The Washington times., 1919-03-29
WIFE SLAYER
HEREDITARY
LUNATIC,SAY
WITNESSES

BALTIMORE, March 2S.-Start-
ling testimony in defense OF Car
lyle B. Webster, thirty-five years old,
Of Deals Island, on trial for the muir
der Of his bride, Bernice CLANCY
Webster, in the Hotel Belvedere last
October, was offered yesterday in
Part Of the criminal court, before
Judges Heuisler and Dawkins, when
a witness testified that he knew
that eight or more of Webster's
relatives were more or less crazy"
OF all the witnesses called, this
witness was one of the most original,
primitive and convincing. Although
not physician, he took the stand
qualified and told of the doings Of
Webster's relatives in a manner that
astounded those who heard him. He
was George B. Horner. sixty-seven
years old, a native of Deals Island
and who said ''he knew nearly every
man, woman and child of the 1900
inhabitants there" He also admit
ted on cross-exsmination that he was
distantly related to the defendant.
Supports Defense.
Mr.. Horner is quite hale for his
years and understands the ways Of
courts and lawyers. Without being
classed as an alienist. and without
the high-sounding words OF the
Psychiatrist, he got into the record
and before the court a strong line OF
evidence for the plea OF the defense
drunkenness and insanity"
webster testified in his own behalf
and he was on the stand nearly two
hours.
He related having met Miss CLANCY
nearly two years before he married
her, told Of going to the Hotel Bel
vedere, and remembered telephone
calls sent to the room by members OF
the girls family.
Asked how much whiskey he drank |
a day he replied that when he could |
get il he drank q quart or more. On
cross-examination by States Attorney |
Broening, Webster could not remem-
her all the things that happened at
the hotels; his mind was hazy on
many things testified to by wit |
nesses. He said he couldn't remem-
Der writing a note found in the room
and said that the first knowledge he /
had that his wife was dead was when /
he awakened and found her dead be-
side him in the bed
Il called to her and when I get no
answer and when felt her cold body
] became Respondent and swallowed /
the poison" said Webster. He was |
unable to tx the time, he said, because
he had no clock in the room. Webster
evaded making any declaration
against the character OF his bride.
Homer On Stand.
Horner took the stand.
Did you know Maria Ann Gibson"
asked Mr.. Hammond
Yes. for forty years; she was
CarIyIe's grandmother and her mind
vas demented; a little simple, but not
vicious"
Did you know william B. HOrner, |
of Dels Island?"
Yes, he is a cousin OF Carlyle but
Sle is now in an insane asylum. He was |
formerly at Springfield, but he was |
transferred to the state hospital at
Cambridge. He was plumb crazy and |
had a hankering to fight people"
DO you know Edward Webster, son |
10 Zack W. Webster"
Yes, he 10 a cousin 10 Carlyle and |
ne was sent to Spring Grove because
% his feeble mind"
DO you know Wilson Tankersley?"
.'Yes. he is a lUnatic- He is big and |
stout, never went to school, but don't |
think be is dangerous. He is half
cousin to Carlyle"
DO you know Andrew Webster
Yes, he was Carlyle's uncle. He |
Mas an idiot. He is dead
Did you know Alma Abbott"
Yes, she is CsrlyIe's aunt have
observed her for many years and she,
too. is an idiot. She is given TO attack
ing children and beating them"
DO you know Monte White"
Yes. don't think he was ever in
an insane asylum, but he acts pecu-
IiarFy and is subject to fits. He is
cousin Of Carlyle's.'
Did you know Ethel Bradshaw"
yes, but she is dead now. She was
sjmpIe-mfnded She was half cousin
20 Carlyle"
Did you know Elizabeth Waters?"
yes. she was a great-aunt TO Car
,vle: she was weak minded"
Knew History Of Family.
Mr. Horner mentioned other reIa-
.fves Of the defendant, who, he said |