ON TRIAL FOR HIS LIFE AND FOOTBALL GAME IN HOMER

H. H. Holmes.

Cortland Evening Standard, Monday, October 28, 1895.

ON TRIAL FOR HIS LIFE.

Holmes Faces His Accusers In Philadelphia.

THE CASE OPENED THIS MORNING.

This Trial Promises to Go Down In History as the Most Notable Case In the Criminal Annals of the New World

—Review of the Crimes.

   PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 28.—H. H. Holmes, or Herman Mudgett, whose name or alias has run throughout the length and breadth of the continent as the most unscrupulous and skillfull murderer of modern times, was placed on trial for his life this morning in the court of oyer and terminer of this city. The specific charge to which he is called upon to answer is the murder of Benjamin F. Pitezel and he has already officially declared himself not guilty.

   The revolting details of the many crimes with which Holmes' name has been directly or indirectly connected have been given such publicity, and the cold implacable demeanor which has characterized the man throughout, has been so frequently commented upon that the trial will probably pass into history as the most celebrated case known to the criminal annals of the Western Hemisphere.

   The commonwealth has already expended thousands of dollars in its efforts to bring the prisoner to summary justice, and there is an indication that should a conviction for murder in the first degree be obtained, he will be "railroaded" to the gallows.

   Witnesses have been brought to this city from Boston, Chicago, Indianapolis, Irvington, Ind., and almost every city where Holmes is known to have lived at various times. What revelations these witnesses will make has been kept a profound secret by the prosecuting officers, but there is expectation of sensational developments.

   Detective Geyer, who has been for months traveling extensively throughout the country in search of evidence of Holmes' guilt, will be one of the principal witnesses for the commonwealth.

   The skull and portions of the body of Pitezel, as well as the remains of the boy, Howard Pitezel, who is thought to have been murdered by Holmes in Indianapolis, will be exhibited during the course of the trial.

   Judge Arnold is upon the bench, and he has already signified his intention of holding three sessions a day—morning, afternoon and night—so long as the persons interested can stand the strain.

   The prosecution is in the hands of District Attorney Graham and a corps of assistants, while the interests of the prisoner are guarded by Messrs. Shoemaker and Rolan, young members of the local bar.

   Consequent upon the widespread publicity given the case, it is feared that several days will be occupied in securing a jury of men who have not already formed decided opinions concerning the guilt or innocence of Holmes.

   It is impossible to learn even approximately the number of witnesses to be called on either side, but that there will be a goodly number is apparent from the precautions that will be taken to insure their entrance to the court room.

   Announcement has been made that only those who have business therein will be admitted and an increased corps of court officers, augmented by a detail of reserve policemen, will enforce this order at the doors.

Cazenovia Visited by Fire.

   SYRACUSE, Oct. 28—A disastrous fire visited the village of Cazenovia, 20 miles south of here, and destroyed the opera house building, valued at $10,000; the hotel barn of the Lincklaen House, containing a valuable pair of roadsters belonging to F. C. Murtaugh; the law office and valuable law library of Hon. Charles Stebbins and Mr. Stebbins' barn, besides damaging several other buildings. Total loss about $25,000; partially covered by insurance.

OFF POUGHKEEPSIE BRIDGE.

King Callahan Makes a Daring Leap Which May Cost His Life.

   POUGHKEEPSIE, N. Y., Oct. 28.—Patrick King Callahan, 28 years old, of New York, jumped from the top of the Poughkeepsie bridge into the river. The distance is 219 feet.

   At least 30 people saw Callahan's exhibition of nerve. The bridge jumper was seriously injured and may pay for the dare devil experiment with his life.

   Callahan and his backers, John P. Eckhardt and William Lloyd of New York, accompanied by a dozen sporting men and reporters, arrived at Highland and were met by several Poughkeepsie sporting men and newspaper men.

   Callahan, accompanied by four of his party, climbed up the mountain side to the entrance of the bridge. His associates strapped a cork jacket or life preserver around his waist and attached an inflated beef bladder to each of his shoulders. These were calculated to keep him erect in falling.

   Without a sign of fear Callahan clambered over the railing and hung from the edge of the footpath by his hands. His friends were waiting under the bridge in two rowboats to pick him up, and as soon as he saw them he shouted good-bye to those on the bridge and let go.

   As he neared the water his legs separated, and he struck with a noise that sounded like the report of a gun. He came to the surface quickly and, moaning as if in great pain, struck out for one of the boats, the occupants of which picked him up and took him ashore. Then he was carried to Dean's hotel, and a physician was sent for, while his friends rubbed him down and gave him stimulants. A country doctor came and said he was not seriously injured.

   During the day the bridge jumper failed rapidly and Drs. Marill and Sheedy were called. They found Callahan in a state of complete collapse and suffering, from hemorrhages caused by a serious laceration of the perineum extending into the bowels. They gave him hypodermic injections and sewed up the wound. His condition is very critical.

   No arrests have been made. King Callahan claims to have jumped from the Brooklyn bridge on July 27 last and from the Black Friars bridge in London seven years ago. If he lives he will claim the championship of the world. He did not do the act on a wager, he says.

   LATER.—King Callahan, who jumped from the Poughkeepsie bridge, has died of his injuries.

Russian Story Again Denied.

   LONDON, Oct. 28.—The Graphic states that it has high official authority for saying that the report received by The Times from its correspondent in Hong Kong to the effect that China accords Russia the privilege of anchoring her fleet at Port Arthur, and of building railroads connecting Vladivostok and Port Arthur, bears no resemblance whatever to the actual facts of the negotiations between China and Russia. "Moreover," The Graphic continues, "Russia has not approached the crisis in an anti-English spirit."

HOMER DEPARTMENT.

Gleanings of News From Our Twin Village.

   Caleb Sherman spent the day at Tully.

   Alton E. Darby went to Syracuse this morning.

   A representative delegation of Syracusians arrived in town this morning on the 9:54 train. They walked down James-st. and when they reached Main-st., a small display of fireworks was exploded in their honor. The party consisted of Messrs. Ray Martin, Wm. Arden, W. A. Papworth, Thos. O'Brian and Horace Smith.

   Mrs. J. J. Murray and son Oliver left town to spend a few days in New York City this morning.

   Mrs. Mary Brown of Elwood, N. Y., who has been visiting Mrs. Walter Jones, returned to her home this morning.

   Mr. and Mrs. John W. Gorman and children of Nanticoke, Pa., who have been visiting Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Fassett, left town for their home this morning.

   Mr. Alton F. Coles of Auburn was in town this morning.

   The sprinkler did not show up Saturday, but the rain came last evening and helped matters somewhat.

   "Hurrah for our side!" That was the sentiment that occupied the mind of every Homer man that watched the home team play football on Saturday afternoon. The same cry was as appropriate for the friends of the opposing team, so evenly were the elevens matched, and so hotly was the contest waged. As the boys lined up it was difficult to decide which was the heavier team and as they played it was still more difficult to select the stronger one. During the first half Cortland had the west goal and for about ten minutes the Homer academicians forced the ball slowly toward the opposite goal, to about the 100 yd. line. Then by a successful pass Phillips of the Normal juniors ran the ball around the end and back down the field about fifty yards. The game was played in this locality for several minutes and then the home team commenced forcing the ball up the field again. After a succession of short advances the center of the gridiron was reached just at the end of the first half. The game was then exactly as it stood at the beginning.

   The second half was played hard. The teams changed goals and the home team after losing a little time and ground in securing the ball began to forge it slowly down the field. On they went, with bruised head and bloody noses in some instances but never the less they advanced and the crowd cheered at every down, until they were within two yards of the back line. At this point their opponents became desperate and stood like a wall until they secured the ball. By a successful pass and kick, the melon went sailing up the field and the home team lost their last and only chance of scoring during the game. The remainder of the game was played near the west end about the 100 yard line, but no score was made. The visitors made a touchback which many mistook for a safety kick which caused some discussion, but the decision of the referee was finally sustained.

   While both teams gave splendid exhibitions on Saturday, both showed many defects which practice will remedy. The visitors were well trained in team work. In the science of the game as a team they excelled their opponents, but their individual work was confined to one or two of their number. The home boys lack a good scrub team to practice with and though their team work is improving, the team still lacks a knowledge of the tactics of the business. It is fortunate that they have such fellows as Wells to buck, Terry to run, and Allen to break or rather to squirm through a line. Bates, Girard and Newcomb played in splendid form and came in for their share of glory though Wills and Allen seemed to be the grand stand players. The game is therefore the event of the season and was attended by a large and appreciative audience.

RECEIVED THEIR PAY.

Accounts of the Italians Purchased by a Cortland Syndicate.

   The Italians who have been congregated upon the street corners about town for the last two weeks are fast leaving town for other fields of labor. A settlement regarding the six weeks' back pay due them was reached Saturday night and the Italians were glad to get their money. A New York attorney, Henry Heymann, was in town and assisted Mr. Edwin Duffey in the final settlement of their affairs for them. Their accounts which amounted to nearly $4500 were purchased by a syndicate of Cortland men at seventy-five cents on the dollar. After deducting the twenty-five per cent discount and the board, which was payable to Michael Del Papa, the Italians received from ten to twenty dollars each [for sewer installation work].

DELIVERY OF SHINGLES.

A Bicycle Frightened the Team and Away They Went.

   At about 10:30 o'clock this morning Frank Kane was driving one of W. R. Randall's farm teams south along Church-st, with a load of shingles bound for the farm. A bunch dropped off and Mr. Kane got off to pick it up. A lady on a bicycle rode along in the street in front of the horse's heads. They did not stop for their driver, but started off at full speed to Port Watson and down that to Pendleton leaving bunches of shingles at frequent intervals along the street. At the corner of Pendleton-st. the hind wheels struck a hydrant in front of Hon. W. D. Tisdale's residence. The hydrant was broken off and the water poured out in a torrent until shut off a half hour later by the Water company. The hind wheels didn't go any farther, but the forward wheels and dragging wagon box continued south on Pendleton-st. until at the corner of Blodgett-st. a big stout hitching post brought the horses up standing. Mr. Kane soon arrived and claimed the team which had been held by a passerby, No damage was done to the wagon except the breaking of the reach. A new hydrant will probably be required.

A Singular Accident.

   E. S. VanBenschoten of Onondaga Valley died a few days ago as the result of a singular accident, He was about to take a load of straw to Syracuse and was at the end of the wagon pole guiding it, while the men were running the wagon out of the barn. A fork had been left in the top of the load and it caught overhead, but as the wagon passed out of the door it released itself, striking Mr. VanBenachoten in the breast, tines foremost. He pulled it out of his body and walked to his house, when medical aid was summoned.

   After an examination the physician pronounced the wound to be of an external character. The injured man suffered great pain and continued to grow weaker from the effects of his injury. A council of physicians was held and they agreed with the attending physician.

   Mr. VanBenschoten continued to fail until the following morning when he died. The physicians said the shock to his nervous system was the cause of his death, but his son was not satisfied with their conclusion and requested an examination, which disclosed the fact that one tine of the fork had entered his heart, causing death.

BREVITIES.

   —Messrs. George Loucks and J. W. Petrie are to-day painting the wood work on the Dexter House front.

   —Cyclone Smith was arrested Saturday night on the charge of public intoxication. He was discharged this morning.

   —The Republican league will hold a regular meeting in the league rooms tonight, A large and enthusiastic meeting is expected.

   —The sewing school which was started a week ago in the W. C. T. U. rooms with thirty-three pupils had fifty present at the second meeting last Saturday.

   —The proceedings in the Erie & Central New York railroad injunction case will be held in Judge Eggleston's chambers Wednesday, Oct. 30 at 10 o'clock A. M.

   —The case of The People against Ed Hoguenin charged with assault upon Jacob Fink was this morning adjourned to Nov. 4 at 10 o'clock A. M. before Police Justice Bull.

   —Some boys started a fire in a pile of leaves in the woods east of the pump house and the entire hill was burned over during Saturday night, Sunday and the greater part of last night.

   —A very important business meeting of the Junior Epworth league of the First M. E. church will be held in the parlors of the church to-morrow, (Tuesday) at 4 P. M. Let every member be present.

   —A new locomotive for the Erie & Central New York railroad will be here this afternoon, also a carload of coal for fuel in it. The bents of the bridge will be up to-night and it is expected that the bridge will be completed and ready to cross by Friday.

   —The northbound train on the D., L. & W. due in Cortland at 10 o'clock was an hour late this morning owing to a slight accident at Messengerville. A drawhead pulled out of a freight car heavily loaded with pig iron and the car was derailed. No damage was done.

   —The Cortland & Homer Traction company have completed the relaying of their tracks at the corner of Elm and Pendleton-st., making the corner more easy for the transportation of freight cars. They are to-day putting in a switch from the D., L. & W. switch north of the freight house, meeting the electric road just north of the Omnibus & Cab company's shops on Pendleton-st.

   —The Emerald Hose company's fair opens to-night in the armory. This promises to be one of the greatest affairs of the kind held in Cortland in a long time. The opening address will be made by Mr. Edwin Duffey, and there will be music by the Cortland City band. There will also be dancing with music by Daniels' orchestra. "The Darktown Fire Brigade" will not be given until to-morrow night.