Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1881-11-17
AT THE BAR OF JUSTICE.
Arrangement of (suiteau nj Washing
ton for the Murder OF President
GARFIELD

The assassin was taken TO the court
room early by the marshall. He
looked to be in much better condition
physically and otherwise, than when
he last appeared in the same room to
plead to the indictment. Still he had
the same restless, furtive expression
which characterized him before. He
was at once relieved of his handouts
and took his seat beside his sister, Mrs.
Scovile.
The court room was crowded. Dis
trict Attorney Corkhill and Porter, of
New York, and Davidge, of Washing
ton, appeared for the prosecution, and
Scoville and Leith Robinson for the de-
Tense. Smith was present to represent
the attorn " general.
One of Guteaus first movements was
to thrust his hand in one of his peck
cts ami take out roll of paper. SEQ
vile, however, in dumb play, ordered
him 20 put it back, and he did so.
Tie district attorney then declared
the readiness of the prosecution to pro-
coed with the case.
Robinson then arose to make a plea
for more time to prepare for the de-
Tense, which appeared not to meet the
approved of Guiteau; for all the time
that Robinson was speaking Guiteau
was carrying on what appeared to be n
remonstrance with Sco,ille who
was apparently trying to quiet
and suppress him.
No sooner had Robinson taken his
seat than the prisoner rose, and in an
excited manner, addressed the court
and stated he wished to be heard In
vain Scoville endeayored to make him
resume his seat and remain quiet. He
was irrepressible, and in a nervous, but
pretty distinct manner, he proceeded
with n speech as follows:
was not aware that my counsel,
Robinson, intended this morning to
take application for postponement,
and desire to be heard in my own be-
half in this matter at the very thresh-
old of this case. | ann charged here
with murderous attempt, and desire
TO be heard on my own behalf.
The court-"This is not proper
time to enter upon the defense. The
only question before the court is
whether further time should be allow
ed the counsel to prepare for the de-
Tense"
The prisoner (emphatically $50
far as am concerned, | do not want
further time. We are ready to try this
case now"
go deputy marshal who endeavored
to restrain prisoner -"Will you be
quiet?
The court THE question is whether
further time ought TO be allowed to
COUNSEL
The prisoner (persistently)-'T do
not want that, if the court please"
The district attorney insisted that
the trial proceed now.
Robinson said he had consulted with
eminent gentlemen whom he wished
to have associated with him, and who
would give him ali answer soon. He
also stated that there were three addi-
tlonal witnesses he desired summoned,
who could not be here for three weeks.
He filed an affidavit to the above effect,
and while thus engaged Guiteau was
making very active demonstrations
towards another outbreak, but was re-
strained by Scoville and two deputy
marshals who were sitting directly be-
side him. Scovlle then rose and said
"This is a proceeding which is at least
peculiar, If not unprecedented. 1t is
very remarkable indeed that an appli-
cation of this kind should be made and
that | should have had no previous
notice of it; that | should not even be
permitted to see the affidavit wi ich has
been presented to the court"
Robinson-'"There is no earthly OBJ
lection to your seeing it,
Scoyille-"Very well. Wait p mo-
ment / say this is an unprecedented
proceeding. | shall withdraw from the
case if the defense is to proceed
longer in tins manner. | vii. give
whatever information | have to coun-
sci for defense, and step out. i do moi
want to have this case continued, and
the prisoner does not want to have it
continued. do not want any further
connection with the case unless when
motion is to be made, | am advised
Of it long enough before hand to know
something about it. Unless the de-
ISI1st tdii ~ vi llhi iiltlIiouSIy dtiu INT
in it, will withdraw"
Guiteau again managed to get on his
feet as Scoville sat down, and exclaimed,
with a motion of his clenched fist, II
endorse every word of that, and | tell
Robinson that if he does not do this
thing just as / want it done, he can get
out of the case. TIL at is the long and
short of it"
Robinson rose to address the court.
Guiteau (persistently). | don't want
to hear any more speeches from Rob-
inson. | want him to get out Of the
case 10 the deputy marshalls who
were pulling him back into his seat:)
"Let me alone, you have nothing to do
with me here"
Robinson said he intended no disre-
spect to Scoville, and confined, II know
that what have asked is indespensi-
bic. will give the name Of the coun-
sci as soon as ! know he can be assign
cd. / arr sure his assignment will
strengthen the defense. especially
where 1t most needs Strengthening.
The conrt: The trouble is that !