8 THE OMAHA DAILY BEIS , TUESDAY. DECEMBER 1 , 1885.
BEHIND THE PRISON BARS ,
The Preliminary , Examination of Jolm W.
Laaer Completed Last Evening.
COMMITTED WITHOUT DAIL.
The Imst Wltncfscs ntiil tlio Ktlrrlii } ;
of I ho Counsel
tinner In
The ; Thlnl Day.
TIic examination of Jolm W. Lauor
was resumed yesterday in the police
court , beginning nt. half-pafcltcn o'clock.
No flartliugly new dovolopmetils wore
made In the testimony , though several
points which ha\o liillicrlo been obscure ,
wer ° cleared u'p.
N. if. Hurnhum , sworn nnd testified.
I remember tliu condition of the weather
on Saturday morning , n week ago. I getup
up about half-past two o'clock that morn
ing. Outside llwas remarkably bright
almost as much so as at noonday. 1 was
nwako until ! ) o'clock in tliu morning ,
mid noticed this remarkable brightness
up to thai hour. .
] ' . K. Her , sworn , and teElilled : I was
nt Mr. Lauer's liouso the morning Mrs.
Lauer was bhot , probably about two
o'clock in tliu morning. I went in
through the hall door. J hen into what
you wotil'l call the dining room or .sitting
room. When I got there , I paw Mr.
McShanc. Ho was in tliu dining room.
In the bod-room were Mr. Maul ami Mr.
Druse ) . Mrs. Laucr was then lying on
the cooling board in the bed-room. When
I went In , 1 observed that the stove was
very light. 1 remember I asked at the
tlnii ! why itvaM that the light in the
( Hove diil not Unable Mr. Laiicr to distin
guish ills wife. I : IM ! ) noticed a lump on
tin : bureau in the bed-room. It is my re
collection that it was a .student lamp.
When I spoke to Mr. McShane about the
stove , he said that he had shaken the
uoaN down. The stove had isinglass
windows which were clean and allowed
the light to shine through. The coals
were a bright red.
I had a conversation with Mr. Lauer
about the occurrence. I asked him how
Si could have happened. He said that lie
mistook Sally lor a burglar. After
wards when the body was removed to
the front parlor , I went in there and sat
down beside it , and commenced to question -
* tion Lauer about the occurrence. 1 told
him that I did not see how it. could possi
bly have happened. I said to him , "I
should have' thought that if you could
have taken aim .so straight , that you
ought to have been able to tell your wife
from a burglar. " Unremarked that ho
didn't see how he could have aimed so
correctly. He then went on to
tell that he was awakened by
hearing a voice in the next room.
He slopped a moment to listen , saw the
form advancing , ami tlion lired instantly.
Then he got up immediately and found
that he had killed his wife. He told me
that his wife had died before she fell to
the floor , and was dead before he got
there , When I arrived at Lauor's house
1 ut once suggested that a doctor be sent
for. Mr. Drexcl or Mr. Maul said that It
was unnecessary to send for a physician
as Mrs. Lauer was dead , am } Mr. Lauor
acknowledged that he had killed her.
Cross-examined Mr. Lauer told me
that after he shot he looked to see if there
was another burglar , and then feeling
beside him saw that his wife was missing.
He jumped up and found that his wife
had been shot. When 1 went in and
found the stove so bright , I asked Air.
Mc.Shiino how it could be so light when
Laucr claimed to be unable to see his
wife , and he accounted for it on the
ground that he had shaken the lire down
and caused it to burn up more. The
windows were tolerably clean.
Henry V.oss , architect , sworn and testi
fied : I was at the Lauer residence Sun
day morning. Saw Lauer there he was
being shaved at the time. The next day
1 called there , to linish my diagri'tn
and ho explained to mo how liis
wife fell. 1 went again Wednesday .or
Thursday. 1 told Laner that I hail to
make another measurement and he. said
ihat that wasjUl right. I showed him
tliu moasurimilmis and he said that they
were corrort. lie asked me what the
talk was in town about the killing. 1
told him that I didn't take much notice
of what people were saying that some
people said one thing and some another.
Then he remarked that the newspapers
were doing their best to stir up a feeling
against him. Here Mr. Voss testillcd that
Laucr hail said that "Kosowater was to
blame for it all"and then applied a vile
epithet to bun.
Mrs John O. Leo sworn and testilied :
J live in Mr. . Methane's house. I remem
ber the morning of the tragedy. 1 was
awakened by Mr. Lee's getting out of
bed , in answer to Miss Lauor's cries. I
got up and' ' dressed and went over as
soon as I could. On the way over I met
Miss Lauor and heard Her say John had
shot Sallie accidentally. I was prevent
ed from going in by Mr. McShanu's
hired man ; Mat ( iaihm. | I don't think
that I Bald-to , Mat that I wasn't surprised
to hoar that liauur had shot his wife. 1
don't remember of making any such
fitatcmout. 1 never heard ot any trouble
between Lauer and his wile. They al
ways seemed to live peaceably toget'her.
Ay 1 heard to the contrary was what I
BOW in the newspapers and what people
aid.
Cross-examined 1 have lived for seven
months In the IIJMISO next door to Mr.
Laucr'H , and always thought they lived
happily. Mr. Lauer seemed kind and
attentive to blfc wife. It appeared to bo
the general sentiment of the neighbor
hood that since their reconciliation. Mr.
and Mrs. Lauer had had no trouble of
any sort.
Major Oorgo Dennis recalled and tes-
tilled ; Mr. Laner said at the inquest
that the Ulmds in the bed room wove
oloscd at the time of the shooting.
HeKiid that the blinds of
tiio largo window on the
west side of the house , were open , but
that t le curtain was pulled down. The
curtain was a , buH'-eolorod ono , and of
light material.
Miss Lauer , iwailod , testified : When
Mr. Lauer eamo to the back door that
loads from Mio dining room into the hall ,
1 was standing at the front door. The
bed now in the room , with the mattress ,
pillows and clothing , are the same as
they wore at the time of the shooting.
Do not know whether any one has slept
In the bed since the shooting ,
Dcmity Sherltr J. 1' . Kwing , sworn and
totilled. Have resided In Omaha seven
teen yeai'4. Saw Mr. Lauor at his house
last night. I wont there with Mr. Cowin
nnd Mr. Jfcjtollo. There were Miss Lauer ,
Mr. Laucr And two gentlemen then
in the house. After we went
In these parties stepped out
out nnd went up btairs. The folding
doors between the two rooms bed room
and dining room were opened. The
stove was a hard coal base burner , amf
tliu isinglass was very clean so as lo throw
out considerable light. The lamp was
standing ou the table in the dining room ,
Mr. Cowin'lint out the lamp and. there
was then no other light in the two rooms ,
excepting what came from the stove ,
li'i Oowin then told mo to lie down on
tliu bed , and I did so. lie tltou"stood on
the threshold between tliu two doors. I
could see him plainly and see who he
wan , CoulU also notice plainly his collar
and cnlUL ) and his necktie. The
dlnlns * 'ropni was qulto 1 ht ,
except tllilt'itf > V.ita < obscured by the back
of the bod. Could read the larger tyi > o
' in linn LI
of a paper which'Iliad my
hcu wuut into the no.\t room tu.uMr.
Cowin and Mr. Kstollu laid on the bed. I
could easily distinguish them. I could
have told from llio light gis'en out by the
steve that there Was somebody lying be
side me in the bed without being obliged
lu l'tll. I ltHieill'lMl llIU 1'llllilJ infill uf
a wcok ago. I got lioine about a quarter
past 11 o'clock. I noticed that the night
was extraordinarily light so that the
shadows cast upon the sidewalk were al-
mo l like those cast at noonday.
Cross examined 1 did not know why
1 was going up to the Laucr house last
night , but was told what I was expected
to do when I got there. I am aware
that when a baseburner is closed up at
night , thai it will deaden down consider
ably in live hours so that there will
scarcely bo any light from it at all.
Mrs. Hell sworn and testified : Have
resided in Omaha ten years. I used to
wash for Mrs. Lauer. oho was then liv
ing back of Mr. Gallagher's. One day I
saw a difficulty between Airs. Lauer and
her husband. Mrs. Lauer was getting
dinner ready. She seemed to bo very
nervous and in a great deal of
trouble. I asked -her what the
trouble was. She finally told me what
fihe was worrying about. Shu said that
tier husband wanted some cranberries
for dinner and they hadn't come until
very late. She toll1 me that if her hus
band came home and found that the
cranberries were not nroporly prepared
he would abuin her. We fixed them the
best wo could and put tncm on
Iho table. Laucr came homo
about half past twelve or one
o'clock and sat down to the table. When
he saw the cranberries he said , "what
kind of a looking mess is that you've got
for a man to cat ? The next I saw of her
she came out of the dining room ami her
face was spotted all over with cranber
ries. He had thrown them at her head.
She ivas crying when she came out of
the dining room.
Cross examined When I hoard Mr.
Lauer make that remark , I was standing
in the door near the dining room. I first
told the remark to Charley Hdgerton
last week when I was in Ins ollice. I
have not spoken of il lo anyone else until
now. I don't remember whether this
transaction took place before or after
their separation.
AfTiitxooN : snssio.v.
The court opened at 2 p. in. The lobby
was not so large as it was during the
earlier sessions and lacked the stray ele
ment of pecuniary and commercial re
sponsibility which has thus far been
noticeable in it. The prisoner and his
sister occupied their accustomed places ,
while Joe Herwho liasbcnn quite regular
at the session , allowed himself to bake
behind the stovo.
Coroner Drexel , recalled and testified :
The hair was down and loose , and in
pulling il from under the body to wash
it , I found a couple of hairpins. The
hair was auburn and quite heavy , and
was about two feet long.
"That's all"said Gen. Cowin.
"That's our case , " said District Attor
ney Kstello.
Judge Thurston then rose and stated
that inasmuch as it would take some lime
to get his witnesses , ho would like to
have an ollieer sent for Mr. Wool worth ,
whom ho wauled to ask a tew ques
tions.
James Richards sworn testified : I live
on Sixteenth street. Have chance of ma
chinery in nailworks. Knew Mr. and
Mrs. Laucr , 1 should think they lived
happily from what I could see of them ,
'
i saw'her Thursday night before her
death in the yard of ( he nailworks. She
wanted to know how 1 was getting along
in buying the lot Mr. Lauer had been
talking about. Lauer and L wenllo see it
and if I didn't want to buy it ho would
buy it for mo. Mrs. La tier's mother had
u little money and it would bo a good
place in which to invest it When I saw
Airs. Laucr it was twenty minutes to five.
I told Lauer and ho came out and saw
herMrs. . Lauer was reading at the lime.
I saw him go out and saw them both
talk and laugh on the scales and I should
think they were happy. On thoHd or1th
of August I tint up moulding to hang pic- |
lures on. She talked to mo and said the
next thing she would like would bo to I
paper the house , but before doing that
she would get a little further along and
then they would bo very happy indeed.
1 wa.s in the liouso Saturday night and
took charge of the house without being
told. 1 waa at the house last night
about 0-0. : _ A3 soon as 1 irot
my coat oft' I fixed the fires
anh went lo bed thero. There wasn't a
bright glow there. A dog woke me up ,
and the lire was dull , and I c uld not see
much beyond the dining-room I could
not have distinguished any person stand
ing ou the threshold. When the lire is
left bright it would take two hours to
have the lire go right down. I was there
when Voss verified his measurements.
Lauer did not make such statements
about Mr. Kosowater as Voss testified to
this morning , ' .
Cross-examined by Kstello : Came hero
in 1830. Went to nailworks three years
ago. When 1 was putting up the mould
ing Laucr was at the nailworks. Have not
been at the house since that day. i
Don't know how Ion" ; before that 1 had
been at the house. When I built the barn
for them 1 was in the house lots of limes.
Lauer wa.s always away or al the nail-
works. 1 never went there unless I was
sent by Laner from the nailworks. When
I was lhc.ro Mr. and Mrs. Lauer always
seemed pleasant. Do not know that they
ever had had trouble between themselves.
Mrs. Lauer wa.s at nailworks on Thurs
day week ago. Saw Lauer and wife
together. Saw Haticr a few minutes lat
er. Saw her also , thought she was wait
ing for him. Did nol see them later.
When I saw them It was aboutr > ; 15.
Works Mini down at 0 p. in. Lauerwas
in shirt sleeves when I saw him lirst.
Next time he had his coal on. Frequent
ly talked with Mrs. Lauer when 1 was
working in the house , biient the whole
afternoon there. When 1 was building a
fcnco there she said thov were go
ing to have a happy homo.
Woke up last night ; did not know what
lime it wa.s. I thought it was t o'clock
in the morning , because il was dark.
Yes , it was dark when 1 came baojv from
church. It was so dark thai I co'uld not !
distinguish my cull's. Curtains are bull' i
in color , 'llio walls around are I
white ; they are rather smoky. The blinds
were closed. In the night I could not {
distinguish a woman from a man laying
in tliu room near the doorway.
1 could nol distinguish any object , Tlio
room was quite dark.
J , M. Woo.worth , sworn , to.-tilicd : I
know Mr. Lauer , Have known him a
long time , lo speak ( o him. The first
personal acquaintance was n , year ago
when ho was left by his wife. I was
called by a teluplnne from Mr. Her to
come to town to talk over a matter of
personal import , to Mr. Lauer , There
were there J. A. McSlmno , 1' , Her , James
Creighton , Mr. Lauer , and agontlnman
named Williams. Very likely John A.
Creighton was present , though 1 can not
slatu positively. 1 was called there at
the Instance of Mr. Her. Mr. Lauer said
in the lirst of thu talk , if I recollect cor
rectly , that ho had , nobody but himself to
blame ; but later , he made some reflec
tion upon his wife's mother ; but , later ,
at the instance of somebody , ho recalled
jt and said he iiad nobody to blame. HO
Hindu a conveyance , n transfer of his
properly , at the lime , Ho turned over
all his goods , I don't remember that
there was a notary present. He said he
luul done wromr. and was wijlimr to
make it right. Ho wanted to turn over
all his property , and go a.vay ami begin
lifo again. 1 can not say what was the
value of hi * properly. I understood Unit
this desire to turn over his property to
his wife was voluntary ou ids part. He
used expressions of endearment towifrd
his wife. They were voluntary , und ho
si-em-d distressed. The transfer in
cluded his interc.it in the nallwurks.
, tud tome real estate ; but , where the lat-
ter Is , I do not know. Yes , it was , as ho
expressed it , his all.
Cross examined by J. C. Cowin. I know
nothing about the act being voluntary
only as I saw it.g I was there as a frlcm
Oiilti'.S tu IUINK-O and ii ual. lul ! ,
don'l know that I led to the suggestion
This meeting was on Saturday liighl before
fore ho left , and I think ho went away th <
very next day. Yes , ho came back. . '
don't think ho .stated what he had done
wrong to his wife. Ilefore I had spoken
to Laucr , 1 was taken aside , I think by a
young man named Williams , and there
I was told of what took place between
Laucr and his wife. I don't think Laucr
told mo about the serious trouble Lauei
had had with his wife Lauer made no
complaint of his wife. 1 don't remem
ber that ho said ho was quick tempered ,
and wasn't lit to live with her ; speaking
generally , I should say ho did not. J
don't remember that any person there
said "Is it possible , you have abu od her
inthatwayV" I think so because whal
ho had done was not discussed when 1
was present.
Mrs Savage , sworn , testified : T live
next door lo Mrs. Lauor. It Is thn near
est to his. 1 have lived there two years.
1 have seen nothing cxcopl whal was per
fectly pleasant ami agreeable. I've seen
them in the house and , yard ,
and I've been in and out ol
the house when the Lattcrs were sick.
No man could bo more attentive to a
woman than Mr. Laucr had been to his
wife. I saw Miss Lauer the night of the
murder. I brought her into my house to
have her put on some other clothes. She
had on only a night wrapper. Mat Gali-
Ion , Mr. LCD , Mr. McSlmno and nil of us
met in the yard. 1 wanted to know if I
couldn't do something In Mrs. Lauer 'H
house and none of the men would let any
of us go in because they said il was not a
proper place for anj woman to go.
Cross Kxamined by J. Cowin : The
life of Mr. and Mrs. Lauer was as happy
as any I had ever seen. Yes , it was as
happy as live-sixths of the lives of other
People. Yes , Mrs. Lauor said her bus-
ami had not .struck her with a turkey.
No , she did not tell me that ho had not
struck her with a pistol , but she did say
that there were a great many things
said about her in thn papers which wore
lies. I was not looking to sec Mrs. Laucr.
I was not in the habit of sccins : her ex
cept when she called for assistance about
cooking and sickness. Yes , Mrs. Lauer
and Miss Lauer , also had been sick in my
house. Miss Laucr had a high fever and
her throat wa.s black and I put her in a
room and gave her a bath and put
her to bed. She did not go to nor
own house , because I could take care
of her , and 1 wouldn t let her
go , Mrs. Laucr was also sick in her
house. She was taken sick at the fair
and drove to her house , because she was
in such pain that she wanted somebody
lo take care of her. Mrs. Lauor wa.s sick
again in my liouso. The occasion of the
sickness was a miscarriage. I don't know
what the cause of llio miscarriage was.
How should ! know what Iho cause of the
miscarriage was ? No I don't know
everything ; [ to Cowin. ] Do you know
everything ?
Thurslon "Yes , and he's the only man
on earth that , does know everything. "
Cowin "No , I don't know everything ,
bill I know a few things vou'll subscribe
"
to. "
Ben Gallagher , sworn , testilied : I live
directly east of Lauer's. Myself and
wife are on good terms witli Lauer. The
character ot the relation of Laucr ami
wife since the reconciliation has been
most pleasant.
Cross examined by Hslullc I iii-vei1
made any special examination into their
atlairs. 1 live near them and visited them
frequently. Everything seemed pleasant.
On the morning of the" murder , the lirst
man I saw , I think was Mr. Lee. 1 am
not positive. Hut did I not notice a talk
with McShano before I went into this
house ? ' .
Mrs. Con Gal.agher , sworn testified :
Have lived next door to the Laucrs. I
have always been on good terms with
them. Since their reconciliation Iho re
lations of eacli has been most pleasant.
Every .summer morning I used to t-iko
the children and let them play while 1
read the paper. I could then see Mrs.
Lauer flitting in and out , singing , feed
ing her birds , nnd appearing perfectly
happy. I never knew that Lauer over
struck his wife. I once said that with
Mr. Lauer it was my impression that
with him il was a word and a blow And
Ihon it was all over , hut with her , when
she got mad , she never got over it. No
body over asked mo "how many blows I
would stand ? " I never saw a cut or
bruise on ilrs. Lauei. Never told a lady
in my house that Mrs. Lauer had tolil
mo that her husband had given her the
cut she had on her shoulder. I visited
Mrs. Lauor whoa she was sick. Dr.
Parker attended her. I have interested
myself in this case. I thought it was in
the interest of common humanity. I
thought these .stories about Mr. Lauur
were lies and thai there were prejudice
against him.
Mr. Whitehorn , sworn , testified : I
have lived here six years. 1 have lived
four or live years north of Lauers' . Since
their moving there , they have appeared
agreeable and happy. 1 have spent from
twelve to fifteen evenings in their com
pany.
Cross-examined by Cowin : I have vis
ited Lauer's about six times in the last
twelve months , 1 never saw Lauer strike
his wife. Do not know what lie did when
I when 1 was not present.
Mrs. Whitohorn , sworn , testilied : Live
near the Lauers' , and have been back
wards and forwards with the Lauers ,
and they have done the same thing with
us. 1 have never seen anything that was
not perfectly pleasant.
Cross-examined by Kstello ; Nothing
wa.s drawn out new.
Mii-s Savage sworn and deposed : She
resides next door to the Laucr dwelling
and kow the family. Had often called
and was prepared to state that since their
reconciliation Mr. ami Mrs. Lauor had
lived happily and upon the beat rela
tionships.
Questioned by Mr. Mr. K > tollo : Had
never seen Lauer strike his wife or mani
fest any ill temper. Was at the Lauer
dwelling almost every day since she had
resided in that neighborhood. Minerva
Lauer had come to the witness' homo
very siok and that witness' mother had
prevailed upon her to remain thero. Did
not know that Miss Lauer had remained
from homo while ill because of trouble
with her brother-in-law and his wife.
Witness denied positively that she had
ever conversed with her mother about
Mrs. Lauer's troubles and had neyer been
given evidence that any differences ex
isted between Lauer and his wife.
Dr. Parker called to the stand : Live 'at
Dodge ami Twenty-fifth MroeU. Was
called to attend Mi.v Lauer during her
illness ; treated her for a wcuk ami saw
Lauer regularly. The relations of Mr ,
and Mrs , Lauor were kindly.
Questioned by Mr. Kstello : As far as
witness'observation went , Lauer's treat
ment to his wife was kindly and good ,
Denied that he ever said to Dr. Colt'man
that he never saw such a pandemonium
as the Lauer household. Admitted that
ho said something to the oiled that from
what he heard there must have been a
pandemonium ( hero H-.id conversed
.with Mrs. Sayago during MM. Lauer'n '
Hilled , and the lady's statements were
derogatory to Mrs , Lauer , Mm stating
that Mrs. Laner was a person of uncon
genial temperament , ami she wondered
now Mr. Lauer lived with her. Miss
Laucr had some throat trouble and was
confined in bed on the occasion of wit
ness * first and second visits. Could not
remember at which visil he conversed
witli Mrs. Savago. Admitted that lie
had formerly said that ho had been
told that Miss Lauer was tick in her
( Airs. Savage's ) hoiibo , was duo to
trouble between the sick woman and her
brother-in-law and his wife. Mrs. Savage
had bald thut on the day Miss Minerva
arrived at Loner's houro , Mrs. Laucr had
asked her ( Miss MlncrVa ) how long she
was going to stay , and.bairig told 'but a
short time , " and remarked that they
tnu > t contain n strangcjy-lnrgo quantity
of ! iigiii u for a joiiiist unman about ( u
pay a short visit. Mrs < Savage further
said that Mrs. Latter had since made it
so uncomfortable for Miss Laucr that
she came to her ( Mrs , S.ivago's ) homo
while ill. All this occurred about No
vember 0 , within two weeks of MM.
Lnucr's death.
This testimony , which brought the evi
dence of trouble in Laucr's family , down
to the latest date ) yet obtain 'd , and so
clo = e to the tragedy , created a profound
impression in the crowdL-diconrt room.
Mr. Thurston , resuming questioning
Witness .stated that the word "pande
monium" by him , as applied to the
Lauer hou nFioldgrowoutof impressions
obtained from their gem-nil relations
since married. He understood from Mrs.
Savage that Mr. and Mrs. Lauor seemed
to conspire to make it uncomfortable
for Mis Minerva , and had given her to
understand that she had been visiting
lon < ? enough.
Mr. Thurslon announced that the de
fense had finished its testimony. General
Cowin asked the courl to wait a few min
utes until Airs J'oor could be obtained ,
but after a few minutes concluded ho
would rest without her.
Gen. Cowin then addressed tl.e court.
He remarked that he Mid know what im
pression tliu judge might have obtained.
but the district attorney and himself
would insist that the dotendanl should
bo held without bail , and if the court de
sired argument on that point he was pre
pared to give il.
Mr. Thurston replied that he thought
thai the evidence did not. warrant even
the holding of his client , and he was
surprised atGcn. Cowin's demands. The
defense had opened itself lo a thorough
examination , and although it would have
to face public prejudice , it was prepared
to meet trial here.
Mr. Cowin reiterated that the prosecu
tion insisted that the defendant should
be held without bail , and quoted the con
stitution of the state on the point :
All persons .shall ho bailable by Mifllclenl
sureties , except fur treason and murder , when
the proof Is evideul or the picsumpthm great.
Soc. t ) . Ait. 1. Cent. Nebraska.
( Jen. Cowin proceeded in a strong
speech to remind the court that its most
important duty was in the proper con
struction of this provision. He then
took ui ) a line of argument full offer-
vpnt.eloquence. In reviewing the rela
tions of Lauer and his dead wife , the
speaker said thai Lauer's conduct was
more brutal than that of a beast. The
crowd in the lobby alibis broke into idi
otic applau c which was promptly sup
pressed. Gen. Cowin continued aiid ar
gued upon tiie basis of the lights aflbrded
in the fatal chamber to the end that
Lauor could have recosrni/.cd his wife
when ho lired as ho alleges. The argu
ment was lorceful , full of pathos and
strong emotion , in many passages , bit
terly arraigning Lauer , who sat with his
head bowed and rested upon his hand.
"The man , " said General Cowin witli
soul-stirring fervor , "who1 would stand
by his dying wife , watching her lasl
breathings , and say , ' 1 leave you for the
coroner , 'would commit.mnrder. " Once
more the lobby rippled its. plaudits and
the police bahll's rapped thunderously
for order.
Mr. Thurston replied , beginning by
stating that he had not thought it the
'
purpose of any of the counsel'm the case
to make a heated argument. He had
thought the district attorney would have
been willing to submit the case upon iUs
evidence. He accused ( Jon. Cowiu of
coming into the case for the solo pur-
iiosb of sending the defendant to jail he-
tore trial , and to furlhor prejudice Lauer
jcforc the public. Ho. know that at
tempts had been mado'to ' intimidate the
court , by the threat of public opinion in
this case , to bind over the defendant
without bail. Gen. Cowin had employed
he clause of the constitution upon which
10 asked that Lauor be committed , lo
ulmit Charles Koslors , charged with
nurdor , to bail. It was the precedent
that all posrons , unless guilty of some
) ajpablo high crime , were admissablo to
jail. Had it not been for the trouble of
v year ago between Lauer and his wife ,
the present t raged v would not have ex
ited suspicion. The speaker continued
n an emotional strain to relate how
Lauer had manifested penitence and at-
.emptodto make reparation after the
irsttroublo. Air. Thurston , In touching
upon this point , spoke with deep feeling
mil eloquence. Ihe ell'eet wa.s apparent
upon the members , if they may be HO
called , of the defense , for the lady
witnesses used their kerchiefs freely ,
Miss Minerva wept deeply and Lauer
cobbed at intervals. Kven Gon. Cowin
wa.s not wicked and vindictive enough to
illcgo that Jolm Laucr could have
) lanned the murder of his wife. Mr.
i'lmrston then proceeded lo take up the
lircunibtanccs of the shooting. Mrs.
/aiicr was shot on the threshold of the
'olding doors and fell forward pierced
with a bullet fired at an upward range
and necessarily from the bed. The fact
hat there were no powder marks upon
lor face indicated that Iho range must
lave been of some distance , and judging
Tom the relative positions lac shot
: oiild only liavo been delivered from the
jcd. The fact thai there was no quarrel
that night between Lauer and his wife
proved thai there was no occasion for
leliberato murder. All fctatoments that
v.itier manifested any brutality toward
lis wife after her death were wanton ,
wicked and malicious perversions of the
estiniony. The steve had been closed
mil untouched for five hours , and could
lot have given much light. Lauer had
jecn rendered fearful by frequent incur-
Mons of burglars , and being of an ex
citable character , lie had wakened fright-
med and confused , ami suitting his ready
ilstol from beneath his pillow lired at
he moving object before him with-
ml questioning its identity. Mr.
I'liurstoii concluded by adjuring
ho court to reim-mber that if the
roubles of a year and a half ago were
stricken out , there was nothing in the
cstimony to hold Laiicr , It was because
hat one relative of the dead woman
referring to Joseph Her ] cherished re-
entmcnt and malice against Lauer has
ml money into the case , llmt the attempt
s bein ; made tosend Lailer to jail with-
jut bail , Mr , TlmroUm repeated his pro-
ions statement that ho understood thai
ludgo Stcnborg had been moved by
hreats to compel him to commit Lauor ,
mil concluded by reposing the case in
rust to the judgment ot' the court ,
Mr. Kstclle asked another moment for
ho. prosecution and proceeded to talk :
Its deepest concern wut that ho should
lo right. Judge TluirMon had stated
hat Lauer could command the support
) f the best citi/cns of Oinnha in giving
jail. To this point Mrr Hstello replied ,
'the defendant may liuiahln to furnish a
nilllon dollars in bail. , I probably could
lot bring to my aid lirnicn an extremity
me thousand dollars , but I never mushed
ny wife's nose with a revolver nor struck
ler with a turkey.At this , again the
irresponsible crowd started up its chronic-
ipplause. Mr. Kstello rusted the merits'
if Iho prosecution chiefly upon the cvi-
donco of Miss Minerva ,
As Air. Kslollo sat down , Judge Sten-
jorg lUiidu his decision , tig follows :
"Hoford passing upon this case , I wish
o say that at the moment it was filed in
his court I rccogni/.cd the resnonsi-
jility devolving on mo , and my mind was
nado up to do what was ri ht and just to
dr. Lauor and the people of Nebraska.
Have avoided conversing with any ono
ipon the topic and reading the nowspa-
icrs , except the reports of the testimony.
After weighing the evidence , I am
orccd to jvcogni/.o the strong prcsump-
Ion that John W. Lauor , the defendant ,
killed his wife purposely and dolibor-
itely , and I shall huH him tu the district
court without b.iil. "
1110 u/un / 111Q
NEC ? rVISU 10 ! iia
MAN ?
Tlint9PofnsUilconstiiHli | ) ( ! < lilnksl ls idcngcniinol.begralinpant the Only Mlsfll Clothing Piii-lcm * . A visUisktmlly so
Hcitodof him in convince his mind thai , any man can bo pleased in iniy portion of Ills wenrlujr appuvol , from n imli'
loons lo a full dress suit , and mi ovhmit , ho rnn find nioro dormice always on display tlmii nn cyo ever \ itIlC88cd in ttio
shape of clot him ? lor num. We do no ) , cnrolo make a personal nu-ntion , Imldo solicit ( ho attention of every individmiJ
inOiuitlia and vicinity for one inspection ol'Uii1 followiud mentions. Ilcwlll Hud n pair
PANTALOONS FOR
3.00 n.ro $ . .oo $ -i i10 ? - . on ? r.uo $ o.oo SG.JJO 7.00 $ 7.SO $3 50 $0 W
which was made to order by a LeadiugMnreliant Tailor for
c.oa $ r.50 $3.uj ? j.oj fu.oj $11,0 : ) $ u.oj , OJ $15.03 $17.00 ( tS.OO' '
IN SUITS.
lie can flii'lany style of cut in con t from a plain saelt ( o aswallow tall ( full dross ) IncliiiHtisr cutaway sack , .
sack , double breasted suck , a four button oiitinviiy frock , u one button cutaway frock , a I'rinco Albert frock , at the follow
ing prices :
$10.00 $10.50 $11.00 $11.00 $10.00 S12.-W $13.00 $10.50 $18.80 $1-1.00 $14.70
Vv Inch was made to order by a leading Alcrchant Tailor for
$20.00 iJJl.OO $ . ' . ' .OU $ W.UJ $ JJ.OJ $ Jj.OJ $ . ' 0.03 $27.00 $27.50 $ J3.00
$15.00 $10.00 $17.00 $18.03 $23.01) ) $ J > .93 fij.03 $ . ' 3.50 $30.00 $3t.OO :
Was nitf.de to order by a leading Merchant Tailor for
IIM.OO fK-.oo ? ; )4.oo ) s-w.oo $ io.o > ) $15.00 sso.os $53.00 $00.00 $05.00
OVERCOATS.
. Can bo found In atiy at vie that is worn by num. but , the Uilnpr Mint catches is tho. lutost stvlc ono. the only ono over sofiu
in Omaha , ( bee it ) mid at the same time see those Sin-touts. Newmarkets and Sacks in all slyles tit the following prices.
$11.00 $8.SO $0..H ; ) $1.0.00 $10. 0 $11.33 $11.00 $12.00 $ l-.lt ! ) $12.70 $13.00
That was made to order by a Leading Merchant Tailor for
fflU.OO $17.50 Sltf.OJ * JJ.UlXM ) JfiJ.O $23.00
$13.50 $11.09 $15.00 $ ! S.OO $2).50
Was made to order by a leading Merchanl Tailor for
$27.00 $28.50 $30.00 $35.0010.00
Tiioscurelml a more mention. If yon will consult your interest , enough to pay a visit , you can be convinced that over ?
man 's interest is studied with weight and meusuro combined with business und pleasure at
THE ONLY MISFIT
The judge spoke slowly , and his voice
quavered slightly with emotion. The
silence of the tomb pervaded the court
room , and as the strain of expectancy
was relieved with the judge's last word ,
the impression on every auditor was
profound. The scene would have been
solemn , but the policemen had to
repress the wretched lunatics in the
lobby who would ring in their ghoulisli
applause. Silence again for a moment
prevailed , and then Miss Minerva was
heard softly crying. At this Mr. Thur
ston arose and with intentional small
noise to relieve the embarrassment , approached
preached Laner with some encouraging
remark. The unfortunate man had
greeted the decree without flinching , but
the depth of sorrow spoken from his red
an l sunken eyes for once moved the
hard reporters to slight sympathy. It
was apparent that whether John Laner
is guilty or innocent of his wife's murder
ho was suH'ering at the moment such
penitential torture as few men can
near.
A full ton minutes elapsed before the
committed man and his weeping sister
were molested , and again Mr. Thurston
brought relief.
"I will accompany you up the hill , " ho
said , offering his arm to Lauer.
The latter arose , embraced his sister
tenderly , and yielding her to friends , she
was fed froni the court room sobbing
aloud. Roundsman Whalcn walked up
to Lauor , and between the ollieer and
Mr. Thurston the prisoner was conducted
afoot lo the county jail. A mob of the
court spectators followed the whole dis
tance , owing to the absence of the fool-
killer.
Lauer entered the jail and parted with
Mr. Thurston , still maintaining ilm com
posure which has charactcri/cd his bear
ing since the tragedy. Joe Miller , the
jailor , gave Lauor a celt on the balcony ,
the most comfortable quarters in the
prison , and the unfortunate man lay
down , seeming shortly to drop into
sleep.
Mr. Thurston will , as soon as ho can
have the testimony printed , attempt to
obtain Lauor's admission to bail on a
habeas corpus from the district court.
Bradbury Shoo and Harness machine
Write for .circular. . White Machine
ollice , Omaha , Nob.
Arrested and Fined.
A savory trio before Judge Stenberg
yesterday morning were George
lintt.s , Caddie Dutts and George
Drown. They had been qiiar
rolling in a liouso of ill fame
on Capitol a vcntio early yesterday morn
Ing , It scorns that Gcorgo and Caddie
have been friends , but of late have had
several serious rows. Sunday morning
he went around there with a friend to
get some clothes which lie had loft there ,
and also to solicit the boon of a days'
lodging. Caddlo had become soured on
on him. She declined to allow him to
spend another hour in her mansion , She
cast him out utterly and forever.
A quarrel followed and Caddlo went out
for a policeman. She found OlHecr Donovan
evan , nnd all thrco , including Gcorgo
Drown , were cast into jail.
After hearing the case Judge Stcnborg
decided to fine Hulls $ . ' 5audcoslsDrown
$10 and costs , und Miss Caddie $10 and
COSt3.
"lam glad yon'rofoinsto { send him
up , Judge , " remarked the woman as she
prepared to waltz out of the room , "I'm
not going to have anything nioro to do
with that man Dulls , lie beats mo alto
gether too much. Ta-ta , " she added
tauntingly toDutts as bho disappeared
through the door.
White "Automatic" ono spoolni'ich inp
White look-stitch with shuttle and Drad
bury leather machine. White OUlco-
Omaha , Neb.j _ _ , . l
N'ow Clmroli 1-MIfllccH.
There is wonderful activity utthis time
among many of tho' leading religions de
nominations. The building boom which
has revolutionized the business dsstnct
of Omaha , seems to have taken posses
sion of church goers , to that degree that ,
before the close of the ncvtycar , Omaha
will creel a number of costly and beauti
ful places of worship. The example of
Trinity lias not boon without its ollect , in
thai il impelled a number of other de
nominations to at least get rid ot their
floating indebtedness. Prominent nmon <
these are the Baptists , the Methodists and
Presbyterians , who are now holden only
for recent improvements in their several
structures ,
The First Methodist church on Daven
port street will signalixc the new year by
erecting a new church , instead of its
present rambling structure , on
the southeast corner of Davenport
and Twentieth streets. This property
was purchased a short time ago for
$1,000. Il is immediately north by ono
block , of the Christian church , which
was recently moved to Twentieth and
Capitol avenue , from its old subterranean
location on the corner of Twentieth and
Farnain.
The Congregational church vhicli has
long borne a faded and antiquated ox-
tenor and interior , which poorly com
ported with the wealth , intelligence and
taste of its membersi * soon to bo a thing
of the past. It will bo moved away to
unable anew structure to rise in its stead.
This , it is thought , will be one of the
finest churches in the city. A building
committee has already been appointed ,
caoh of whom is a man of taste and
mean * , and each of whom , it is under
stood feels bonnden to start the move
ment , with a handsome contribution ,
Several other lessor organizations are
now soliciting subscriptions for like pur
poses , and as a consequence , tliu liberal
giver is nol without tliu means of testing
his gift.
t
Wo have the state of Nebraska on the
Bradbury leather machine. Write foi
terms and prices ,
HEHIIUNO , TIIOIIKTOX & ( 'n , ,
White Machine Ollico.
no Mity no
Fifty patterns line Chamber Sels in all
woods , at greatly reduced prices. Will
continue only until sold.
CHAH. SHIVIIIUCK ,
1200 , 1203 and 1210 Furnam street ,
Nasal Catarrh , Tliroat and Kar sue
cc.ssf ul ly treated , Chan. Impuy. M. D.
cor. lOth and llarnoyVithnell Dloclc ,
If your shoo has o rip or a tear to
your shoemaker to buy the Dradbury
machine , White Machine ollice.
IN Ife a Il
Mr. Gco , Canfiold has received a letter
from a lady purporliir. ? to bo Mrs. A. L.
Chase .and dated Providence , Ithode
Island. The missive throws considerable
light upon the character of Chase , the
ox-steward of the Canlicld hoiitiu. Thirf
individual , it nuty bo remembered , be-
caino involved in row on account of some
fclandorous stories which ho was tolling
and was obliged to. leave town , with a
woman whom ho claimed to bo his wife.
Tills Mrs , A. L. Cha'-u claims lo bo the
wife of the ox-steward. She says that
ho ran away from her a year ago in com
pany with a young woman named Mary
Williams. He went to Huston , Maos. and
afterwards drifted out to Omaha. Mrs.
Chase says that she is poor and in dcsti-
tuto circumstances with a child t" Mip-
trt. rf ho asks for the address of lior
erring husband in order that nho uiny
"push him to the wall. "
According ( o the Ftalemcnts of this
lady , Chase is a bigamist , as he waa
married to the woman , Mary Williams ,
on August llilu ,
Knllwny Xoton and I'crsonal.s.
Col. K. K Hooker , stock agent for the
Ilock Island atDe.s Moines , is in Iho city
and last evening lefl in company with
Malt Clair for the west.
TO
The Union I'acilic yesterday equipped
the freight brakcmcn and yardmen with I
coupling sticks , a device to save the
criishingof hands and lingers. The htlek
is worn sheathed in a bell similar lo the
policeman's club and is employed to Jifl
the coupling links , which has formerly
been done by the hand. Tlio nso of the
sticks is compulsory.
On llio l ) , " > lh iiiHt. . the special liain
wliich is touring Iho Union 1'acilio fiys-
tcm with tailors measuring Iho employes
for the new uniform , collided with a
wood train al Lin.s.ty on ( ho Solomons
districl of the Kansas division. A man
named J. W. Smizer. who was holding
his team near the track , was struck by
the car.s which were knocked about , aiu ) ,
both ho and his horses wore killed. The
damage to ( he trains was .slight.
The police received yesterday ; from
lioston the description and oiler of re
ward for the arrest of Adrian L. Mellon ,
oharg-d witli conspiracy to kill nnd
munior.
POWDER
Absolutely Pure.
Tills ixwdoMiovpr vitriol. A nianrl of purt
ly.Hruir.rtli ntnl tvlinlcaonu ) IOSH Morn tcono'i ' } '
Mil Until lli" ordinary kliuU , " ' "I cannot l > " .H01 , "
Jiicomiioiltloiiwiihtlia iiiuUtmlo of low i "i
Minu wellf'it.nliiin ' or pliosii'mtn.P' " ' 'oi . "oy
only In ciuii. Itoyal IKikliitf i'oiyder 00 , IV
Wullhtruot N. Y
WILDOft'S COMPOUND OP
IPURE COD LIVEEl
OIL AND LIME.
WIMIOII' P/VM.IVKH Oir. ANII I/Mi ! . Tim
rr < ii i' fi"lBi-y | riiil nifiiiiii'l ofl'n'ciougnio- '
i > "riiloii N nliinn ulliilnil > < > > ' < > lo I n liilrlilHtn
" vili In lliri firrr rini"lii > , ruii'M. Kfthnm ,
b" tiR'i'tl" , v' ( i ii'ii'f ( ' "null , rerofiiloui Im-
11 . .ijimil ' ) c' > n > " iit < tvi | > In m-'iT , II bniiii )
HI lorfiq \ n\ \ ! . < ( no dim iH'tilrwl HID ftitrlv
iii-nr ionii' ' < f "ii r. Hu'n mi iiicuilt \ nl tinnil
vli Ii will e > ii'ii eiirn n'l c mi'i 'n's of U |
c1 i-.i. | i " j , pi-i'-mnt MKiiiln' t'iroil rinlr'liy
A " W.l ! > , . ClieiiiM , licitou. Fold by ftl ) drug *
K' ' . t "