Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1881-11-16
Trial Of Guiteau.

The assassin was brought into court on Monday
and the preliminary steps in what will be the
most extraordinary criminal trial in the history of
this country were commenced. Guiteau had pre-
pared what he called a "graphic speech " viii oh
he intended to deliver in court. Its character may
be judged by what TRANSFERRED in an interview be-
tween the assassin and his brother, j. W. Guiteau.
Quoting from this interview Mr.. Guiteau repre-
sents his brother as saying: That he could man
age this case himself; that Judge Cox is friend
oil mine and will sustain all OF my rulings, and he
was just as much in earnest as any man ever was
in the world He said: "rm no. insane and
don't intend that any such nonsense shall be
brought forward. / shan't have the quest
raised. What the jury has to decide is the fact,
what was DONE Did God shoot President Gar
field or did shoot him? They must try me and
God and see who did it," asked him II he was
not afraid for his life, and he said, "No, /
wouldn't give snap to live ten minutes"
asked him then II he was willing to abide the con-
sequences OF his shot, and he said "Of course
am; want the case tried fairly, and then will
be satisfied ] want nv name indicated, and it
will be. One day It will be honored all over the
world" asked him II he was not afraid of his
life in case, for instance the jury disagreed when
he answered quickly: "But they can't disagree.
tell you they can't. Gods taking care of this
case and I'll manage
The opening OF the proceedings began by an
address to the court by Mr.. Robinson, asking for
further time in order to obtain additional coun.
sci and witnesses On the conclusion OF Mr.
Robinson's address the first Z" scene In the case
occurred. Guiteau rose exctedly and demanded
to be heard in his own defence. Robinson tried
to stop him, but his client angrly waved him
off, saying: Keep still; | am trying this case
myself" He then attempted to read his speech,
but the judge said this was not the time. Colonel
Corkhill then rose and opposed the motion for
delay. Guiteau was very restless, and during
Robinson's temporary absence leaned over to
scoville, and banging his clenched fists together,
said "This sort OF thing has got to stop. only
want lawyers for technical points / am manag-
ing this thing, and told Robinson didn't want
him to make such speech" Scoville said moth
ing, and Guteau subsequently held an excited
colloquy with Robinson.
Mr.. Scoville opposed the motion. lie did not
want further delay, and regarded Robinson's
course as extraordinary He had not been con-
suited, and protested againt delay. Guiteau
rose and excitedly said 81 indorse every word of
that. told Robinson that II he did not do this
thing as wanted it done he could get off this
case" As Robinson was about TO rise, Guiteau
continued: 81 don't want any more speech from
Mr. Robinson In the matter until he gets author
ity from me to talk" The deputy marshal
seized Guiteau from behind and forced him into
his chair when Guiteau hastily said: "You let
me alone, please, and mind your business" The
judge intimated that he might be willing to post
pone the case one week, when Guteau said
Mr.. Robinson came into this case without my
knowledge. know nothing about him. ex-
pect money enough In a few days and can en-
ploy any counsel please. demand that he re-
tire peremptory from the case"
Judge Cox finally decided that the case shall
proceed at least as far as to impanel the jury and
put in the evidence for the government Then
the question Of delay might be considered.
The court ordered the impaneling OF the jury to
proceed and gave his views as to the qualiica-
tons OF jurors. He said that in these days Of
newspapers and railroads, man who knew moth
ing OF great public case was not the best juror,
and that he should rule that juror otherwise
qualified could act II he could render an impartial
verdict upon the evidence. The panel as 1t was
called one by one said they had formed fixed
opinions that could not be changed. Some said
they believed Guiteau ought to be hung. After
having exhausted the entire panel OF jurymen FIVE
men were found who thought they could render
an unbiased verdict, and the court adjourned.
Guiteau played his dodge, II it Ia a dodge, to the
end. After the jurymen were secured he again
insisted upon the right to make his speech and
told the court he wanted no lawyers; that he was
quite competent to take care Of himself. The
impression that the prisoner created his first day
In court is certainly most unfavorable He evil
IDENTIFY is likely to be constant source OF irrita-
ton during the trial.