Evening star., 1934-12-16
AL|EN|ST FOR BELL
MAY CLIMAX CASE
Dr.. Tucker to Give Views on
Sanity TomorroW-Says
Brain Softening.
Continued From First Psge.)

| N~OAAsAAAe~~~ eO--e = -
to pieces physically and mentally. he
said.
At that time, DR.. Decker testified,
Bell was suffering from 'melancholia
infected tonsils, a highly nervous con-
dition brought on by insomnia and
hardening of the arteries"
Bright's disease also was present
the witness said. Bell complained the
eoiter was almost choking him and
he wanted it removed at all hazards.
This poisoned condition Of the system
had speeded up Bells heart to such
a high pitch that DR.. Decker said he
was afraid Of the slump that would
follow the operation.
The physician said this slump fol-
lowed and Bells blood pressure drop
ped from abnormal to subnormal. DR..
Decker said he attended Bell many
times since the operation, and up until
last September he said Bells general
condition grew progressively worse.
Mind "Degenerated."
Last June, DR.. Decker said, Bells
condition showed the worst change
His heart action was extremely erratic
and there was marked mental de-
generation, accompanied by memory
lapses and childish self-contradiction
This mental depression was inter-
rupted occasionally by fits of childish
pleasures. He said Bell exhibited an
unreasonable glee over certain medical
tests.
The defense expert declared these
general symptoms indicated soften
ing of the brain and the loss Of q sense
of responsibility.
Earlier in the day the defense had
called a number Of character wit
nesses, most of whom presented testi-
money designed to bear on the insanity
defense. Benjamin G. Pitts, Bells
partner in the chain Of motion pic
ture houses, recited one incident in
which, he said, Bell offered to sell for
81, 500 stock in the enterprise which
he had purchased for $4,000. Other
witnesses late this afternoon included
C. A. Costen, youthful bank clerk OF
Suffolk, Va. Costen said Bell had
telephoned him on numerous occa-
sions concerning business deal they
were planning. The witness declared
that in the last few months Bell had
made many long distance telephone
calls, many of an inconsequential ma
ture, and few at early hours in the
morning, all of which seemed to indi-
cate an abnormal frame Of mind.
Lawyer Testifies.
Another witness for the defense
Attorney Willis C. Cahoon of Suf-
folk, declared Bell was decidedly "ec-
centric" in their business dealings
since September. 1882.
The first five days of the trial have
been featured by large feminine at
tendance. Every available seat and
resting place on benches and railings
have been occupied by spectators.
Judge Coleman will permit no spec
tator to stand in the court room and
has frequently enjoined bailiffs to
prevent others from entering. On
several occasions he has ordered
elected spectators who could not find
a place to sit down Meanwhile. men
and women are collected outside oi
both doors waiting for O chance tc
enter.
The 60-year-old defendant came tc
Fredericksburg from Fauquier County
as boy He went into the furniture
business with his brother, w. A. Bell
now 81.
Early In his career Bell became q
student embalmer in New York City
His brother said he obtained license
as an embaler and later practiced in
Fredericksburg for some time.
Bell married Miss Madge Wheeler
"a years ago. He later inherited a
large sum from a wealthy relative
The young couple took up their resi-
dence in the home Of the brides ia
ther, and lived there together until
last October when a court order sepa-
rated Bell from his wife after the
formers arrest,