National Republican., 1876-12-27
UTTERING FORGED PAPER.
THE TRIAL OF WILLIAM TYLER.

thE 1AlAL Ot WILLIAM TYLER
Downfall of Real Estate Broker-SoIne oi
His Transactions-The Father Sacrifices
His Property to Cancel the Obligations oi
the Son-What Fast Horses, Snowy Car.
riages and a Fine Stable Cost-wm Neu
ralgia Cause Insanity ?-The Grounds of the
Defense.
The Criminal Court resumed business yester
daY, but it was fully one hour after the usua
starting time before operations commenced. Tht
attorneys were late, balitts late, witnesses late
and, in fact, everything indicated a slowness thai
gave evidence OF the Christmas holidays havine
impeded the usual swiftness Of the wheels of jus
tiee in their revolutions.
The case set for trial was that of VIM. Tyler
charged with forgery, under five distinct indict
ments, viz: Forging the name of Joshua A
Richie upon note for 81 900, September q, 1875
forging the name of VIM. H. Dugal upon a note
of SSOCO Msy 4, 1875; forging the name of Grafton
Tyler upon note passed to h SaEiIle for 81 900
October 2, 1876 forging the name of Grafton Tyler
a note for 500, September Is. 1875; forging the
name Of Grafton Tyler on note for $500, Noyem
The interest manifested in the proceedings 1:
large, and grows out of the fact that the accused
is weH-knOWn in this community. He is the sou
of an old and highly-esteemed citizen Of George
town, and rose from an obscure dealer in real es
tate TO an extensive broker; cut a dashing swell
with fast and snowy horses; was betrothed to the
daughter Of a retired merchant of this city, and
Just previous to the contamination OF the nuptIals
the eruption, the fact Of the extensive fcrgeries
perpetrated became disclosed, and the present
trial Is the sequel to that life.
MIR. r. 7. MeIrick, one Of the counsel for the de-
tense, moved to consolidate the ind ictments and
try them as one case.
he thought they were distinct ofenses, and should
be tried separately, the statute not admitting of
His Honor declined to grant the motion, and de-
cided that the cause should proceed to be
TRIED UPoN ONE OF THR INDICTMENTS.
The frst care selected was that in which the de-
fendant is charged with forging the name of
Grafton Tyler upon note for $50, on September
At this juncture the accused, accompanied by
his father, DIR. Grafton Tyler, entered the court,
ant. The reading of the Indictment was waived
and plea of not guilty entered.
The following jurors were selected to try the
case: James E Miller. Edmund Handley, James
+. Wollard, George Gaddis, Robert B. HOwerson,
z. b. Brooke, John T. Dyer. John ID. McGill,
James F. Magufre. John p. Crowley, Thomas G.
Magruder. and William Tucker.
The Jury was composed entirely OF white men
which is the first instance Of the kind that has
occurred in any important trial since cOlored men
became competent to serve as jurors.
At this hour (ll:2O a. m the court took re-
cess, in order to allow the General Term to con-
Tene.
AFTKR THE RECESS.
On Teassembling Mr.. Wells jr., briefly opened
the case and called DIR. Grafton Tyler who tegti-
fed that the Endorsement OF his name on the note
was not in his handwriting. and that he could not
say that the signature Of William Tyler was in
the handwriting Of the accused.
Cross-examined: The signature did not resemble
Mr. Merrick asked if the transactions of the
son had not involved the father in financial ruin,
but the Court suggested that the question be re-
served TO later period in the trial.
MI Jacob Shinnen identified the note in ques-
Mr.. Merrick, in opening for the defense, stated
that while the improper financial transaction
would not be denied still the defense expected to
show that the defendant, in his business relations
and conduct, did not possess that level mind and
Steadiness of action that generally accompanies
all men OF well-balanced minds.
DR.. Grafton Tyler, the father, gave testimony
10 the accuseds early days and collegiate train
ing. At the time of his pupilage his physical con-
dition was not good, being subject to rheumatism,
which at times kept him confined to his bed.
Prior to entering college the rheumatic CON-
plant developed ITSELF but he was not so iI as to
gsGSf 01 family T9s S witness ss
sickness. The defendant lefs college In 1850.
TIE RHxuAIAT1sN ATTACKED HIS HEART,
and he stood In danger Of losing his life. Second
ary TO that he suffered from hemorrhages, caused
by congestion Of his lungs. Witness was so ap-
had q bed made for him in witness own room
where he remained for four months, and then
gradually improved. The condition Of the heart
grew better In the next year, and since then no
trouble has been discovered. Within the past
two years he has suffered with neuralgia attacks
III menu, anu subsequently Ol Inc leaTt and
brain, the latter of which occurred SO frequently
in 1875 as to cOnfine HIM to his bed. The most
severe condition, the most alarming state was in
the latter part Of December 1879, and in JAN
Mr.. Wells. That was after the otfense was
committed.
Mr.. Merrick. suppose it was.
Mr.. Wells. feel compelled to object to this por-
tOn Of the Doctors testimony, far as IL relates
TO the condition Of the accused after his otfenses
were committed. He was not SO insane when he
got this note eashed that he was not responsible
for the act.
Mr. Merrick argued in favor of the admission of
tended that the Jury were TO consider whether or
not there was case Of simulated insanity after
the commission of the otfense, and that they
should hear all of the testimony relating to the
condition OF the mind Of the defendant before and
after the offence.
The Court allowed the witness TO proceed who
said that in the fall of 1873 the accused had these
attacks Of neuralgia, but at other times he was
WELL ENOUGH TO 60 ABOUT AND TRANSACT
BUSINESS.
A month AFTER the attacks increased, and was re-
quired TO call in medical assistance, when he iIn-
proved under proper medical treatment and nurs-
ing. About two weeks since he had a similar
attack, complaining about his head very much.
In tie spfls Of 9s7 the accused left college when
he entered the drug store OF CcnataRt Rltchie,
in GeoTget0wn, to learn the business. BE was
fully trusted, and was of irreproachable charac-
ter. He was afectionate child, entirely devoted
10 his parents. After he entered the real estate
business in 1872 1878, witness noticed q change
IN MS puYelcdl health Ut lldL time la1
considerably improved: noticed that he was con
stantly engaged. He was always in a state Of un-
rest. He frequently presented evidences Of disa-
bility. Presumed that this was by oYerWorkfug
Of his brain, and frequently called attention to
it. He was seldom very laxative, being always
apparently full Of business. Occasionally he was
he would COME in and say that he had made big
thing, some days saying lie had made severa!
that, big schemes in anticipation. This would be
followed by depression of the mind, which in
turn would be followed by a neuralgia OF the
brain. At times he would be highly elated, when
he would be very communicating. Noticed these
attacks prior TO IS s. the attacks seemed to grow
as his business increased. Early in that year the
attacks attracted the marked attention of the
witness. They continued until he failed, in No
venber, 1870.
HEwAs ALTOGETHER A TEMPERATE BOZ.
He purchased two houses from witness-lne in
February, 1875, and the other in June, 1875. They
were excellent houses. perfectly tenantabIe, and
always in demand. The defendant pulled out all
of the interior Of the buildings made most exten-
he9 &Ses aked eg tSo y. I yey idF e. nns s
not know that it would absorb considerable
money, and how could he afford to keep it out of
right, and there was no trouble in regard to that
matter. The defendant purchased lot near
witness house. and erected a stable, with mod
ern improvements, and fitted II up with gas and
water. The yard was cobblestOned, and had a
fine iron gate at the front of IL. The old house on
the lot was used as home for the hOstler. When
raised he was surprised, and told defendant TO
make il his last. He said that he had property,
and witness told him 10 sell IL it had to be done
at q sacrifice. Witness said that he had stable
and ordered him to sell that. He replied that he
might as well go to Washington and shut up his
Office as to sell the stable. That remark closed
the conversation with witness.
IN THE SALE OF THE LAST HOUSE
the defendant was to pay witness 500 and the
deed Of trust was TO be placed in his safe for secur-
ity. Later 1t was found not to be recorded and
on inquiry the defendant said he intended to deed
both of the houses to witness, and did So But
they were worthless to witness as they were in an
unfinished state and other mortgages rested upon
them. He had involved witness altogether TO the
amount Of $4,000. When questioned the defsn-
dant did not seem to be impressed with the Sc
riousness of the situation and appreciate his eond
tion or how deeply he had involved witness.
week later he said that friend was going to
bring him 9l3,0OO and still later that he was 60
ing to receive 81, go. Witness then became sat
ished that he was laborfng under a hallucination
and put him under treatment accordingly.
Cross-examined: Could not tell what class of
students constituted the rudimental branch at the
college. He failed TO make any Advancement
He wrote q fair hand, composed an average good
letter, could foot up column Of figures, and did
well the four years he was engaged in the drug
business. He put up prescriptions in the store
Up TO ISL witness had not discovered any infirm-
ity Of the intellect that prevented him from par
ticipatinE In the ordinary business of life.
He WAS FOND OF SOCIAL COMPANY,