Omaha Daily Bee Newspaper, March 13, 1886, Page 2

THE OMAHA DAILY BEE, SATURDAY. MARCIH 13, 1836, BOB PERCIVAL LAID AT REST Tho Last 8ad Rites Performed at His Old Home at Sidney. A LARGE CONCOURSE PRESENT. The lowa Senate Passes the Bill to Reduce Grand Juries to Five Seven, and the Judicial BiIL or Last Rites to Robert Percival, SioNey, lowa, March 12,—[Special Tele- gram.]—The sp train from Council Blulfs, bearing the remains of Robert Perci- val, arrived here at 2 p. m. to-day, accom- panied by the delegation in charge, consist- ing of members of Excelsior Lodge No. 259, to which the deceased belonged, and Bluff City Lodge No. 71, A. F. and A. M. number- ing altogether abont eighty members. Among the distinguished persons attending the funeral from abroad we may mention from Council Bluffs Postmaster Thor Bowman, Judge J. I’ Cassady, Judge E. E. Ayles- worth, Rev. ackey of St. Paul Episcopal chu y Trensurer K. A. Spe man, City Marshal T. IL Alderman W. A. Mynster, E. L. Shugart, William Seidentopf, Chri Straub. The Council Bluffs press was represented by Spencer Smith of the Nonpareil and C. M. Maynard of the Globe. Besides these there were Colonel J. C. Hoffman, J. N. Cassady, J. F. Evans, M. K. Rohrer, M. D. Hardin, orge Gra! wife and daughter, 8. Farnsworth, James A. Jackson, T. M. Gault, Charles Keith, Charles M. Harle and H. G. Cilley of nwood, George Crocker and wife jand Miss Alice Percival, and John Percival, brother of the deceased, of St. Louis, When the train reached Randolph the members of the order joined it there, while from Hamburg came S. Goldberg, George Wise, Dr. Gingert and George Barchers, Awaiting the arrival of the train at the depot was Nishnabotana lodge No. 158 of this city in regalia, wearing mourning badges on the left arm and evergreens in their breasts. The proces- sion formed and marched to the M. E. church, a mile distant, through slush and snow, a raw wind blowing. Arriving at the church the coflin was placed in front of the altar, opened and a long line of people poured in to take a last long look at all that was mortal of Robert Percival, once a neighbor and friend to many here. The beautiful metalic casket containing the remains weighed 700 pounds, and was wrought with gold and silver ornamentations, A silver plate on the lid bore the inscription: *‘Robert Percival, born March 8 1831, died March 9, 1856.” Nishnabotana lodge guarded the remains while the Council Bluffs delegation sought dinner at the hotels. A beantifnl eross and a pillow with the word *“Rest,” tastefully ‘wrought, were the floral tributes on the coflin 1id, the latter bearing a card with the condol- ence of Mr. and Mrs. R. E. Montgomery. At 3:40 p. m, the funeral procession formed nrnm, and marched by the public square to the cemetery, the band playing a di A very large concourse of men, women and child followed to the grave. Here the im- pressive Masonic ritual was read by Worthy Master Charles Harle and the equally impres- sive Protestant Episcopal ritual by kKev. T. G. Mackey. At 4:15 p. m, the coflin was lowered into the grave, the band vlaying *“Nearer, My God, to Thee.” At the conclusion the funer- al escort returned to the Bluffs. Mr. Perci- val is mourned by many warm personal friends here. Legislative Proceeding: Des MoiNes, Iowa, March 12.—[Speeial Telegram.]—The grand jury bill passed to- day is one of the steps taken by the legisla- ture to reform the judicial system of the state. This bill provides for cutting down jury expenses trom one-half to one-third, by reducing the number of grand jurors to five or seven, depending upon the size of the counties, instead of fifteen, the present num- ber. Italso provides against packing juries, as is now so often the case in cities, by re- quiring that but one juror shall be taken from any one civil township. Then it secures a surplus of jurors who serve for a year as a reserve force, if needed, leaving almost no opportunity for a sheriff to go out on the street and make up a jury in the interest of one party. The bill will probably p: the house, and if it becomes alaw will remove many of the evils of the present grand jury system. Actuary Vail of Chieago, whose exertinate charges while examining Iowa insurance companies first brought Auditor Brown into trouble, is now here, being examined by the Brown investigating committee, e was first invited to come by letter, but declined. e was then summoned by subpaena served by a special constable in Chicago, and after that concluded to put inan appearance, The Investigating committee are working with closed doors, but 1t is understood that some of Vail's testimony is going to implicate some prominent officials in the questionable transactions. ‘T'he senate also passed a bill providing for the election and compensation of county attorneys, fixing their salaries at $600 in counties having less than 10,000 population, $900 when the population is between 10,000 and 20,000, $1,200 between 20,000 and 80,000, and $L500 in counties having more than 80,000 population. ‘The senate then took up the Gatch bill for regulating mutual benefit nssociations, and pending settlement ad- journed. 'ne house spent the greater part of the day in considering the bill providing for the election and compensation of county attorneys, a bill similar to the one in the sen- ate, After a debate running for several hours it was decided to send the bill back to the committee to be reported upon, with such corrections as seemed necessary, by to-mor- row afternoon. The house then began work on the bill providing for the reorganization * of the judiciary by conferring jurisdiction of the eircuit court upon distriet judges, The bitl was taken up by sections, but pending disposal the house adjourned. e TAE POWELL JURY, The Story of the Proceedings of That Rody In the Oase, The case of Lafayette Powell, who is now confined in the county jail, is still exciting a great deal of interest, and amuch sympathy is expressed for the risoner. The jury in the case came in st Monday and reported tl they were unable to come to any agrecment. The foreman reported that he had heard that one of the jurors had been approached by an outside party, and that he would like to have the court instruct him as to the best course to purs It turned out, however, that no one had attempted to miluenee the jury in any improper man- ver, and the whole matter was dropped A reporter for 2 received ref ble information yesterds the proceedings in the jury roony, The first vote taken on the question as to whether or not Powell was guilty of mur- dor in the tirst degree or not stood 10 to 2 in favor of conviction. Long arguments were then delivered by several of the Jurors, who thought t the shooting L Was not premeditated, o at under no _ eizcumstances could murder in the first degree be charged. This view met with general aceeptinee and the jury then + gonsidered the question of manslaughte! Judge Nuville's chargq was read again and aguin, withoui, bowever, bringing the jurois any uesrer W un agreciment ~ Various yotes were tahcw with ferent results, until finally A, L. Wig gins, who was in favor of convict ing Powell of marder in_ the first degr stated that two of the jurors had bes 1 talking to near relatives of the pr “Tam one ol thoss jurors,” said Mr Keeps raising to his feet, “I meta wom- an when we were coming from dinner and recognized hor face but couldn’t quite place her. She finally told me that she used to be employed by my sister and that Powell was her sister’s husband. 1 then left her and went towards the jury room."" “I am the other,”” remarked John Tay lor, “L met a friend in the court whom I had not seen for eight y I shook hands with him. He wi brother-in-law, butno words we! about the trial."” Matters went on till the vote stood 11 1 for acquittal, Wiggins being the only man in favor of conviction. k guments of the strongest character were used upon the obdurate ‘m'ur, but to no_avail, as ho persisted in his determination to against acquittal. Finally the jury ave up the and reported that they could not agree. They are very severe in their strictures upon Wiggins and say that he had to ask the meaning of the word “scruples” used by the judge in his charge. Morcover, they claim that he said in the jury room that he was opposed to the infliction of capital punishment. The eleven men who voted for uit- tal are by no means satistied with the re- sult of the trinl, and have prepared a let- ter asking District Attorney Estelle to enter. vlle pros in Powell's case. They do this on the ground that Wiggins wa 50 deaf that he could not hear the testi mony, that he was ignoran, prejudiced and obstinate. e i RELIGIOUS, Powell's s spoken Three of John Wesley's great-zrandsons are clergymen of the Church of England. y called “The Jesus Opposers” ) srnied in Japan, the object of whicli is to offset thie work of the mission- aries. ar book of the church of England reporis that $7,500,000 were contrib- uted in 1854 for churcli extension in England and V The Free Chureh of Scotland has had a do- nation of £60,000 from Dr. See of Ruther- glen, the annual interest to be expended on its wiissions in India and Afric Stnce the year 1353 the Presbyterian church has received into its ministry 230 ordained ministers from other_churchiés—61 in 1355, in 1554, and 81 inalsss, A quarter of a centu disconrse had over been preached in- Mex Now the missionary laborers in that country include ninety-eiglit ordained ministers and represents fivo denominations. o Kaspar Auch ccessful_ Chris- tian business man of ans, after be- queathing S35,000 to relatives, leit the re- f his 0 to the ten v ago no Protestant hes of that cit The colored Sunday__school arted in- Lexington, © Va, ov years ago by “Stonewn hie was a professor in the V institute, 1s still in a tion. “I thini I should only pay half taxes, for I am only asked to pay half the usual railroad rates when travelng,” was the novel argu- ment recently made by aclergyman before the board of revision of taxes, when he at- tempted to have the tax on a_small piece of vroperty reduced. He didn’t get what he wanted.—[Philadelphia Call. Several Mormon elders have been zeal- ously proselyting in northern Alabama for x months, and have made many converts among the cobntry people, The farmers in Choctio and Shinbone valleys in Clay county have notified them that they must leave, and threaten to use force. The élders refuse to go on the ground that they are engaged in legiti- mate work. A number of women and some men have gone to Utah, ‘The Bible which is in official use in the United States supreme court at Washington has been in use there sico 1508, It was nted at Oxford, England, in 1 1t has n used for swearing into oflico eyery jus- ice of the court who has cver taken the oath. Every attorney admitted to practice in the supréme court has been sworn on_ that copy of the Secriptures. 1t is a small copy ani much worn, especially where the fingers grasp it. . In Northwest Canada the perils and ¢ ings of the Catholic missionay winter been greater than u: Grandin says that two of his priests were cilled by the Indians beeause they would not favor the rebellion. Two priests were drowned by the breaking of the ice while try- ing to cross a river, One priest was drowned by the upsetting of his skiff while he was try- ing to save an Indian boy, Three prie were frozen to death in a bhzzard. Four who were confined in Poundmaker’s camp vere so badly frozen that their lives were h difliculty save . *“Ihe Congregational Year Book for 1585’ is very full and complete, and gives evidence of the skill and perseverance of the compilers are Congreg churehes in all the tes except Delaware, and in all the ter tories except Alaska. The total number of churehes j5 4,170, and of church menbers 418,564, of whom more than one-third males.” The number of families conne with this churel is 235,717, and_of -members of the Sunday schools 510339, The total amounc of beneyolent contributions reported for 1885 was £1,760,235 and of home expen: 84,507, Thers 4,043 ordained minis- of whom 2,864 are pastors or acting p; nd 1,179 without pastoral charge, Iar; numbers of the latter being s tors, professors or in othiel e How We Know It’s Here, When you hear the cold wind screeching O'er ihe green and down the street, And the rheumatism reaching From your head down to your fee Wiien vou snifle, when you sneeze, When you cough, and when you wleeze, As the penctrating breeze Gayiy carols through the trees, "Then you have the est assura “That the vernal spring is So screw up your While the festive March is h . - The Model Man. He don't play the fiddle, part his hair in the widdle, ior dress like an Anglican dude, When he goes toa party with Meigs or M- Carty, he never is noisy and rude, When he lives in frug; which was r twenty-five ackson, when ginia Military tlourishing " condi- ity and_sweet conju- gality, piebut two tines o day He never ats onions nor treads on your bunions, nor growlswhen you get in his way. He's wise and he's witty, perseveri gritty, and has a waghificent head; He's all light and sweetness, he'sthorough completeness, he's pertection fu- short— but he's dead. g and =[Lynn, (Mass.) Union, A Personal Paragraphs, C. B, Carter, G. K. of the Grand Lodge of Royal Arch Masons of Nebraska, leaves to-days for and Island on business con ed with the fraternity. H. C. Richie, of Louisville, Ky., is a Paxton guest, S.J. Sutherland, of North Platte, is registored at the Millard. Harry Hunter and mother, of Adrian, Mich., are in the city on their way to }bunvcr. They are stopping at the l(hl ENDORSERS. The foll wing distinguished per- sons, woll and widely known tostity 10 tho valuable properties of Simmons’ Liver Regulator Alexander H. Stephens, W. Bec Bishop of Go n. Jno. B, ¢ %, B - Ino. Gill = david Wills, Jishop ¥ Ji rigta, wlo. Alabama, mpsox Ben Hill. Hou. John C. Breckenridgo, Hivaim W ner, lute Chiot Justico of Ga, Lewis Wunde aster, Philadelphia, y others from whom we have uting upon this me 88 4 most valunll: housohold rem 3 1 you are suffering und cannot find ro- llef, procure atonee from your druggist 8 bottic of Rogu'ator. Give it a fair t/ial and it will not only afford relief but per- anently eure you. Sce that you get the genuine. 3 Propared by J 1L ZEILIN & CO., Puilade(ph THE TRAGEDY REHEARSED. James Ewing Tells How He Placed Him- self in Lauer's Position on the Bed. WHY THEY SEPARATED. The Conrt Room Orowded With Spoc- tators Interested in the Famous Lauer Trial—Sensational Developements, Ahe Lauer Trial. There was un_expression of weariness upon the faces of the jurymen as they filed into the district court yesterday morn- ing. They have been closely confined in the jury room since the beginning of the trial, and ve been obliged to sleep upon such mattresses as the sheriff could furn- ish. Promptly as usual Lauer came into the room, and taking his seat at the table he assumed his customary attitude. A few minutes later he was joined by Judgo Savage, who engaged his sister in earnest conversation. The crowd in the room not as large as it was the day be- but the number of lad pres- ent was as great. Yesterday morning the ladies were all seated together in front of the rail, their presence serving to bright- en the otherwise gloomy aspect of the court room. The first witness placed upon the stand was Dr. Coffman, who was examined by Gen. Cowin. He stated that he had known both Laucr and his late wife for several years, He said that he was called to attend her one time two years ago, at Mr. Iler's house. It was the occasion of her separation. “She was suffering at the time from nervous prostration and inability to sleep,” said the doctor in response to a question by Gen. Cowin, ‘“She was con- fined to her bed nearly a week.” *‘Did she tell the cause of her difficul- “She did. Iafterward saw Mr. Lauer at my office to ask about his wife, saying that he had been refused permission to see her. T told him she was nervous and ng a great de used by her \im. [ adyised him not to go co ler. said that she had told me t L had n maltreated, and that he had struck with a revolver, and that on another oceasion he had thrown a turkey at her. Sl id she was not_afraid of him and that she'd rather go back and live with him if she knew he would kill her.” “What did he say about this state- ment?” “‘He made no response, except that he hodisan’ unconteolinbla temper and at times did things which he regretted.” On cross-examination the witne: ed that Mrs. Lauer was not sullering from any physical trouble. Her trouble was entirely mental. The records of the preliminary examination were produced with a view of showing that Dr. Coffman had then testified that he mentioned no specific instances of abuse to Mr. Lauer, but the doctor did not remember of I ing given such testimony. He persisted i ng that he had luf;l Lauer about Lauer’s complaint that he hit her \vu'h a revolver and had thrown a turkey at her. “Didn’t Lauer take all the blame?"* “He did, Both_seemed to desire a reconciliation. Mrs. Lauer did not throw the blame upon her husband. She said that she was quick tempered and did not claim to have an angelic disposi- tion. Iadvised him not to live with his wife until I sure he had perfeet con- trol of himself. Both parties seemed to attribute the dificulty to quick temper.” “Did she take the blame for being struck with the turkey and hit with the pistol 2 asked Gen. Cowin. “Hold on now, we object," quickly said Mr. Thurston. “That's not a proper question.” The objection was sustained. The Curtain Was Up. George L, Dennis, one of the coroner’s jury at the Luuer inquest, testified to whit he heard Mr, Lauer say in the pres- of Mr. Baldwin and Mr. Estelle, the inquest. s conversation was the same as that related by Mr. Baldwin Thursday, and brought out the fact that Lauer said that ft his wife for the coroner.” The amined in relation to the ndow in_the dining room, which had a light buft curtain. Mr, id that there was nothing on the and that the condition of the ame as when the shoot- e curtain was half way The witness stated that the night of shooting was v ight and that a t moon was shining Dennis was 1 of mental de- wtion from witn outside, was ¢ ing occurr up. the brill Mr. amined by Judg red the Clani- r 1sed by Mr. Lauer when he stated it tho window wa in the samo condi- tion the fext morning as it was the night of the shooting. *‘Lauer said,” declared Mr, Dennis, “that everything was in ex- actly the e condition that it was the night previous, He did not mention the window specifieally. He spok, room and the surroundings, and calied attention to the blinds in the hed-room. He did this twice, once in the bed-room and once 1 the dining-room.” He Wanted to Kick Him, J.W. Iler, the next witni stated he first learned of the lomicide about 8 o’clock the next morning, and soon after- wards went upto the house with Mr Peter Her and his wife. There were a number of p.-..},l.-nn-r. ho were stran- gers to him, He had several conversa- tions with the defendant, He explained how the shooting took place. *“T'he most direct explanation,” said Mr. Iler, “‘was made in the sitting room the night after the funeral, My wife asked him if he was wide awake when he fired the shot. ‘Yos,' veplied Lauer, ‘just us wide awake as I am this minute.” He then went on to say that he was awakened by a noise and “got his pistol before he” saw the figure. Then he saw the object and shot. He saw the body fall towards the bed. He said that he rolled over expecting to see the head appear at the side of the bed and if he had seen the head it was his intention to shoot ugain, He stated that it was not until then that he felt for his wife and found she was not in bed.” was said about burglarsy” “My wife said that it was strange that burglars should stop to talk in his room and Lauer made no response. The next @ Mrs. Iler, Mrs. Harus, Mr., nge lady and myself were z room J. D. ller came in. “Wh ner syt “He said ‘H—1. I'd a great mind to kick him out of the house.” The body of llm wite was then in the front part of the house, ™" On cross-examination Judge Savage tried to bring out the fact thatJ, D, 1 and Lauer were not on good terms, in fact did not speak to each other. The witness, however, knew nothing about any ill feeling bevween them. “Don’'t you know,” asked Judge . “‘that Lauei i been informed that J. D. Iler was trying to stir up pub lic fecling against him? ““No, sit, I know nothing of the kind,” rejoined the witness empl.2tieally. )0 you know,” asked Gou Cowin. “that Lauer knew that J. D. Lier did not aceept his assertion that the shot was in- tended for a burgl do ot know Mrs. ller Speaks Mrs. J. D. ller dressed fo & hapd some furcloak with - puir of Uashing diamonds in her ehrs,then walked slow- ly to the witness stand and. was sworn. Her examination' was ne follows Q. “Were you at your house at the timo of this tragedis A. I was. Q. When did you first gaup to the house? A. The next |nnr||ivwx|}ll>|’(h|- tragedy. Q. You went up’with whom? A. With Mrs. Poter Ller and my husband Q. That was off Saturday, was it? A, Yes, sir, it was the morning after the tragedy. % Q. About what time do you think yon got there, Mrs. Tlery A, About 10 o'clock or a little after > Q. Did you h ! a ‘conversation with Mr. Lauer, or didhe have one in your presence with anyone else concerning the accident of the shooting, and 1f so, what was ity A. He did not talk person- ally with me. He was telling every one who came how it occurred. Q. Did you make any inqui at that time? A, No Q. Did you at another time have a con- versation” with him, where you made some inquir as to certain fact A Yos, sir, on Monday cvening Q. Where were “you then? A, Inthe house, in the dining room, Q.. Were you up thereafter the funeral? A, Yos, sit? (.[l What conversation did you have with bim then, and how was it od? A. Ido not remember the conversation. He was talking and telling about it, cannot now remember what he said. Q. Did you say anything to him? A. 8, sir, Q. What did you y tohim? A, I asked if he was wide awake. He said as much s he was at that minute, Q. What did you reply to that? A. T said, “Why didn’t you see who you were shooting at?"’ Q. What did he say to that? A. I do not remember that he made any answ Q. Now, did you hear him state as to i i A. He smid he heard voices in the next room. Q. Then what, if you can remembe A. Then he reached over and got his r volver, and saw an object in the door. Q. Do you remember saying any- thing about looking over the side of the bed after he fired the first shot? A. He suid if he could have seen the body he would have fired again. Q. Do you remember of Mr. coming into the room with M A. Yes, sir. Q. When was that? A, Tt was before the funcral; Saturdag or Sunds Q. Now, at the tinie_that he where were you? A, 1was couch, I think Q. Who else was there? A. There was quite a number there, strangers to me. My husband might have been in the room, Q. Who o while you we Mr. J. D, Ller together Q. What, if anything, did Mr. Lauer say? A. He said he felt like kicking him (Mr. J. D. Iler) out. Q. Was that while the body was there? s, Sir. \ Q. Did anybody thake any remarks to him? A, I donot)know that they did. Q. Mrs. Iler, were you there at the house, probably the Monday evening after that wlhuu some one came to call Mr. Lauer out? A. It:was Monday evening Q. Who was in the house at that timq A. Well, myself and htisband, Mr. Lauer and his sister, and’sonje gentlemen came in, Q. How many gentlemen came in? A. or seven, ‘all strangers to me, called. ) Q. Who was it that called Mr. Lauer out? A. Ldonotknow. Q. After that, what did Mr. Lauer do? A. He got ready to go with them. (i, And then what? A. Hecame to me, and stooping dowm;shook hands with me i‘““ aid, “1f I do'not come back, good by “Q. Washe more or less excited at the time? A. T think he was, Q. Did he then go out? A. Yes, sir. Q. How long did you remain’ there, Mrs. er? A. ‘A half or three-quarters of an hour, probably. : Q. Did he come back while you were there? A. No, sir. On cros: umination Mrs. Iler stated that she had been on good terms with the defendant. “Did you believe Lauer’s version of the tragedy ¥ “When T first heard it I did not believe it. Afterwards I went to the house, and a8 everybody said it was an aceident so 1 fell into t v alse.” Judge Savage then quéstioned M as to the reason why she r her “experience with bur ) 2 not in the habit of talking in a loud voice.” She 1 that she judged from what she read that burglars re in the habit of remaining quict while burg| a house in the night. In ng of Lauer’s remark to her on going out she said she did not think that meant to escape “What did you think#" g Cowin. *“I thoughthe w be lynched,” sai tinet voice. s of him Lauer Lauer? _eame in, ting on the me into the room, then, there at that time? A, nd Mrs, Havens came in ed Gen. aid that he might Herina low, dis Mr. Burnham's ‘Testimony. N. J. Burnham testified as follows: About the hour when Mrs. Lauer met her teath I was up and walking around my house, and noticed that it was a brilliant moonlight night. The curtain was pa up and the light was streaming in, ou are familiar with the moon at hour, Mr. Burnham, are you not#’ 1r. Thurston. you and I have that both seen it at that time. *Did _you think it was the same you had'seen before?” *Yes, we've both seen it befor “Was it full?” “1 couldn’t tell.” || moon aughter.] Rehearsing the Tragedy. James Ewing testitied that he saw Lauer Sunday evening after the shooting when he was in the sitting room of his house. Miss Launer were present, who left the room at the re- quest of Gen, Cowin, He related the oc- currence of the evening as follows: “I laid down on the outside of the bed and Gen. Cowin stood, on the threshold of the door between the sitting room and bed room, 1 looked at Gen. Cowin and could see his head and’ Hart of his chest, the footboard obstructed the view. There was a coal oil lamp and a stove in the room at the time. - ‘'he stove contained a good deal of isinglass which was bright and clean. There was a pretty good fire in the stove, not brilliant, but it was an or- dinary clean fire. This all happened after dark. After Laaet left the room the lamp was first tuzged . down and at the suggestion of Gen. Uowin it was finully put out, ST By the Light from the Stov There was no light in the room ex ept that from the stove When 1 wus lying upon the bed. Gonesal Cowin was then on the threshold and I could distinguish him. Iecould see his collar and cufls. His features were visible so that I could recognize him. He moved back, and I could tell who it wasas tong as I could sce his face, General Cowin then got on the bed and 1 stood i1 the doorw: could distinguish him but not so plainly as when he was standmg. I could oui- line his features und eould see his coll and anything whit had on. Cowin then lay down on the foor when I could gnize him S “Did you observe furniture while the Jamp was our?’ 'Ilvulu'l distinguish the furniture. I doorway ng the bed and ev in 1wy hand and could in ‘the lines.” 5 Y Mr. Ewing wis ully oted o a rigid cross exymination by Judge Thu which Lrought mo uew fucts Lo lij The court then took a recess till 2 o'clock in the afternoon. The Afternoon Proceedings. Court convened promptly at 2 o'clock for the afternoon session, with Lauer and his relatives in their customary seats. The space inside the railing was entirely occupied by ladies who watched the pro- gress of the trial with the closest atten- tion. S. W. Niles, city editor of the MORNING BEE, was the first witness, He stated that he first met Lauver the day after the shooting. He conversed with Lauer in_the bed room, and was shown the way in which the furniture lay. All present were looking at the window and somebody asked if the window was open? “Yes,"” replied 1 r, “the shutters and blind were open.” “Was anything said about the light?" asked Mr. Estelle. It was mentioned in his presence that the light must have streamed in, but 1 don’t think Lauer said anything. ¥ “What conversation did you have with Lauer about the tragedy?"’ “He told how it occurred. He snid it would have made no difference 1f it had been his mother or his grandmother. It wasn't because she was his wife that he shot. *You can see how straight Ishot,’ continued Lauer, ‘I hit her in the centre of the head.’ " Y On cross-examination Mr. Niles stated that Lauer talked frankly to him about the occurrence. He understood him to say that the window and blind were both open, He said nothing about the curtain which at that time was part way up. At this point Mr.Estelle asked the court for an attachment for a witness named Mrs. Bell, who, he said, was unwell, but perfectly able to come to court. The jndge granted the attachment, with the understanding that if she was really ill it was not to be served. The taking of tes- timony was then resumed, and A. R. Fenwick, a reporter for the Herald, was put upon the stand. He said that he went to Lauer’s house the afternoon fol- lowing the time of the shooting. He went into the sitting-room and noticed the window: d “What did he say about the windows?" “He said that the window in the sitting room was open." The rest of Mr. Fenwick’s testimony was substantially the same as that of Mr. Niles. Mrs. Goetschius on the Stand. Mrs, Julin Goetschius, the mother of the late Mrs. Lauer, was néxt placed upon the stand. She was dressed in black and wore a heavy erape veil thrown back over her head and falling in graceful folds down her bac As she left her” seat the spectators st ened themselves up and cagerly strained their ears to listen to what she said, They d that her examination would be ¢ most in ing fea S I and in this they were not mist General Cowin' asked her the first question the silence in the room was intense, Pec seemed to almost be atraid tobreathe, fearin; that the sound of their respiration mighit cause them to lose one of her words. The attention of the women ted inside the railing was perhaps. the closest, as many of them knew Mrs. Goetschius well, and some of them had even been present atthe w ding_of her daughter, to_which they hac the time entered & wild protest. Her oxam- ination was as follows: Q. You know the_defendant, John W. Latier, do you?. A, Yes, sir. Q. The dec Iy Lauer, was related to you in wh A, She whs my daugh- ter, my second child. Q. At what time was she_married to Mr. Latier? A, On the 2d of May, 159, . tow long nad you known Mr. hat? A. ADout six or nine Was he boarding at your house Lauer nths, Al , Q. You remember thelr engagement? A, Yes, sir. 1 will ask you, Mrs. Goetschius, whether before the marriage actially took piace there was any diflieulty between them? A, There W You may state what you know of any unkindness to her, on his part, before mni- ringe. Objected 10 as irrelevant and imm terfal, Objection overruled. A. A wentl man boarded at our house who did not eare to go up town often, and he accused lher of befng intimate with'him. I asked Mr. Laner out in the kitchen if he asked me for that child for his wife in order to abuse her said 1 wish you would withdraw your engage- ment, for L thinle it will be a vty unliappy Life that Sally will live with you. I said will seo the coflin lid elose over that child before two years. Mr. 1 er stood in the door with Lils hands in'h pockets and said nothing. Overcome by Her Feelings. As Mrs. Goetschius said the words she faltered, her voice broke and, raising her handkerchief to her eyes, she ied her head against her hand and it seemed that her grief would be too & r her to bear. A Turmur of sympathy 1 through the au- dience, and a numbes ies who were in iling min; ecoyered ver, and the ¢ Q. Where wer A. At our house. ; % Q. ITow longdid they live the A. They were there three or four weeks before they went to housekeeping, I am not positive which, Q. Mrs, etschius, did you know from any other source than the stitement of your daiighter of his treatment of ler while living there? A. No, sir, 1 did not. Q. You remember the occasion of their sep- aration? A, Y, s ; 2 Q. You may state, Mrs. Goetschius, if you remember what day it was that they sepa- ted ; when she laft the house and went to Mr. Iler's? A, It was Tuesday she came down to the house and told me, Now, before this, while Ii ITina fow amination p they marrie rconds, how- ded, ng up at the ly oceurred, did sl Visit your house mueh?” A. Y but 1 et deal, and she was” aliays sad. - very s, Q. What timein_the day did she como down to your house, on_this ‘Tuesday after the separation? A, In the fore part” of the day. Shecame in erying and looking very palé and thin, very sid, 1o did ot éome to your house the next did she? A Nos ere did shego? A, To my brother's, 5. Q. When did you see he courbrother'’s? A. Not unf ter she went to Ithe afternoen of did you find her when you went 2 A Lylng on the bed erying, Q. ilow long did “you rewain theie? A, An hour or 5o, Q. Do you know how long she remained at Mr, P, E; ller's at that tim A. 1 think a couple of weeks from the time she went there, Q. Do you know, as a matter of fac whether Sr. Lauer went away at that time not? A. Yessir. Y Q. You know the occasion of his coming back? A. sir. Q. And they went to iving together again? A, Yes, sir, . Q. Mrs, Goetschius, did Mr. Lauer go to se¢ you before u.km.s your daughter back to live with him again? A, Yes, sir; he came with some letters, Q. Now, from that ti ) did you see much of Sally? A. Yes, did; T went there as often as I could; quite a good deal of her. Q. Did she come to your house mueh? A, Not very much; there was a gentleman there and shé was very partieular about going there, Q. When was the last time you saw her alivi A. On Friday afternoon, the day be- fore she was shot. 3 At this point Mrs. Goetschius again broke down and falted out a few inaudible words, It was trying for her to relate the unhappy tory of fier daughter’s life, but she was ey nily determined to go throngh with From this time forward she gave her tesi wony in_a cl distinct voice, audible 1 wrt of the ro h Where was that? At my hou Q. At what time did’ she leave ther A.'Bie came between 2 and 3 o'clock, and Staid but a few minutes. She called to "take we out riding, but I eould not o, : Q. When did you tirst learn of her death? A. When My, Her came there for e, . Then you got up to the house, did you, Y same time that Mr. and Mrs, Ler got there? A, Yes, sir, Q. Did you go into the house immediately on getting up? A, No, sir, not for quite a while, They went ‘in but Ldid not. " 1 was prevented trom going in. Q. Did you know why when you got th A."No, siry 1 did not, Q. Do you temember who was in: the house? -A. No, sir, I dv not remember. Q. Now fore that, atter Mr. and Mrs, Lauer commenced lving together - again, upon his return trow DLio o wherever e death y 1 Isaw on until he, 2 had been, did you see him before this homi- cide ‘after his retarn from Ohio? A until atter they had gene to living toge Q. Did you 8ce him then? A. Yes, Q. Where did you see him, Mrs, Goetscius? A, In my own hous Q. Now you may state how long after he got back he came to your house? A. Nearly two weeks, He canie and put out his hand 1o shake hands with me. He said, “L would like to speak to you,” and we went into wie parlor and sat down. Q. State as nearly as you can {hat conver- {on, if you remeimber any of it, Mrs. Goe scius, | A, uer, you remember what T told you when 1 gave you that enild for your wife, that in two yéars from that time_you would have her'in her grave and that I 'would sooner close the coffin’ lid over my child than hav arried to you. Q. What did he say? A. He said nothin; more than, “things will be better_ hereafter.” Q. Do you remember who was in the house on this night—go back to that point? A, Do you mean after the death? Q. Yos, when you went up to the house after you had heard of it. Thought Only of Her Ohild. A, Lpaid 0o attention to any one but my chifld, Q. Did you notice Mr. Lauer when you first went'In, or how long after you went in did you notice him? A. An hour or two. Q. State as neatly as you can any conver- sation you had with him In regard to her. A. He told me how it happened. He told ne iie saw an_object coming towards hin and leard whispering., He heard and saw an object coming towards him and turned over and got his revolver and fired, and after he had fired he expected the oblect to ko around the foot of the bed, but it did not, and lie felt for s wife, but s wife was gone, and for the first time he thought it was she, He said “1 saw by the heaying of her chest that slio was breathing and Ief€ her for the undertaker,” 1 asked “Why didn’t you have the doctor?” and he said tliere was no use of it attor she was dead. . Did you remain_thero most of the day Saturday? A, I remained all day Saturda and nearly all day Sunday. 1 came back Monday morning. Now, on Saturda talk with him by yourself? A. Yes, in the parlor: the body was the Q. Was there any one else in the room but ou and Mr. Later? A. No, sir; we went nto the room together, kneeling by the bed. I asked him what that ¢lild ad ever done to cause so miutch trouble. “Now tell me, please do, I do not care what it is, tell me all about it." Why are you so jealous of her?” He sa “iwant no ‘one tolook at her, I all to myself.” Q. Did he shed a tear while you were kneeling by his wife's bed; did tie shed a tear any time that you w there, that you Not that I saw. Wihiile you were_thiere on Saturday did he hiave any conversation with you in regard to his future movements! {es, sir Q, You may state what fhat, was, Mis, Goetschius, A, He wanted me to bring my boarders and_move into the house, He saiil there was a mortgage on the house and he wanted me to pay the mortgage, What did you say to thisd A. T said: This is no place to talk of such things. Q. On Saturday did you have any conver- sation with him In regard to the burial of his wite? A. 1 uding by the stove in_the dining room, and he said. “We will bury her to-morrow.” I said,"Mr.Lauer,that is hurrying Sally out of the world too soon.” He Said That s as long as they gen cep them. Q. at did yousay in reply to that? A. 1 said We inade atangements to ve the tuncral on Monday. Q. About the time of the funeral you may state whether he said anything to you about whiat you should wear, or anything of that kind, or what he wanted'to kive you. A. He opened the bureau drawer and fook out Sally’s wateh and said, “If yon will carry it L will'wind it for you.” I said,*This is no place to think of such'things.” . After the funeral were 2 “A. No, sir, I have ne since the funeral. ier she made any complaints at ‘Tuesday before the Friday she incompetent.) did you have an it her up to the been back to you left? The Cross: Mrs. Goetschius was then subjected to a rigid cross-examination by Judge Thurston, who asked ber if she did not state at the in- que: t she had not been to Lauer’s house since her daughter’s iliness, and that sinc that time her daughter had reccived the utmost attention aud care. “Ldid say so0.” replied Mrs. Goetschius, Q. “During that time did she not appear briznter, happier and more cheerful?” A, “She subject to as many fits of despond- ency as before, but on the whole perhaps she was happier.” As. Mrs, Goetschius left the stand, Bailift Grebe approached the beneh and’ held a whispered conversation with Judge Ne “The witness, Mrs, Bell,” said the judge, too ill to be brought into court. aocording to atement of her physician. 1 take the jury and the i s to her house and examine her ther “I think we'd better adjourn,” remarked General Cowin rising [rom his seat and ap- proaching the judge. *In the first place T doubt if is competent for this court to take her testimony in any place but the court room.” *Might it not asked Judge and looking SIf s w Gen not be dono by econsent?” Nevyille leaning over the desk at the lawyer for the defense. g to take such a step,” said Cowin, “the defense will not object to itas their consent will not remedy the or. 1f there isonestep taken wliich is ne these whole proceedings are invalid.” Perhaps they are in any case from that oint of view,” said Judgo lle, “'as wo have moved the court from the ofd court house to this spot without legislative enact- ment.” ‘hat’s different,” responded Judy age, who would not_usea slang *ex even to acquit his client. *“Thiat was done by the adyice of the sheriff and_ commission- ers.”’ After a few moments delibarrtion the court decided to adjourn in the hope of hay- Mrs, Bell present this morning. Almost a Fire, The electrie light wire which enters th store of B. Moore & Co., on Dodg street, became crossed last evening with the telephone w! and the it was that a blaze was sl e, It was extin- Lilll,\]ll'(l before any material harm was done, except that the telephone box was nearly consumed., e We will take a few more Omaha loans at low rates. J. W. & E. L. Squine, Council Biufis, Iowa. — If you buy lumber anywhere withont first getting Hoagland’s ‘prices yon will lose mone, city AT RN A Beautiful Store, Tho finest and most complete Art Store west of Chicago is Hospe's, 1518 Douglas. - . What Discouraged Him From Bathing “It will be summer pretty soon. By y, did you bathe at Coney Island ary’’ snid Miss Knickerbocker to nobberly, a New York dude. Not much. You see, I ain't a_very good swimmer, ye know, Besides, I got di -n\\'un:j;ul. “What ouraged you?" ““T'he fellow who attends to the bathing suits. He told me to lang tho key of m) bath room around my neck, and ‘when asked him what for, he said so they would be able to idwentify mybody. After that, I'didn’t go in any deeper than my knee, ye know.” AMES O S The Great Invention, For EASY WASHING, IN HARD OR SOFT, HOT OR COLD WATER Without Harm to ¥ABRIC or HANDS, and particularly adapted ©0 Warm Climates No amily, rich oF poar, should be without it. Sold by wll Grogers, but beware of vile i tatious. - PEARLINE 15 manufactured only by JAMES PYLE. NEW YORK: WHEAT DISPLAYS STRENGTH. The Market Scores Another Bulge in Spite of Adverso Oiroumstances. FOREIGN TRADE FULL OF LIFE. Nothing of Interest fn Other Come modities—Prices Remain Matori- ally Unchanged—Live Stock and Goneral Repor CHICAGO GY CricAco, March 12, —(Special Telegram.]—= WnrAT—The curbstone market for wheat was a buy out this morning, and when busi- ness opened on the board, with prices %o above last nignt's closing, there were some who regarded the bulge as a purely speculat- ive one and went in for a scalp on the short side, They bought the stuff back later at a loss, Not for some time past has the mar- ket displayed more independent strength than it did to-day, in view of the heaviness in provisions and the favorable weather for winter wheat. True, there are seat- tering reports ocoming In ocvery day announcing damago to that crop here and there, but they cause no general uneasiness, After starting in at $5%o for May the mdarket fluctuated up to noon within'a range of 3e, or with &5 @%5%c as the extremes, with the bulk of trading at 841 @$41ge. News from abroad to-day was all of onemold, In other words, private cables corroborated public ones, and they were un- qualifiedly so strong that the bulls were greatly encouraged with the outlook. Spot wheat In Liverpool was quoted 1@2d higher for all grades, and cargoes, both off const and on passage, were called strong. This was really about the only feature in to-day’s mar- ket, though liberal clearings at New York yesterdny and reports that a fair export business was being worked to- day, were strong factors, ¥esterday eighteen boat loads of wheat (144,000 bu), flour equal to 6,000 bbls, and 125,000 bu of corn were taken, The New York market opened }ge higher, and there was considerable buying here to- day by eastern houses. A good line of short wheat was covered, while Schwartz, Dupee, Lester, Wilmine, Bodman and ddes (the latter an English operator), were credited with doing a fair amount of buying, Ream, Cudahy and Kent were said to bo free selle through their brokers during the n:orning hour, During the last half our of the morn- ing session trading was light, quict, and an easier feeling p led, and prices receded to nearly inside figures, May closing at 854@ 5% at 1 o'clock MiINoOR GRAINS—C N MARKET. ' and oats were dull and unchanged, fluctzating only e in the speculative market. Corn is selling treoly to £o to store at firm prices, and oats in the sam- ple market are steady Provisions—Provisions were dull through- out, with little or no change in price Or- ders w arce, either for shipment or spe ulative account, and the feeling was rather weal than strorg Receipts of hogs were larger than on any previous day of the week, and prices were lower. This affected pro- visions adversely. AFT 0N BoAnrp—Speculative trading was very light on the late board in both and provisions, and price changes were in- significant. The general tone was firm, how- ever, and the final closing for wheat and mess just a turn better than at 1 o'elock. There were unconfirmed rumors of considec- able wheat being loaded in New York and Philadelphia. 2:40 . m.—Puts on May wheat, 853c; calls, 5. Chandler-Brown Co,'s Report. The following report of Chicago's specula- tive markets is furnished the Ber by W. P, Peck, Omaha representative of Chandler- Brown Co., of Chicago and Milwaukee: Cables quoted English markets strong, with a light fall of snow and melting fast, Wheat was firm and steady, The Tribune published an article showing the sondition of winter wheat to be about the same as last year, C nees from New York to-day, 144,00 bushels of wheat. Receipts at primary markets, 180,000; ship- ments, 61,000, May wheat opened firm at 85%¢, advanced to 85%¢c and elosed at 861c to 85%e at 1 p. m. Corn was quiet and steady at yesterday's prices. Provisions were weak and quiet. 2:50 p. m.—Everything steady and un- changed. Four and one-half loads of wheat taken for export and three-quarters of were a million may be bought for foreign account, partly Spanish orders. OPTIONS, “WisAT— March.. May June August March April May Juno!! LARD— Mareh . April May Juno Poik— Mard April My June. Sponr R 600 605 610 10 05 10 10 10 17 1025 CHICAGO LIVE STOCK. CiicAGo, March 12.—([Special Telegram. | Carrre—Dealers were inclined to consider the supply too liberal for the Iatter end of the week. 1t was a common remark early in the morning that prices would certainly be no better, and dealers were inclined to look for lower prices. ‘I'he general demand was fairly good, and after the buyers and sellers got to work, the business of the day was done at about a steady range of rates, Very tidy fat cattle sold stronger in some instances, bnt there were other cases agaln where piices were lower on tha coms mon to medium quality, The market was certainly slow on all Inferior to fair stock, and the bulk of the offerings consisted of such stock, The quality of the cattle was fairly good. There were no number one, ripe, heavy beeves, but there were more good 15300 to 1400 b cattle sold at $5.25@5.85 than for some time past. Some 1425 Ib export cattle sold at & A lot of 806 1b Nebraska stecrs sold at $4.05, HoGs—The demand was fair and prices about the same as yesterday, In the aggre- gate there were fewer shipping orders, but on the other hand there were more shippers on the market than any day this week, The packing demand was active and the big houses bought about their usual number, The advance on hogs and the deeling on provis- ions are two ineidents that are not likely to encourage packers to follow the advance in the hog marke Choee and assorted heay sold at $4.40@4.45, and one lot at_$4 ordinary tun of packers and mixed $4.206 1,85, FINANCIA L. New York, March 12 easy at 2@ per cent, Piiane MERCANTIL Y STERLING BXOHANGE—DUIl but steady | S1ice at sixty days; B3 on demandd, GoverNyENTS—Dull but stead BTOCKS—A more life was - in AUty sbocks this alieruoou, bul the increascl Moxnzy—0neall, 4@ % per cont,