The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1911-09-29
BOOK Of ACCOUNTS
Held IN EVIDENCE
Sensational Testimony Against
Stockton Woman Accused
of Illegal Practices
[SoeeiaL Dispateh 10 The Call

lSoccidl Dispatch TO he Call
STOCKTON. Sept. 2S.-Throngs of
eager and curious persons crowded the
courtroom today to hear the sensa-
tional testimony in the examination of
Mrs. S. E. Knight, arrested on charge
of performing an illegal operation upon
Emma Taylor. The principal witnesses
in the case testified. relating the de-
tails of the crime with which Mrs.
Knight is charged. and the book of Mrs.
knights patients, which has aroused
SO much curiosity and gossip in the
city, was introduced as evidence.
Jurgen Ladiges, gardener and a
prominent member of the German LII
theran church; MRS. Knighf, Emma
Taylor, upon whom the operation was
performed, her mother and brother
were called to the stand
Jurgen Ladiges is 65 years old. and in
his testimony he acknowledged that he
had been intimate with Emma Taylor
and had taken her to Mrs Knight
house to undergo an operation. He said
that he had seen the defendant, Mrs.
knight. at her home August 4, and that
he was then accompanied by Emma Tay-
Ior. He asked Mrs. Knight to help the
girl. according to his testimony, and.
after some dickering about the cost of
the treatment, left her at the house. He
admitted that he had paid the knight
woman S120
GIRL TELLS STORY
The girl who brings the charges en-
tered the courtroom heavily veiled. and
when she took the stand was ordered to
remove the veil upon the objection of
Attorney Louttit. She related her expe-
rience with Mrs. Knight and said that at
the time she called upon her she was
given drugs, which she took to her
home. She returned the next day and
again the third day, when she was oper-
ated upon and was delivered of a child.
While she was at Mrs. knights house
her brother Charlie was called in and
warned by Mrs. Knight against reveal
ing anything of his sisters condition to
their mother But later the mother came
unsolicited. The witness continued:
MOTHER SEES GIRL
Mrs. Knight was up every hour with
me during the night. She told me 1 was
low. About 1880 my mother came"
What did she say?" asked Rendon.
"'Oh, Emma. That was all she said
to me.
Mrs. Knight threatened mamma. She
said if mamma talked about the case
she'd shoot her. She had mamma leave
the room after part of the operation. I
dressed and went home with mamma 8
1t was during the girls testimony
that Attorney Louttit made a statement
that caused a hum in the courtroom.
He asked the girl where she had been
living of late, and the district attorney
objected.
II want to find out If she hasn't been
bounded to death by the district attor-
ney and his henchmen.'
IF that's your reason" replied Just
ice Parker. "the objection will be sus-
tanned"
MOTHER TAKES STAND
Mrs. Taylor appeared to be in any
thing but peaceful mood. She looked
straight at Mrs knight as she took
the witness chair. She told of finally
locating her daughter at Mrs. knights
house.
II went to the back door and Lem
Master called Mrs. knight out, said
the mother of the girl II asked
whether my daughter was there, and
she replied that she was"
What's happened?' I asked.
Mrs knight told me, and then said:
If you tell on me I'll kill you / am
not afraid of being killed, though Mrs.
Taylor replied as she gazed at the de-
fendant.
Mrs. Taylor testified that Mrs. knight
told her thar Sne mao destroyed the
body of the baby by fire.
Lenville Masters, who lives at the
Knight residence. 522 East Walnut
street. also Is charged with the same
crime and. according to Emma Taylor,
was on the premises at the time of her
confinement in the house.
One of the most sensational features
Of the case Is the book OF patients
names which was found under the
bathtub in Mrs. knights house In
Stockton This document was admit
ted today as testimony and will be
used as evidence against Mrs. Knight.