Page:Trial of S.M. Landis.djvu/22

 Charles Wagner sworn.

.—You know Dr. Landis?

A.—Yes sir.

Q.—How long have you known him?

A.—Eight or nine years.

Q.—Have you known him intimately?

A.—Yes sir.

Q.—Do you know others who know him?

A.—Yes sir.

Q.—What is his character for purity as a man and as a minister?

.—We object to his character as a minister, that is not involved.

Q.—Well, is he a pastor of the First Progressive Church?

A.—Yes sir.

Q.—Does a large congregation attend there usually?

A.—Yes sir.

Q.—Do you know a large number of people who know Dr. Landis?

A.—Yes sir.

Q.—He is an outspoken man is he?

A.—Yes sir.

Q.—He is not a man likely to conceal his motives.

A.—No sir.

Objected to as a matter that has nothing to do with his book.

.—I think if our friends will object less, they would get at the truth faster. I wish to know his reputation for purity.

.—You must confine your remarks to character.

.—We can prove that by no witness. There is no human being who can testify to your Honor's character for purity. The character is beyond the ken of of any human being. Reputation is what others think of you, character is what you are. I will withdraw that question.

Q.—Did you ever hear Dr. Landis' character for purity questioned by any person of respectable character in Philadelphia?

Objected to.

Q.—What is his genuine character for purity?

A.—As far as I know it is good.

Q.—Did you ever hear it called in question?

.—We object to that as opening the door to show cases of immorality.

Q.—When did you hear his character for purity spoken of?

A.—Since the arrest, and I have heard before that.

Q.—Who spoke of it?

A.—A friend of mine.

Q.—Please to name him sir.

A.—William Ahles.

Q.—When was it spoken of by William Ahles?

A.—A short time past.

Q.—When?

A.—I could not tell how long ago.

Q.—When?

A.—Five or six years ago.

Q.—When was it last spoken of to you by Mr. Ahles?

A.—Not lately, I have not seen him lately.

Q.—When did you last see him sir, how long ago?

A.—I saw him last Sunday.

Q.—Did not he speak of it then?

A.—No sir.

Q.—You have not heard William Ahles speak of it for a long time, have you?

A.—Yes sir.

Q.—Can you name any other person?

A.—A young lady, a friend of mine.

Q.—Who was the young lady?

A.—Miss Amber.

Q.—When did she speak of it?

A.—Since the arrest.

Q.—Any body else?

A.—No.

Q.—Where did Miss Amber speak of it?

A.—At my house.

Q.—All the persons whom you have heard speak of the character of Dr. Landis for purity, are Miss Amber and William Ahles?

A.—Yes sir.

Q.—These are the only persons?

A.—Yes sir.

Dr. Mincer, affirmed by the uplifted hand.

.—Do you know the defendant?