The Willimantic Journal

CLOSE OF THE GUITEAU TRIAL

THE ASSASSIN GUILTY OF MURDER IN THE FIRST DEGREE.

Judge Porter concluded his masterly argument for the prosecution at 3 o'clock Wednesday afternoon, and Judge Cox began his charge to the jury.

During the delivery of the judge's charge which was completed at 4:40 p. m., there was perfect stillness in the crowded court room and even the prisoner kept absolutely quiet with the exception of one or two simple interruptions. The jury immediately retired and many of the spectators left the room. After the jury had been out about fifteen minutes a recess was taken until half past 5 o'clock. Many of the audience who had virtually been imprisoned since 9:30 a. m., availed themselves of the opportunity to obtain fresh air and lunch.

The prisoner at his request had been allowed, soon after the jury left the court room, to retire to the little room he has occupied since trial began as a waiting room during recess. Before leaving the court room he evinced considerable nervousness, but on getting away to comparative seclusion his usual composure and assurance soon returned to him. He sent out for some apples with which he treated his attendants, meanwhile chatting familiarly and good naturedly. He was asked what he thought the jury would do and replied. "I think they will acquit me or disagree, don't you?"

Within ten minutes after the recess had been taken the jury called to the bailiff in waiting, that they were ready with their verdict. They were informed that a recess had been taken and that Judge Cox had left the court room. So they remained in their room until the court had reassembled.

The rumor that the jury had agreed was quickly spread from one to another and the excited crowd surged back into the court room and with eager expectancy anxiously awaited what all seemed to expect--a verdict of guilty.

The musty, antique room is devoid of gas and the score or more candles which had been placed upon the desks of the judge, counsel and reporters imparted a weird and fancifully unnatural aspect to the grim old place. The shadows thrown upon the dark background of walls seemed like flitting spectres to usher in the sombre procession of those who held in their hands destiny of a human life.

First came the prisoner with quick nervous step and as he seated himself in the dock, perhaps for the last time, the light of a solitary candle fell full upon his face and disclosed its more than usual pallor. Not a tremor of the limbs or a movement of the muscles of the face was observable as he threw back his head and fixed his gaze upon the door through which the jury were to enter.

Judge Cox soon afterward took his seat. The crier called 'Order!' and the jury at 5:35 filed slowly into their seats. Every sound was hushed, save the voice of the clerk as he propounded to the foreman the usual inquiry.

Clear and distinct came the reply "We have."

"What is your verdict. Guilty or not guilty?"

With equal distinctness came the reply:

"Guilty as indicted."

Then the pent up feelings of the crowd found expression in uproarious demonstrations of applause and approval.

"Order! Order!" shouted the bailiffs.

Mr. Scoville were simultaneously upon their feet. Mr. Scoville attempted to address the court but the district attorney shouted: "Wait till we hear the verdict complete and in due form of law."

Order was at length restored and the clerk again addressing the jury, said:

"Your foreman says guilty as indicted."

"So say we all of us: we do." they all responded.

Another demonstration of approval followed this announcement, but not so prolonged as the first. Mr. Scoville still upon his feet demanded a poll of the jury, which was granted and each juror was called by name and each in a firm voice promptly responded "Guilty." As the last name was called the prisoner shrieked: "My blood will be upon the heads of that jury. Don't you forget it."

Mr. Scoville again addressed the court saying, "Your honor, I do not desire to forfeit any rights I may have under the law and practice in this district. If there is anything I ought to do now to save these rights, I would be indebted to your honor to indicate it to me."

Judge Cox's reply assured him that he should have every opportunity. He would be accorded all the time allowed by law within which to file his exceptions and that he would be also entitled to four days within which to move an arrest of judgment.

Guiteau who from the moment Judge Cox began the delivery of his charge had dropped completely his air of flippant arrogance and sat with frigid features and compressed lips called out in tones of desperation: "God will avenge this outrage."

Judge Cox then turned to the jury and said: "Gentlemen of the jury, I cannot express too many thanks for the manner in which you have discharged your duty. You have richly merited the thanks of your countrymen and I feel assured you will take with you to your home the approval of your consciences. Gentlemen of the jury, I dismiss you."

With this announcement the court was declared adjourned and the now famous trial, which has absorbed the public attention for more than ten weeks, was ended.

The crowd quietly left the court room and the prisoner gesticulating with his manacled hands, was led out. As he passed the reporters' tables he leaned down and called out to an acquaintance: "The court in banc will reverse this business."

His appearance was that of a man deeply moved with indignation at some outrage or indignity which had been put upon him. As he was being put in the van the crowd of men and boys upon the pavement yelled and shouted themselves hoarse in mockery of the prisoner's constant boast "The American press and people are all with me." The van was quickly driven away followed till out of sight by the jeers and yells of the crowd.