Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1880-11-10
THE MURDER TRIAL.

-ssi fE-atAf
Opening of the Trisl Of Robert Burton,
IN Indictment for Murder, for Killing
George Lsrkin---The Evidence for the
Prosecution Submitted.
There is q strange fascination for the hui
man mind in the surroundings of a first
olass, (the term is used advisedIy) murder
trial. There is nothing in the mimic world
or in the more realistic drama of life that
seems to attract half the interest
as does that of human
being on trial by his fellows, for his liberty
or his life. When man imbrues his hands
with the life blood of his fellow he straight
way becomes either an object of admiration
or pity, hero or a demon. In either case
be attracts the same sensational interest.
This is human nature, pure aud simple, with
tbs teaching of academies, schools and the
sophisticated niceties of society left out.
Whether the anomalous and complex thing
called human nature Is entitled to credit or
condemnation for its liking of scarlet scandal
is something that no one seems to know OF
care anything about.
The case of the State against Robert Bur.
ton, charged with the killing of George Lar
kin. on trial in the district court Is apropos
to the above reflections.
One Sunday night, the 29th of last August
Burton and friend called at the Clarendon
hotel and invited two of the girls out fol a
walk. The party strolled down town and
came up Sixth street about 10 o'clock. They
stood chatting On the latter street near
Cedar when Larkin and two other roughs
came by and insulted the ladies. few
minutes later Burton and his friend bid good
evening to the young women and they
walked to the corner of
Sixth and Cedar streets.
Larkin and his party stood on the corner,
and when Burton came up the young men
had some words and engaged in an enooun-
ter, during which Burton drew q knife and
sent the blade searching for .Larkin's heart
The latter died in less than half an hour af-
ter the stabbing.
TIE TRIAL.
Burton was indicted by the grand jury TO,
murder in the first degree and the trial com.
menced in Ethe district court, before Judge
Simons, yesterdad forenoon.
As usual on such occasions every seat ir
the court room was occupied and the pro-
eeedings were heard with great interest
The case was called at 10 O'Clock, when the
prisoner was brought into court and the
clerk was directed to draw jury.
The counsel are Messrs. @. D. O'Brier
and Tildon r. Selmas for ihe prisoner, and
County Attorney Egan for the State.
THE JURY.
Great difficulty was experienced in procur
ing jury, their competency being tried b,
Messrs. Congdon, Haas and Nc
Oarthy, who were appointed triers
Two hours of the forenoon were consumed
in getting jurors and at 1890 O'Clock, tn,
court adjourned until 2 O'Clock having en-
pannelled eleven jurors. Upon reassem
bling the twelfth man was gotten, complet
ing the jury, which is composed of the fol
lowing named citizens: Frank Engles
George Watson, E. M. Raymond, Adam
Stahlman, j. j. Williams, Henry Haake
Edwin Bell, John Winker, n. J. Strouse
81. A. Birmingham, G. S. Blake and G. Sid
ney Smith.
Robert Burton occupied a seat by hi
counsel and Gen. Flower, who formerly EN-
ployed the prisoner and who has taken
great interest in his welfare. Burton ap
peared neatly dressed and clearly shaven
with his jet black hair neatly parted. He
viewed the proceedings calmly and his d 9
meanor was thoroughly composed and de
corous.
MARY MADIGAN.
Miss Mary Madigan, the first witness wa
called by MIR. Eagan for the State. She tes
tilted as follow:
Have resided in st. Paul one year an,
two months; first resided at the Windso
hotel; then lived at the Clarendon; remem
bered the night Of August 29th; got through
work about 8 O'Clock; had known Burtor
about month; he was not employed at tn
hotel; first met him at the Clarendon, me
him five or six times before ths- 10Th of Au
gust; he called at o'clock on the 10Th O
August; went walking with him: Miss Steven
Burton and witness left the house together
met Mr.. Devlin on Wabashaw street; it wa
their first introduction; they had taken
walk together; had strolled about the city
were standing on Sixth street when Larkil
and party first passed; it was between 9:3
| and 10 o'clock; Mr.. Burton, witness ans
| Miss Stevens were standing up; Dsvlin wa
sitting down. had stood there five or tel
minutes before Larkin came up; witness wa
on the outside; they were in the middle o
| the block; noticed the young men com
| along; the one on the inside made remarl
as he passed; he said, "You can't get there;
thought he was addressing witness
the others didn't say anything; in reply t.
| the remark, Mr.. Burton told them to 90 on
that there were ladies in the party and tina
they didn't want to be insuited; one O
them then called him very opprobriou
name; Burton made no reply; the srtang
ers then walked to Cedar street; they wen
around the corner of Cedar street; the,
swore great deal and called names. MI
Burton told them to 60 on. The youn,
men turned back; witness thought they wer
coming towards their party; saw them a
the time they used the profane language
they were at the corner of Cedar street; wit
ness and the party then started for tn
hotel; MIR. Burton and witness were ahead
Miss. Stevens and Devlin were in the rear
when near the hotel Mr.. Burton asked t,
be excused; he said he woul,
go back to see the men
he went towards the corner; MIR. Devlin ais,
started back; witness did not see or hea,
anything after Burton had turned back
witness had not looked around; Burton ant
Delvin passed witness by be
fore she entered the house
they we're walking; they said "goos
| night but did not stop; when Burton ant