The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1880-02-09
The wtttsck Murder.


At 10 o'clock this morning the circuit
court room was filled with an audience
anxious to hear the argument and reasons
why a new trial should be granted to
Patrick Grogan and Patrick Ganey.
already convicted of the murder of Conrad
Wittick. Counsel for both sides were
present, Dir. Parmenter and Mr.. Jackson
representing the people. aud MIR. O'Brien
and Mr.. O'Mara for the prisoners. The
sheriff and county clerk were in their
places, and number of members of the
bar and representatives of the press were
present. Mr.. Wittick, son of the MUIR
dered man. was also there. The audience
generally was composed of those who evil
IDENTITY took more than a passing interest
In the case, and the absence of the mere
curiosity seeker was very apparent. On
the backmost bench of the court james
McCormac was seated and was probably
observed by few present. A telegram
was received by the sheriff short time
| later, from Judge Smith at Galesburg,
stating that he would not be able to open
court till 2 O'Clock So those who had
assembled quietly dispersed.
| At 2 o'clock the court room was filled
with about the same audience as 10 the
| morning, only that the number present
was some what increased. Judge Smith
was prom pity on time and the court was
convened in due form. The prisoners
were brought in and the case was called.
Mr.. Parmenter for the people stated that
they would have to request the court to
grant them some time before proceeding
With the case, as the counsel for the prison
srs had not furnished them with all the
points to which they we're to take excep-
ton. and on which a new trial was to be
asked till this morning. He said that
one of the Jurors whom it was understood
was to be objected to, had been sent for
and was here. but at half past ten this
| morning he had learned for the first time
that another juror was to be objected to,
aad ms thought it was only fair to have
that Juror present Mr. O'Brien said to
save tiue, the short hand report of what
| that juror had said when Intercepted on
the point which would be objected to. had
already been taken and accepted as part of
tie record, could be put 10 as evidence.
The juror referred to is danes Under
wood, who is said to have stated to one
CorcoraD. on the Friday evening prior to
the trial that be believed the prisoners to
be guilty and ought to be punished.
Mr.. O'Rrien said 1t was desirable that
the case should be proceeded with as it
was uncertain when he could again be
present. as he had TO commence another
murder trial tomorrow
Mr.. Parmenter said it would be placiue g
them at disadvantage if the case was &c
be proceeded with now. They had tried
all they could to get the points to which
exception was to be raised. 10 time to be
prepared to meet them, but the points had
not been furnished, except in the case Of
Silas Drrry. Jr,
Mr.. OMara, Mr. Parmenter and Mr.
O'Brien. had some further discussion.
| Mr. Jackson, said he understood that
Mr.. Parmenter, had been all the week
trying to obtain points which were to be
excepted TO but had not got them except
in the case of young Drury. and then i,
was not known that his father would DC
necessary to make affidavit.
Sias Drury Sr., bad been sent for and
would be here this evening. The son was
already here.
| Mr.. Underwood who lives some 80 miles
distant had been sent for.
! The Court thought the people were en-
titled to a GO ptiEuance in order to prepare
to meet objections that might be raised
and bring witnesses If necessary. and the
Judge suggested that each side should
give sufficient notice to the other of the
points to be raised.
| After some discussion as to u suitable
time, when the case should be brought
up again, it was decided that the court
should take up the case at 10 o'clock rext
Saturday. IF anything unforeseen occuTs,
timely notice will be given.
The prisoners are not much changed in
appearance since they were in court before,
except in the case of Grogau who looks
more sad and thinner. Ganey looked il
anything brighter than he did during The
trial, Shortly after they GAME In they
signed some legal papers at the request oi
Mr.. O. Mara. and then took their places as
before and apparently watched with con-
siderable interest what was going on
before the court.