The weekly register. [volume] (Point Pleasant, Va. [W. Va.]) 1862-1909, 1881-12-07
WASHINGTON LETTER.
The Tedious Trial-A Hung Jury
VIII Not Hang About the Rope
The New Cabinet.

The TEDIOUS Irlal-A AlunS J ury
VIII Not Hang About the Rope
The New Cabinet.
From our Regular Correspondent
WAsHISGToN, D. c., Dec. 3D., 1881.
Public attention is just now divid.
ed between the tedious trial of Gui-
teau in the City Hall, and the canvas
for the speakership, which is waged
at half a dozen large hotels. A
month ago there was but one opin-
ion relative to the issue of the trial.
Everybody thought Guiteau would
be hung, and looked upon the trial
only as decent preliminary to the
inevitable rope. Now, one out Of
every three you meet, and perhaps
half the lawyers, are of opinion that
the jury will not agree. II is said
that the jury contains more than
one crank whose sympathy for the
guild will shield Guiteau. Expert
testimony for the prosecution may
convince every juryman Of his re.
sponsibility for the crime, and Judge
Porter's cross.examination of the
murderer, oliciting his sharp and con.
nected replies, ought to persuade
them Of the inconsistency Of his de,
Tense. Guiteau mistakes his infany
for fame, is happy in the conspicu-
business that has been the lifelong
craving of his abnormal egotism, and,
think, is wholly untroubled by Wis
ions of the St. Louis rope. 1t is per-
haps not generally known that Mr..
Robert Humphreys Of st. Louis has
the grim privilege of supplying all
the Sherifis Of the United States with
an article absolutely indispensable
in the enforcement of the laws ex.
IRENE penalty. For some years past
this singular monopolist has exclu-
sively manufactured the ropes used
for the execution of murderers
throughout the length and breadth
Of the Union, made of the choices,
hemp, admirably spun, and of extra,
ordinary strength, Mr.. Humphreys
ropes fulfil their dread mission with
a completeness that leaves nothing
to be desired. They are somewhat
costly, his charge for them is six dol
lars apiece; but, in consideration Of
their infallible effectiveness, the ex.
ecutive authorities consider them
cheap at that price. Down to the
present time no malefactor to whose
neck q Humphreys rope has been
adjusted Secuulem artem has succeed.
ed in surviving the treatment for
more than minute or two.
THE NEW CABINET.
There has been SO much talk over
the speakership that the new oabino,
has been little thought Of. 1t is said
that the President will be ready with
II list of names which will probably
be confirmed at the first executive
session Of the Senate. The latest
intelligence is that Mr.. Brewster, Of
Philadelphia, will be Attorney Gen.
eral; ex Senator Boutwell,, of Massa,
chusetts, Secretary of the Navy; ex,
Senator Chatfec, of Colorado, Secre,a
ry of the Interior; ex-senator Ere.
linghnysen, of New Jersey, Secretary
of State. Secretaries Lincoln and
Fslger will retain the portfolios OF
War and Of Finance. All but three
of the proposed Cabinet have been in
the United States Senate, and three
Of DEMONSTRATORS Boutwell,, Ere
J linghuysen, and Howe, have hadlong
experience in public life. The ap.
pointment OF Mr.. Brewster as Attor.
ney General would seem to indicate
a vigorous policy in the Star Route
cases.