Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1880-08-12
LASSEN NOTES.

A correspondent writing from Susanville
under date of August 18th furnishes the an
neXed news:
The trial of G. F. Miers for the murder
of Richard Walsh on the lth of last April
commenced here last Monday, in the Su-
perior Court, Judge Hendricks presiding.
The trial consumed the entire week, and
was attended by large concourse of
people, attracted, no doubt, more by the
reputation for legal ability and talent of
counsel employed than interest in the case,
as the deceased and Miers were compare
lively unknown in this community, living
as they did in Big valley, some IS miles
from this place. The principal facts that
led to the killing, as developed during the
trial, were that John, Richard and Peter
Walsh, along with G. w. Jackson, owned
band of sheep. Mr.. Miers was also a
sheep, owner. There was piece of Gov.
eminent land which each claimed as a
range for their sheep, and on which both
had them at that time. Richard Walsh
made threats against Miers' life if he did
not take his sheep off the range. These
threats. which were communicated to Miers,
led to the shooting of Richard Walsh with
Winchester rifle. G.. W. Jackson was
present at the time, and was the principal
witness for the prosecution. His testimo-
ny and Miers' conhicted, inasmuch as
jackson swore that Walsh was standing on
rock at the time the shot was fired, while
Miers swore that Walsh was approaching
| in threatening manner. The theory of
the defense was that conspiracy to kill
Miers had been formed by the Washes
and Jackson. The prosecution was con-
Quoted for the people by District Attorney
Branham, assisted by Clay w. Taylor of
Shasta county, and Judge S. Scion Holl of
Sacramento ; for the prisoner, Creed Hay
mond of Sacramento, E. V. Spencer of
Susanvillc, J. w. Parker OF Adm, and
Judge C. McCloskey of Susanville. The
examination of witnesses occupied the
time from Monday until Thursday noon.
In the afternoon Judge Holl argued for
the people, followed in the evening by
Spencer for the defense. Friday morning
he continued his argument, which occupied
most of the forenoon. In the afternoon
Greed Raymond closed the argument for
defense, which occupied the time until
4 80 p. NJ, when the Court adjourned.
In the evening Clay w. Taylor occupied
the time until nearly 10 o'clock, when the
jury received its instructions from Judge
Hendricks and retired. After being out
sixteen hours it came into Court for in
structions, after receiving which it soon
returned a verdict of not guilty. The jury
| was composed of worth and exceptional in
| telligence, and their verdict is received by
the majority as just. During The argu-
ment of counsel the Courtroom was
crowded with an interested but quiet
audience, among which were many ladies.
Mr.. Miers is man Al years of age, and
has wife and four children. He came to
California in 1854, and has resided in
Trinity, Siskiyou and Lassen counties. He
| was Assistant Federal Assessor of Siskiyou
county three and half years ago. He
has taught school nearly three years, and
has first grade State certificate.
DIR. George Hurley prominent physi-
clan OF this place, died last Friday, and
was buried here Saturday with Masonic
ceremonies, he being a member of the
order. The procession, which was laege
one, was preceded by the Susanville Cornet
Band.
The weather here is quite warm, the
Thermometer reaching 90 yesterday, and
9S' in the shade to-day. The farmers are
busy making hay, of which there is a
larger crop than at first expected.