Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1881-11-15

f0rilv from the case" The Judge finally de-
cided that the case shall proceed ut least 80
far a to empanel the jurors and put in evil
dence for the government, and then the ques-
tion of delay might be considered. but ne
Thought that there would be time enough -
the case proceeds for the defence to prepare
its case. :,
Guiteau Continued during the proceedings
TO be very restless and constantly attempting
to interrupt the court. 1 do not want any
more time: don't want Robinson any more IN
the case.
The officers again forced Guiteau into his
chair, when Guiteau angrily said to them
lyon keep still and mind your own business.
Am in the presence of the court. propose
10 talk when feel like it, The court or
dered the empanneling of the jury to proceed,
that he had given his views as to the qualln-
cation of Jurors He said that in these days
of newspapers and railroads, a man who
knows nothing about a great case was the
best Juror. and that it should be the rule that
q juror otherwise unqualified could act, If no
could render an impartial verdict upon the
evidence.
At the conclusion of the arguments in the
Guiteau case, today, on application for fur
ther postponement of the trial, the court SAID
there is much to be said about this applica-
ton. The time first fixed for the trial was a
week sooner than the time asked by Scoville,
and when Robinson was assigned to the case
he was not granted BY a week the extension
of the time he asked, SO that the present ap-
plication is not for any longer time than orig
inally asked for BY Robinson. l feel very
much embarrassed by the question. This
important trial should proceed without delay
and intend it shall proceed without unnec-
essary delay. l intend, also, that this pris-
oner shall have fair trial and that reproof
shall not rest upon the court, and that the
prisoner shall not be sent to the gallows with
out a fair trial in order to appease public in
dignation. MY intention is to allow a weeks
time to Robinson, which is the time orig
inally asked by him. l shall assign the cOun-
sci OF whom he has spoken to assist him,
leaving that counsel to make his arrange
ment to come into the case, (if he cannot do
so sooner in two weeks time. do not think
/ should give more indulgence than this and
l find embarrassment in giving that much.
Guiteau made an attempt to speak. but
was made to resume his seat, after which
Scoville said Il do hope that the court will
consider, to some extent. my position in this
case. The only near relatives of the prisoner
here present are his brother and sister, and
they will endorse all say. In our opinion
the prisoner is not a person fit to take charge
of. or to arrange, or to dictate his defence.
Those who are responsible for that defense
are the persons whom have named. 1t does
seem to me in the assignment of counsel, at
least, the name of the person proposed should
be communicated to some of US.
Court-Of course it should be.
Scoville-Yes, your Honor, but do not
want it arranged until we know it in advance.
Your Honor is aware that l came here unac-
quainted with single member of the bar
with one exception, Merrick. / went to Mer-
rick and asked him whether he would accept
an assignment by the court. He said his ar
rangements were such for several weeks that
he could not do it. At the same time under
stood from Merrick that if the trial be fixed
far enough ahead, so he conld attend to it
consistently with other engagements, he
would take part in the defence. Now if the
case be continued along from time to time for
the accommodation or satisfaction of any one,
can it not be for the accommodation and
satisfaction of the nearest relatives of the
prisoner. Again when Merrick declined
applied to Gen. Butler, whose reply was SUBJ
stantially the same as Merrick's.
Court, l hardly know what to do in the
matter. l think, however, if it is the desire of
the prisoner and relatives for the case to
proceed, shall allow it to 60 on now. AZ
ter the jury is obtained, and the testimony
for the prosecution put in, then if Robinson
needs time to prepare his case, will give
him time.
The discussion continued to some length
during which Guiteau made several ineffect-
ual efforts to address the court,
The court said let the trial proceed and
when the testimony for the prosecution is in
l shall endeavor to give the counsel for the
defence time to prepare their proofs.