The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1881-11-14
MONDAYS NEWS.
Guiteau and his Trial to-
day.
me s1z rzrs
He Tries to Prove His In
sanity.
A List of Accidents and Daily
Crimes.
GUITEAU,s TRIAL.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 14.-At 10 o'clock
precisely Judge Walter S. Cox entered the
criminal court room, and the court was
declared formally opened by the crier
immediately thereafter Guiteau was
brought into the court room by the mar
shall and his deputies He looked 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 hand cuffs, and
took his seat beside his sister, Mrs. SEQ
vile.
Five jurors have been obtained and
sworn in the names and occupations as
follows. John P. Harlin, restaurant keep
er; Fred Brandenburg. cigar maker;
Chas. G. Stewart, flour and feed dealer;
Henry j. Bright. retired from business;
Thos. Fl. Langley, grocer.
Guiteaus performances in court to-day
seemed to have convinced a few persons
that he is really a 'scrank," but the general
opinion Is that he overdid his acting that
same shrewdness with which he planned
the assassination and his escape from be-
ing mobbed. and prompted him to his line
of conduct this morning, with the view of
backing his plea of insanity. By his.
actions he was undoubtedly much excited,
especially when two policemen seized him.
He threw them off violently, and told them
to mind their own business. He propo sed
to conduct his own case. Counsel Robin
son associate counsel in asking a postpone
ment and additional counsel without con-
sulting Scoville his chief, is commented on
as unusual in practice. Scoville says such
proceedings is unheard of, and he will re-
tire from the case if Robinson is permit
ted such high handed course. Scoville
was very indignant in the court and was
only pacified by assurance OF the
Judge that nothing should be done with
out = consulting him. The beginning
of the trial was full of excitement and
room crowded. District Attorney Corkhill
and Porter, of New York, and Davldge
appeared for prosecution, and ScoVllle
and Leigh Robinson for defense; smith
was present to represent the Attorney
General. One of Guiteau's first move
ments was to thrust his hands into his mp
pockets and half take out a roll of pa per
Scoville, however, in dumb play ordereC |
him to put it back, and he did SO, Then
the District Attorney declared his readi
l,ni
case Robinson then arose to make plea
for still more time to prepare defense,
which appeared not to meet approval
of Guiteau All the time that Robinson
was speaking Guteau was carrying on
what appeared to be remonstrance with
Scoville, who was apparently trying to |
quiet and suppress him. At the close OF
Robinson's speech, Guiteau insist
ed on being heard. He said
he was not aware that q postponement
was so be requested. He desired TO be
heard in his own behalf at the very thresh-
hold of the case SO far as he was concerned
He said he didn't want further time. He
was ready to try the case now.
Owing to opposition of Scoville and the
prisoner to the application of Robinson
for extension of time. The court stated
for thespresent that the case should proceed
as far at least as the swearing of the jury
was concerned and he then would consider |
the question of extension.
About II O'Clock work of obtaining a |
jury was began, the three who first pre-
sented themselves being disqualified, two
on the ground that they had formed a fix
ed opinion on the case and the other on
the ground that he had conscientious
scruples on the thought of capital punish |
ment. In examining the jurors, Scoville
went over large range of questions as to
their religions and political belief.
MlII.ER /