The Wright Trial Turns on a Fall in the Night

Fourteen witnesses for the state had been examined, and the trial was adjourned until today. The judge, taking the bench, insisted that the examination of witnesses consume no more time than necessary. A number were ordered out of the box, and Officer [name] closed the case at 2:15.

The defense put Finch on the stand first, followed by Rogers, Grant De Grote, Oscar [name], Bob Nash, E. W. [name], N. Gekmain, George Harrison, A. Dusso and [name] Wright.

The state closed its case after George T. Wallace could not be found; the conclusion was that he had been spirited away. Wallace is a brother of Alex Wallace, the one-time convicted highway robber, and was a witness for the state. A bench warrant was issued for him.

The most important witness for the defense was John B. Wright, brother of the accused. He testified that on the night of the assault and robbery he was at 1415 Fourth Street, and about the time the crime was committed was awakened by cries. He went to the window, but before he saw anything he heard a body fall. He then looked out and saw a man standing near the fence. Thinking the man was drunk, he ordered him to 'git out,' and the man, still muttering to himself, started away. As he reached the middle of the street the man fell again, then arose and staggered toward Union Street, in the direction of the spot where Lowe, all bloody and bleeding, was afterward found. If the man Wright saw was Lowe, the two falls would account for the two cuts on the victim's head.

A number of witnesses failed to respond when their names were called, among them Dr. K. M. Barnes and Victor Hugo Smith. The county attorney promptly gave the order that they be not allowed any fees for attendance at the trial. The judge held a night session, and the case had progressed almost to conclusion.