have something to say with respect to the credibility
of the witnesses," he continued, "and shall ask you to draw
inferences you may not be inclined to draw. Probably you will ask
me why a person should commit perjury in a case where a citizen is
on trial for his life. It is difficult to answer, because we do not
know anything of the character of the witnesses or their
associations, and can not find out what their connection is with
other parties. There is also this to be remembered, that men have
whimsical ambition. There are witnesses who desire to be
distinguished, and who know it is always a great matter to know
all about some great crime which has been committed. The man is a
hero for the time being. He is a great man, called upon by
reporters, written up and petted by the police and other persons. I
can not tell what the effect of that would be. They may not
intentionally commit perjury, but at the same time they may be lead
entirely astray from the facts. Counsel regaled the jury with some
of his experience in trying other murder cases by way of explaining
what he meant, and said it is unpopular to testify on behalf of the
defendant in a case like this. The enemies of my client have their
claquers placed about the court, whose duty it is to applaud when
anything comes out favorable to the prosecution.

"I want to know, if your Honor please, if there is any evidence of
any claquers having been placed in this court in this case?" curtly
inquired Mr. Ingham.

"I certainly do not know of any such evidence," replied Judge
McConnell, "and the remark is a highly improper one."

"Claquers were over there in that corner and very frequently
applauded, and that is where the Clan-na-Gaels were congregated,"
angrily retorted Mr. Forrest.

"There are no claquers in this court, and the counsel well knows
it," said Mr. Ingham, sharply.

"I can not have you go into that subject or say any more on that
line, Mr. Forrest," said Judge McConnell.

"Very well," said Mr. Forrest, and he then turned around to the
jury and informed them that his client on a previous occasion was
awarded a new trial by the Supreme Court. Now, I want to call your
attention to certain evidence. There is a peculiar combination of
men and circumstances against my clients,