mr.. Walsh said DR.. Hyde was not
his regular physician. was attend
ing Colonel Swope when he was called
to aid in the care of Mr.. Hunton. DR..
Hyde was from his home to
give treatment to Mr.. Hunton. the at
toreny said. and the physician re-
sponded. That Hunton was suffering
from apoplexy there was no doubt,
said MIR. Walsh, and bleeding. the
course adopted. was correct and was
suggested by DR.. G. T. Twyman, the
Swope family physician. who died yes
to-day.
ton and tied the string which stopped
the flow of blood" he said. land it was
only when DIR. Twyman thought
enough blood had been drawn that he
fastened the string" 5
Swope Drunk Every Day.
Speaking of the private life of Col
onel Swope. Mr.. Walsh stated that
tul 1 lhS 1oS1 81 EVaIS vi SOlpIlcl
Swope's life he was drunk every after
noon. His custom of taking a tonic
containing strychnine was mentioned.
Mr.. Walsh denounced the attempts to
show hat Colonel Swope was not
friendly with DR.. Hyde.
If Colonel Swope had a good friend
on earth. it was DR.. B. G. Hyde" said
Mi. Walsh. He did many deeds of
kindness for the millionaire and the
old gentleman appreciated it."
No denial was made by Mr.. Walsh
that DR.. Hyde bought digestive tab
lots and they We're given to Colonel
:Swopc. Nothing was mentioned to the
nurse who was in charge OF Colonel
Swope of any alleged popularity OF
the last illness of the man until two
months after his death. averred the at
tolncy.
TT has been said that Colonel Swope
refused to take the digestive medicine
which DR.. Hyde asked the nurse to
give him. said Mr.. Walsh. This is
untrue. The charge that DR.. Hyde told
her to make him AXE it will also be
proven false
Jumps on Mrs. swope.