Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1926-11-16
HALL-MILLS TRIAL
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Il - l.
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was not accompanied by the tension
in court developed when letters from
the minister TO the choir singer were
read Saturday. The Woman'S letters
were no less ardent than those of the
man, but there was much more re-
petition of favorite phrases.
The three defendants We're calm
throughout the reaCjug, which was
done by Francis Bergen, Somerset
county prosecutor. He read rapidly
with no stressing of the affectionate
words and sentences Mrs. Hall was
attentive, but between letters when
there was some confusion as to order
and the pile of manuscript had to be
arranged. she spoke a few words to
Mrs. sydney Carpenter. her cousin,
who has sat each day just behind her.
James Mills, husband of the slain
woman, leaned forward in his chair,
with an eXpressionless face. Char
! tofte Mills, the daughter. was out of
! the court room.
Dearest, A>arest boy" was the sal
utation of tn. first letter, and all
abounded in such terms as My darl-
ing Honey" and Sweet, adorable
babykins.' Frequent references were
made to an anticipated love nest"
No house is big enough for me.
need the great outdoors" she wrote
There isn't another man who can
make me SMILE she said, referring
to her love for Hall and his for her as
''nobleman's great eternal love.
am his forever
Two of the letters were almost en-
/ tirefy occupied with discussion of
! book in which the writer compared
the characters to herself and the rec
tor. Once. when she had described
the pain she was suffering. she wrote
Hold me close, Nothing will cure
me bat that"
How friendly our Easton avenue
road looks she said after writing II
get 4 new message OF love every time
you take off your hat" Later she de-
clared that she was so happy | could
dance wildly" NO one understands
me but you" she wrote. "Of course
/ have never shown my true self to
others"
What a muddle we are in" was
plaintive note sounded. You are
true priest and I am your physical in
SEPARATION" one letter read. You see
in me what you teach"
Mrs. Elsie Barnhardt a sister of
Mrs. Mills. testified before the letters
were read into the record that the
choir singer, in reply to a protest that
she was unwise in openly showing her
affection for the minister. told her that
she did not care who knew IT,
Mrs. Barnhardt said also that Mrs.
Mills declared she cared more for
Mr.. Halls little finger than for Jim's
whole body" This statement was re-
peated, she said, in the presence OF
James Mills, her husband.
1t was definitely decided today that
the jury will not be taken to the scene
of the killing. about 10 miles away.
The state had made a motion that the
expedition be arranged. Objection was
made by the defense and the matter
has been held in allegiance. Justice
Charles w Parker, presiding, announc-
ed today that the court had decided
that no substantial advantage would
follow the visit of the jury.
Possibility of a mistrial because a
Ju has held a conversation with
member of defense counsel seem
ed remote. 1t was learned today
that Edward TalIman, juror,
whose brother died Friday asked
Robert II. McCarter. former attor-
ney general and a member of de-
direct him to one of the judges. Mr..
McCarter told the bereaved juror
that one of the judges had just left
the room and rendered his condo
1enceS at the death of the brother
Mr. McCarter explained today
that court official was present dur
ing the conversation. and it seemed
evident that no official cogniZance is
to be taken of the incident.
A new record was made for the
number of witnesses for one day,
when fourteen persons testified to-
day. The witnesses included a sis
ter of Mrs. Henry Stevens wife of
one of the defendants. an under
taker veterinarian, driver of the
hearse which bore the slain minister
to Brooklyn, and the street car
motorman who had Mrs. Mills for
passenger the night she was
killed.
Miss Helen Griffin. sister of Mrs.
Henry Stevens told of the defend
ants departure from his Lavalette
home the day the bodies were found
ana stated that he returned the fol-
lowing T. ursday
Samuel p. Sutphen. undertaken,
and f. Leon Loblein. veterinarian,
told of the position of the bodies.
Tomorrow Is expected to find de-
tectives in the majority among the
witnesses. Jane Torbort of New
Brunswick. will be questioned, it was
said. as to the alleged movements
of Henry Stevens. Detectives listed
for appearance included Peter SOM
meres, Charles Collins and Fred
David
Court adjourned this afternoon