davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1919-06-22

unexpected developments, Cor
don Fawcett Handy might not
be bored. But even if he should
become disinterested while he is be-
ing legally juggled between the great
outdoors and the Little Green Door,
he will exhibit none sof his ennui.
.Yawning is impolite. Mr.. Handy
confesses to three murders and
thirteen bank robberies, but not to
being impolte. He believes in kill
ing courteously and in robbing with
decorum.
If Handy, 80 suave, soft spoken
and clear eyed, committed the crimes
he attributed to himself in signed
confession in the hands Of District
Attorney Harry E. Lewis Of Kings
County he is a remarkable criminal.
If he didn't commit them, he is a
remarkable liar. In either case, his
self-control and perfect ease give
him remarkable faint.
Physically, Handy is S feet 10
inches in height and 1872 pounds in
weight. His shoulders are broad,
but not thick. he is built on quick
action lines, rangy and lithesome-
bad hombre in any argument. His
dark suit Is neatly fitting-he wears
it, It doesn't wear him. His light
hair - parted and brushed "A
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1919-06-22
he Case Made Unusual by the Defendant
~ Benevolent Charged With Killing His Hammer

ate prison cell with this old gentleman
sitting serenely through heavy indict-
ment were it not for the police warden
by his side,
There is mono Of the traditional
STIFFNESS of courts about the building at
Mineola where DR.. Wilkins is on trial
for his life. Buried in foliage from the
wide steps ranging up the front to the
topmost point of its rounded tower. it
seems too pleasant place for the
dreary association Of iron bars and
lonely cells. Through the open windows
of the courtroom comes the sound of
rustling leaves from nearby trees. 1t
would be quiet, pastoral scene but for
the ceaseless activity on tho roadway
running past the courthouse and the
intermittent purring Of aeroplanes fly
ing overhead.
The Judge
Presiding in the court is Justice
David F. Manning. He impresses the
onlooker as being temperate, patient
judge. Quick to appreciate the subtle
ties of situation, calm and dispassion-
ate in his treatment of prosecution and
defence, he handles controversial de-
velopments with ease and promptly quells
characterization. Behind his judicial
calm lies strong vein Of humor that
occasionally comes to the surface, flashes
momentarily and disappears again. He
places strong emphasis on upholding the
dignity of the court and IS impatient Of
interruption or distracting outside ele-
ments. Several times he has admonished
the court to remember the seriousness
Of case where the defendant is fighting
for his life. Justice Manning fans him
self gently as his wideawake eyes look
comprehensively on the scene spread be.
tore him. he is patient with witnesses
and frequently steps in during examina-
ton to help them make themselves clear
to the counsel. In overruling or sus-
tanning objections offered by the defence
or prosecution, he has trick Of waving
his right hand with decision that puts
the quietus on further argument
Counsel for the prosecution and de-
fence make an interesting study in
opposite types. They are sportsmen in
their treatment of one another. Swords
clash now and again, but petty SQUAD
bling is absent from their. contact.
They are working constructively rather
than destructivelY.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1919-06-22
4 Big Moment

District Attorney Charles R., Weeks
Is on the offensive, truculent, quick
to seize every opportunity, convincing
in his arguments. He springs to his
feet with the unexpectedness of a
rocket going off. He lunches his
shoulders, smiles suavely, is invariably
polite and thrusts hard. He is at his
best in defamation. This was appar-
ent when he presented his case for the
prosecution last Monday morning. He
has a heavy, carrying voice and clear
enunciation. With little apparent
effort he' worked himself up to the
climax when, swivelling around to DR..
Wilkins, he pointed accusingly at him
and said:
81 believe this defendant to be< the
murderer of Mrs. Wilkins"
1t was one of the most dramatic mo-
ments of the trial. The old man, who
had been sitting SO placidly with his
mouth wide open and his eyes fixed
scrutinizingly on the District Attor-
neys profile, slumped pcrceptibly in
mis- seat. IL was as IL MS BACKBONE
had suddenly softcned. His jaw
dropped; his eyes fell; his nostrils
quivered and his hands twitched.. Mr..
Weeks had descended upon the defend
ant like a whirlwind.
Taken unawares, the aged physician
crumpled up under the denunciatory
shock.
While Mr.. Weeks springs to action
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1919-06-22

with tho swiftncns Of deer, Charles
N. Wysoug, counsel for the defence.
clean shaver and keen looking, takes
up the cudgels In more ie!surely fash
lon, but stands pat with tsnhcity
that IN not easily shaken. He IL as
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1919-06-22
The Principal

The defendant, as he sits facing the
Judge, presents an interesting prob
lem, both from the psychological and
physical standpoint. Some one has
termed him man without magma
ton. Perhaps this furnishes the key
to his imperturbablity He has two
mannerisms which have probably at
tended him all his life, but which are
emphasized the more interested he be-
comes in the evidence disclosed. He
has a juvenile trick of sticking the
forefnger of his left hand in his mouth
and sucking it. And he has a pro-
fessional trick of twirling his glasses
necessarily on their string. These ap-
pear to be his favorite ways of show
ing emotion.
He has sat without finching as wit
ness after witness has described the
iacerations on his wife's head. He has
seen the blood stained hammer exhib-
tied in court without the flicker of an
eyelid. Witnesses have testified that
at the autopsy he was, quite unmoved
while his wife's head was being sawed
open. None of the physical aspects of
the murder, from which most people
instinctively shrink, appear to have
had any effect upon him.
But tears have glistened in his eyes
more than once. When his wife's be-
draggled-looking purple velvet hat was
H.
came nearer to breaking down than al
any point in the trial. He has laughed
more than once. But for the most
part his attitude is one Of quiet con-
eentration. His eyes never travel
around the court. He comes in with
brisk step and flushed cheek. AS the
Gay goes on his temporary exhilara-
ton wears Off The flush fades from
MS cheek, leaving him pale and worn
looking. His lower lip droops and he
ats with his mouth wide open.
The hands and feet of the defend
AIT are more expressive than his feat
ases. They are restless, febrile. The,
Snow his age. His hands are heavily
ss'ned ard nervous. They clutch spas
medically when he does not poise them
s1'h ingertip resting against fingertip
u's feet beat an incessant tattoo, am
sis knees. when he walks, arc inclined
y bump each other.
ne haz been pictured as kindly
sshsyolent old man. His counsel ha,
msoe much Of this. He has person
sly sent out statements since the tria
sssan, deploring the fact that 80 ole
man should be accused Of this bruta
buFaer, II white hair and the weigh
~ yeats constitute benevolence. ther
~ carries the appellation we'll. Seer
: = distance he might conceivably b.
NFmsd venerable old man. But
sHnsa hour after hour, day afte,
ny ~ the testimony fuctuates TO,
ssa ssssnst him, the impression Of
nssoicncs IT, obliterated.
nus tarb is professional. He wears q
~. go braided eu.away coat, dark gra,
81 Measess and black tie. A blsek bor
'sd handkerchief protrudss couspicu
W. 80 from his coat pocket. His glasse.
u. 'SE - 49, ~ thin black rtbbon and h.
81 u. 3 soM ring. He looks well groomet
- vsjl lsd. No one would s y. ; s..n ,.sI
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1919-06-22
range Features of the Doctor Wilkins Murder Trial

attention. She ii over six feet tall. and
Is extremely muscular. There 10 no
lack OF animation about her end she
can wax vitnperatise at the least
excuse. She Is dark haired, dark eyed
and white skinned A. tribe heIlieEraut,
conspicuous-that is Miss Murphy.
She works at the Pennsylvania Hotel
and was called TO court because she
rented room In the WfIkinses' New
York home, and Is alleged to knew
something Of the relations existing
between the defendant and his wife.
The Fatal Night
The murder with which Or. Wilkins
is charged was committed at his Long
Beach home on the night Of February
81. The story he tells, in effect, is that
he and his wife were returning TO
their home at night, and rs they ap-
preached the entrance, saw shadows
fitting by the door. He said to his
wife: "You so and get help. Julia.
believe sneak thieves have got
into the house." His wife is then
supposed to have turned back, not to
safety, but to her DEATH He went
inside and was hit over the head with
some weapon, which he has variously
described as lead pipe" "bludgeon,"
blackjack" or "blunt instrument" He
contends that his hat saved him from
death. One of the burglars said to
him: keep quiet, Pop. We don't want
to hurt you. We only want what you
have" They are then supposed to
have searched his person and taken
his watch, stickpin and $40. Last weeks
testimony showed, however, that the
watch and stickpin were afterward dis.
covered hidden away.
In telling the story Of the crime to
different witnesses who have testified
in court, DR.. Wilkins was alleged to
have slapped one of his pockets iubi-
lantly and remarked: "But they didn't
get this pocketbook with $40O."
He has told vaguely at different
times of the identity of the burglars.
One, he says, was called Dick. because
when his wife's screams were heard
outside one burglar said to the other:
Better go out, Dick, and quiet that
noise. This is a mussy job" They
wore gray caps pulled low over their
faces; two were short and one was
tall, he says.
Mrs. Wilkins was afterward found
lying on the brick walk with sixteen
decorations on her head. A hammer
and piece of lead pipe lay near by. She
was taken to the hospital, operated on
and died within the course oe an hour
or two.
1t was not until March II that war
rant was issued for the arrest of DR..
Wilkins. He had been suspected Of
the crime for week prior to this date.
When the net Of evidence drew close
and he realized after long interroga-
ton by Mr.. Weeks that he was about
to be taken into custody he went to
Baltimore and registered at the Hotel
Joyce under a fictitious name, using
decoy handwriting. At the end of four
days he returned, ostensibly to give
himself up to justice, but before he
had the opportunity he was arrested in
the Pennsylvania Station.
The defendant has been married three
times. His first wife divorced him. His
second died. His third was murdered in
a singularly brutal way. His guilt or
innocence is still matter of debate.
1t is expected that before the end Of
this week the jury will bring in its
verdict.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1919-06-22

M1lklUSs CudIkcu WIFI inc
murder Of his wife, different
from scores of similar trials that have
filed the columns Of the New York
rspers from tina to time, The point
of difference hinges on the person of
the defendant
That a man of sixty-seven, mild
TO all outward appearances, should
take a hammer and in cold blood hit
his wife on the head sixteen times
seems almost incredible. According to
the testimony Of the various doctors
vho took the stand throughout the
week, any two of the blows would have
been sufficient to kill her.
The case against DR.. Wilkins is
wholly circumstantial, but the chain of
evidence is a strong one, and the pros
ecution is straining it to the utmost.
The defence will open fire tomorrow.
Whether or not the personal testimony
Of the defendant and the witnesses
called by Charles N. Wysong, counsel
for Dr. wilkins, will offset the strong
Weeks is a matter of surmise. The
prosecution has done its best to reduce
t. the point of absurdity the theory
that three burglars committed the
murder. The defence has announced
somewhat mysteriously that it is NOR
ally certain Of the identity Of the burg
lars and hopes to prove that it's sup
positions are correct.
The Setting
No one walking casually into the
courtroom at Mineola would suspect
that mans fate hung in the balance;
that the twelve quiet men sitting in
the jury box were soon to pronounce
Judgment on one of their fellows. The
atmosphere throughout the week has
been singularly free from the tense,
strained interest that usually attends
murder trial. Save in one or two in
stances, when direct examination and
crossfre grew hot and heavy, there
was an utter lack of excitement. The
people who have gathered in the court
room may be divided into three distinct
classes:
l. Those having personal interest
in the case.
2. The morbid who are always to be
found at a murder trial and who at
tend every session as faithfully as the
yurymen.
3. Casual visitors, who drop in and
drop out with equal inconsequence.
Each day has found coterie' of
feminine spectators present whose de-
pertinent has not entirely met with the
approval of Justice David F. Manning.
Glints of humor brighten the record
pages of even the dullest of murder
trials. So, when something amusing
was said, however unwittingly, spec
tators laughed frankly and checked
Themselves precipitately when Justice
Manning said, with much severity and
an ominous shake of his head:
This is trial, ladies', not matt
nee. A further exhibition of levity
and out you all co.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1919-06-22

Mr.. Whitehouse has made himself
noticeable by the number Of times in
the course Of day that he runs back
and forth to the railing to prompt Mr..
Wysong during cross-examinntion.
There Ia an irresistible temptation on
the part Of the spectator to call him
the watchdog of the defence--s little
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1919-06-22

I F THE trial for his life, open
ing tomorrow, should be rich in
unexpected developments, Cor
don Fawcett Handy might not
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1919-06-22

and is now assisting the defendants
r~prcol
The Julesburg grit-advocate., 1919-10-23
COMPULSORY

A case in county court last week
terminated in the decision of the court
that all children who are of school
age in Sedgwick county must COM
ply with the state law, and attend
school. and the parents will be sub
jected to penalty if they are neeli-
gent in this matter.
This is an important matter, and
the authorities should have the CO.
operation Of the citizens of Sedgwick
county in enforcing the law whereby
children Of school age will make the
best Of the educational advantages
offered and maintained at large ex-
pense. There was never a time in
the history Of the world when an ed
ucation was so necessary to properly
fit the boy or girl for life's work
The parent should feel grave
responsibility in the matter of seeing
that their children take advantage Of
all the educational opportunities Of
fered. The compulsory school law is
a big asset to every community in the
state. and the authorities in Sedg-
wick county should use every legiti-
mate means in seeing that it is en-
forced.
The Julesburg grit-advocate., 1919-10-23
BOOSTER VS.. KNOCKER

Every train that comes into Jules
burg blows for this town. Why
shouldn't our citizens do likewise :?
There is nothing that helps to boost
community more than the good
legitimate "boosting" it receives by
the citizens who live here.
Back in Missouri the writer knows
of town that has made but little
if any progress during the past ten
years, and the prime reason for this
years, and the prime reason for this
state of affairs is the fact that most
of the citizens "knock" the town and
community instead of boosting. You
ask one Of them about the town and
he will reply by saying that 'the
town is a dead one;" that "the COM
munity is past the growing STAGE"
'its fsture is blighted," etc.
The stranger or visitor is At once
given a very unfavorable impression
of that town, and perhaps the COM
munity has lost q prospective eiti-
zen. 1t is no wonder that with such
conditions prevalent, the growth of
the community is at a standstill and
in fact going backward. On the
ii
sert the "pull-together" spirit and
proudly boost for their town and
community. there would be a marked
change and evidences of progress
would loom up, which would result in
great mutual benefits to the resi-
dents.
Being "booster" Injuries no one
and in a great many instances pro
fitable benefits are derived. Jules.
burg is making progress, and it will
continue to do so. However. we have
few "knockers" who seem to delight
in using their so-called influence tc
retard the progress and growth of the
community Perhaps they think that
such a condition would best serve
own selfish interests. but we are
pleased to state that the boosters
| in this community have the upper
hand, and this has been responsible
for the substantial progress being
made here.
We will admit that there is plent!
of room here for more progress, anc
that this is necessary to keep pace
with the rapid development of thi:
fertile and prosperous section. Jules
burg must grow and keep on growing
and the man who does not wish tc
see this pleasing condition of affairs
had better keep in the background
because he will, and probably already
has discovered that he has beer
barking up the wrong tree" The
boosters" are the favorites-two t.
one, and then some. Watch Jules
burg grow!
The Julesburg grit-advocate., 1919-10-23

What can we do to bring more
trade to Julesburg? Mr.. Merchant
and Business Man. that's a PROPOSE
ton which should have your serious
consideration. The farmer and the
business man should cooperate with
each other. Both are important fac
tors in the community and their need
of each other is mutual. With the
proper cooperation Of the farmer and
business man, much greater devel-
opment of the business enterprises
and agricultural interests will be the
result. The town and territory tri-
butary make each other for profit
able existence.
The Julesburg grit-advocate., 1919-10-23

And now the coal miners are
threatening to strike. Very oppor-
tune time with the approach of win
ter. How many of you have your
winters supply of the "black dia-
monds?" The coal dealers have been
urging you all summer. Perhaps
their foresight was correct and their
warnings were more truth than
poetry.
The Julesburg grit-advocate., 1919-10-23
NOTICE

A. l have resigned my position with
- Continental Oh Company. I viii
70 have all who owe me settle at
soce ~ want to close the books.
also desire to thank my patrons for
their valuable patronage during my
connection with this company.
ERNEST FLORA.
The Julesburg grit-advocate., 1919-10-23

Socialism may have "some" good
points, but the bad ones are so numer-
GUS that we can easily see why it
wouldn't be practical.
The Julesburg grit-advocate., 1919-10-23

A. 3. Lanning, agent for Sedgwick
and Deuel. counties for the Morgan
Oiler for wagons and vshiclss-no
more lifting.
The Julesburg grit-advocate., 1919-10-23

Try Grit-Advocate Want Ads.
The Ontario Argus. (Ontario, Or.) 1???-1947, 1919-03-20
\ CITY's RECITATION.

cities. like individuals. should be-
Jealous of the reputation they bear.
No city can afford to trifflc with f.
good name by permitting practice
by individuals that subvort the mor-
als OF the community ana furnish op-
portunltics for detractors to scatter
stories which are bound To lujure tnr
community.
Every city has its epidenmics vt
troubles with undesirable citizens. os-
pccIally It II Is located on main
line of travel The problems which
they represent are AZ old as tho
world, aud have banlod the ingcnu,ts
of mankind since society existed,
hut the fact that no perfect solution
has been found should not deter those
who have the good OF their commun'.
~ 0t heart from making an effort Co
combat them. II is only due To the
constant fight that IL made agaius'
the social parasites that keeps them IN
check at all. Even tho not 100 pc
cent successful, yet society owes Il.
self the effort 20 keep liccntlousncgs
down 40 far as It Is possibly can.
This Is particularly the duty Of
those whom tho people have olecto
TO administer the affairs OF the city
Into their hands In large measure
is placed the good name OF Ontario
We believe that public sentiment VIII
sustain them In every effort they put
fourth to rid the city OF those who
by their presence here are menace
TO the health aud good name of th'
The Ontario Argus. (Ontario, Or.) 1???-1947, 1919-03-20

from the territorial conflicts Of the
European powers in Asia. All these
have Kept Europe on edge for many
years. aud I'M none Of them have the
people OF the United states any par
ticular interest. save that as human
itarians we desire all the world to live
at peace
The question arises, however.
whether or not the American people
desire to rolinquish their present
practical security from war. as cy-
idenccd by the comparatively few
contests into which this nation has
been forced during rs existance, for
the almost certainty OF having To
take hand In the numerous and
ncyer-ending troubles OF Europe?
Tho proponents Of the League, ass
outlined by the proposed Constitution,
OF which General Jan g.. SHUTS is the
author. declare that America VII
avoid these troubles; that the Amcr..
can constitution will not be violated.
some oven declare that the Monroe
doctrine viii not be abroEated Put
men OF equally high standing, of as
great experience aud reputation dis-
agree with this view This * true
not only In the United states but In
Europe as well, and being so Their
seems 10 be- no denying that amend
mcuts should ho mad" go the present
plan before II can be- satisfactory 10
the American people
The Ontario Argus. (Ontario, Or.) 1???-1947, 1919-03-20
IN coon HANDS.

Had there existed in any Oregon
ians mind doubt as to the ability of
Ben Olcott to be a real chief executive
of the state that doubt was dispelled
by the masterful statement of policy
which he issued last Saturday
The document set at rest rumors
of turn over in administrative cir
cles and since IL asked only for good
service for the people by the incum-
bents Of boards, commissions and 9th
er offices under the Governors con-
troll there can be no objection on any
ones part.
There was no attempt in the state.
ment use the ocassion for the eX-
preston of "high falutin' notions
Of state government. 1t Is clear
straightforward examination of the
problems which face oregon at this
time. In the hands of one who has
had such a thoro acquaintance with
the state. and who possesses so clear
a comprehension OF its needs, there Is
no doubt but that Oregon will go for
ward under Governor Olcott's ad-
ministration
The Ontario Argus. (Ontario, Or.) 1???-1947, 1919-03-20
EUROPEAN POLITICS N AMERC.

one phase OF the proposed League
~ Nations the Argus has not rHu
discussed, hut which II believes should
be- carefully considered. u is this.
what affect will the entry of th'
United states into the Leagu" have
upon American politics?
In view OF the fact that this is o.
heterogeneous nation, containing largo
elements of all the races of the globe,
is there not great danger that those
people will ondcayor To inject into
purely domestic politics the questions
with which their European peoples
are involved?
Have we not already witnessed just
such activity on the part OF both the
Germans and the Irish? And II we
are TO enter the league and the pre-
vailing government rs TO name the
American representative ON the eN-
ocutiyc council, az would be- natural,
can any other result be- looked toe
than on increasing activity on the
part of foreign hypcnutes, be thoy
pro-llun. pro-British, pro-lrish or
else, to secure control
OF the American government?
While sincerely believing that the