The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1912-11-21
Accused Slayer Told Jury
that Saunders Had a Razor
and That He Killed in Self
Defense.
ATTORNEYS ARGUED
THE CASE TODAY
Whalen Said He Intended to-
Return to Richmond and
After He Had Enough
Money to Hire a Lawyer.

The case of Samuel Whalen charged
with killing Arthur Saunders, a negro,
went to the circuit court jury this af-
ternoon. Whalen pleaded seif-defenss
before the twelve men who are to de-
eide his fate
Not since the Morrisson-Reeves wilb
case has the court room been crowd~
ed with so many spectators as we're
there today TO hear the argument oc
the attorneys. Many women were at
tracted to the trial .s
This morning the defense placed
Mrs. Whalen, the defendants wife,
Myrtle, Lawrence. and John whalen,
his children. on the stand. Other wit
nesses were recalled. All evidence was
in by 10:40 O'Clock.
Prosecutor Allen opened the argu-
ments for the state. At 1880 the case
was adjourned until l o'clock Judge
Fox stated that he desired TO start ear
lier this afternoon in order that the
case could go to the jury this after
noon.
WhaIen on Stand.
When put on the stand yesterday
afternoon the defendant told a story
similar to the story he told the super
intendent of police at the time he was
brought to this city The witness at
times hesitated and apparently forgot.
His attorney would assist him, after
an embarrassing delay. On cross ex-
animation Attorney Jessup brought
out some very good points for the
state. Whalen throughout his testi-
mony declared that his act was one Of
self-defense
Whalen stated that he is forty-six
years old; that he was born in Harri-
SON county, KY. and at the age of Is
moved to McKinneysburg. He resided
there for more than twenty-four years
and in 1901 he with his family moved
to Rushyille. Indiana. where they re-
mained for a few months. He then
moved to McKinneysburg. later to
Milton. Ky, and then to Richmond.
The defendant stated that he had
seven children, six of whom are now
living. the eldest being 20 years old.
Admits stabbins.
when lived In Kentucky I farm
ed" Whalen said in the course of his
testimony. 81 once owned a farm there
but / sold il. raised tobacco mostly.
While here l worked as a trucker and
helper at Gaar Scott's until June, then
was put to pouring babbit. / was not
very well acquainted outside OF the
shop" . ..-
Whalen admitted that he stabbed
Saunders. but contended that he did
SO with a pocket knife which he used
in his work at the shop. and not with
a razor found on the following morn
ing in the alley where the crime was
committed.
Il cut Saunders with the pocket
knife. I had sharpened it that after
noon to trim patterns at the shop.
never had razor, / always went to
a barber shop TO get shaved
Il told my wife on the afternoon Of
the day when I cut Saunders that I
would meet her at the market house
The last meal I ate was dinner did
not eat supper. / told my wife that we
would stay at my nephew's home that
night. t
Il met a brother Mason at Eighth
and Main streets in the afternoon. He
was from Lynn. We talked a while
and then walked to Fifth street and
went in the Oakland Wine company.
We ordered quart of beer and I
drank half of il. We then walked up
to the Murray, but did not go in. La
ter We went hack TO the Oakland
Wine company and got another quart
of beer r-
While there my nephew Ottie
Haines. and my nephew by marriage.
Lester Hutchins. came in Ny son
John came in later. We all started out
the rear door i was last.
Story of Stabbino.
Il heard my boy say Excuse me-
Someone, who, later learned. was
Saunders. said What did you bump
into me for Ny boy then said 4 don't
know whether you bumped into me
or l into you Saunders said. III hit
you Then I said, Don't hit my boy
Saunders said I'll not only hit your
boy but you, too He also swore. 7
said didn't want any trouble
Clara Saunders rushed at me.
slapped her. and when Parks came up
/ knocked him down Saunders then
said, Get out Of my way and let a
good man at him, I'll kill him. Saun-
ders rushed at me and pulled out my
knife. He had his hand over his head
and something glittering was in IT.
hit him with my knife I thought he
had razor In his hand / thought he
would kill me If did not hit him first.
I aimed to hit him wherever / could.