The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1872-01-10
THE FISK INQUEST.
The C0rOners Jury Find that James Fisk, Jr,
Died from Wounds Inflicted by Pistol
in the Hands Of Edward 8. Stokes.
A RENfARKABLE VERDICT
The Jury Absent Three Hours Cautiously
:H,. Discussing What to Do in the Case.
NO FELONY, BUT DELIBERATE" SHOOTING
A Witness Who Did Not Appear and Has
Not Been Found by the Police.
STOKES COMMITTED BY TIE CORONER.

STOKES COnIllIIED BY TIE CUKUNER.
Twelve months ago Edward s. Stokes, now In
confinement in the Tomos with q verdict made by o
c0r0ner's jury hanging over his head was free
man. living In luxury and having all things at MS
command that wealth could purchase or pro-
cure. Last evening the combined elaboration OF
twelve men changed the course OF his future
life. after a close consultation OF three hours,
the clerks ONCE OF the Court OF Special Sessions.
which was used as jury room for the time being.
The court room yesterday afternoon was crowded
to excess by spectators who made manifest their
eagerness to get the slightest glimpse Of the
prisoner VINO stands under this dread accusation In
tire sight OF the people OF America The rooms which
have partitioned OF the court and which have
an elevation Of about ten feet had their roofs
swarming with people, who craned their necks
their minds filled with a morbid curiosity to watch
everv movement OF this body. There was strong
representation Of the legal profession in the court
room, and all present, whether they were spec.
tators, reporters, lawyers judges or police
of1cers, seemed impressed with the solemnity
OF the occasion for which they had assembled in the
court room. Judge Bowling came In and took
seat during the proceedings at the desk at which
the clerk usually sits. John McKeon. William Bart
lett and Franklin Bartlett sat within the bar en-
closure, and when the accused came in he was
escorted to his seat by the officers, and
walked forward to hts place with firm
step and an assured bearing. He was dressed
rs on the first day. quite iashonably wearing his
tight gray Irish Ireize overcoat, and having blue
necktte fastened at his throat under his white col
lar. There were three Ia lies, who came into Court
and were furnished seats OH the right OF the dnis
on which the magistrate usually sits. These ladies
were supposed to be relatives OF Fisk by
many persons In the Court when the proceedings
opened. but after while 1t was ascertained
that they were friends OF an oincer of the Court,
who were merely present as spectators. 1t was be.
ueved that the three ladies composed the female
members OF the family OF Mrs. Morse, whom Colonel
Fisk habltuay visited at the Grand Central Hotel,
but this rumOr was also ascertalned to be false.
The nrst witness examined was Patrick Hart,
one or the men employed at the Grand Central HO-
tel, VINO had assisted Fisk to rise from the spot
which he had been shot down, but who had
not witnessed the shooting OF the deceased.
Hart seems to be one OF those self-0pin.
donated or stubborn witnesses who occasion.
ally turn up on trial and are afraid they
Will be hanged or transported II they do not con.
tent himself with answering q question but once.
He could not identity the bullet which was found;
could not tell whether 1t was round, conical or
square; did not remember II 1t had any blood
stains upon 1t, and was evidently very
badgering that he received, the jury helping,
rather unlntentionally TO confuse him by their long
and scientific questions Captain Byrnes, OF tne
Immediately after Coroner Young had ordered
the police to hold Hart for impsItinaence;
the Staying Of Fisk. Mr.. Maunseil i: Field asked
then the police captain went down from
san' Of p ana Central q no e hV %as
examined and testified that he had prooed the
suffered pain under the operation; but stated in
addition. that he did not think to the best Of hs
sRsn he c0Sos :n 'f%S have e sss
cover the ball Dr. Marsh read the
described the wounds in the English language
efterward, at tho request OF the prisoners counsc.
The case was closed soon after by Coroner Young,
and he was about to submit his testimony to the
Jury when Mr. McKeon interposed. and demanded
70 know why the person who had taken Colonel
Fsks clothing on hi body after the shooting had
not been produced and put Oh the stand 10 testify
nos The Coroner answered that he was willing to
examine any witnesses that were brought before
eooae Snns his
however, created profound impression il
Court and the general opinion seemed
to be that the police authorities who have taken
30 many precautions to prevent riot which did not
ness who Nad been present with Colonel FISK at the
moment OF the shooting, and who had stripped
strange 70 say the person who did this last occ for
Colonel FISK was yesterday Court, and yet 1t
not known TO the police tsat he was present or that
he HAD taken on the diamonds which Fisk usually
wore and had given them 10 be ed In the hotel
90 fe Tor security.
At quarter 10 five O'Clock the Jury retired to de-
lberate on verdict, anu were absent Tor three
hours an unusual Tine for Coroners inquest.
Many OF the spectators lett the Court ana II was
rumOrcd that the jury were taking their suppcrs
In the jury rooin-a statement which proved untrue
altogether. 1t Is stated that Mr.. NJ. d. Field Henry
CleWs and David DOws were not satisfied and The
person VINO had relieved Colonel FISK OF mis- rar.
ments had not been found ana placed on the stand
and the fact that this jury, Which has not been
equalled by any other jury sworn Tor good many
years In social position, wealth and inte-
genco, were so divided by their great
responsibility that they mad TO remain out
three long hours before they gave verdict, when
the shooting was patent 10 every man, Is IN Itself
evidence hal they were uneasy ut not having found
satisfied that justice done. There was long and
serious discussion In the jury room, but all finally
agreed ON the verdict, and IL made unanimous.
IL was very solemn moment when they marched
In, aud George Opdyke, the foreman, read the yer
dict amid almost GREATNESS silence. stokes stood
up Immediately afterwards and began 10 answe:
the questions put to MN, but was stopped by nj:
counsel. who answered for him. There was no a D.
plause. not even murmur, and no attempt al dis
turbance by any OF the spectators, and Stokes wa
held TO answer and the audience dispersed, thu.
ending the second act OF this bloody tragedy.
THE Inquest.