Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1881-11-15
THE ASSASSIN'S TRIAL.
EXCITING SCENES 1T THE OPENING
OF THE CASE YESTERDAY.
Guitesu Succeeds in Acting Very Much
Like q Crazy Man-MOst People Think
He Over-acted His Part-His Counsel
Behave In q Strange Manner, Too-Fur-
ther Time Asked-Ben. Butler Wanted
by the Defense.

room, and the court was declared formally
opened by the crier. Immediately thereafter
Charles T. Guiteau was brought into the
court room by the marshal and deputies. He
looked to be in much better condition gen.
orally than when he last appeared in the room
to plead to the indictment. He had the same
restless expression which characterized him
before. He wasn't once relieved of his hand
cuffs, and took seat beside his sister, Mrs.
Scoville. The court room was crowded
District Attorney Corkhill, Judge Porter,
of New York, and Davidge, of Washington,
appeared for the prosecution, and Scoville and
Leigh Robinson for the defense. Smith was
present 10 represent the attorney general. One
of Guiteau's first movements was to thrust his
hand into one of his pockets and half take out
a roll of paper. Scoville, however, in dumb
play, ordered him to put it back, and he did so.
The district attorney declared the readiness
of the prosecution to proceed with the case.
ROBINSON THEN AROSE
to make plea for still more time to prepare
the defense, which appeared not to meet the
approval of Guiteau. All the time that Rob-
inson was speaking, Guiteau was carrying on
Scoville, who was apparently trying to quiet
and suppress him.
No sooner had Robinson taken his seat
than the prisoner rose and in an excited man
ner addressed the court, and stated that he
wished to be heard. In vain Scoville endea-
vored to make him resume his seat and remain
quiet. He was lrrepressable. In nervous
but pretty distinct manner he proceeded with
his speech as follows:
81 was not aware that my counsel, Robin
son, intended this morning to make applica.
cation for postponement, and l desire to be
heard In my own behalf in this matter at the
very Threshold of this case. 1 am charged
here with q murderous attempt and desire to
be heard on my own behalf"
The Court-''This is not proper time to en-
ter upon the defense. The only question be-
fore he court is whether further time should
be allowed counsel to prepare for the defense"
The Prisoner (emphatcally)-"So far as l
am concerned I do not want further time.
We are ready to try the case now."
Ito q deputy marshal who endeavored to re-
strain the prisoner)-"Will You be quiet? ~
The Court-"The question is whether fur
ther time ought to be allowed to COUNSEL
The Prisoner (persistently)-l do not want
that, if the court please"
The district attorney insisted that the trial
proceed now.
Robinson said he had consulted with en-
inent gentlemen whom he wished to have as
sociated with him, and who would give him
an answer soon. He also stated that there
were three additional witnesses he desired to
have 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 toward an
mother outbreak, but was restrained by Sco-
vile and two deputy marshals, who were sit
ting directly beside him.
Scoyille then rose and said-"This proceed
ing ia at least peculiar, if not unprecedented.
It's very remarkable indeed that an application
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 aff1-
davit which has been presented to the court. +"
Robinson-"There is no earthly objection
to your seeing it."
Scoville-"Very well; wait moment. I
say this is an unprecedented proceeding.
shall withdraw from the case if the defense
is to proceed longer in this manner. will
give whatever information have to counsel
for the defense and step out. l do not 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 a motion is to be made am ad-
vised of it long enough before hand to know
something about it. Unless the defense can
60 on harmoniously with me init, 1 will with
draw
Guiteau again managed to get on his feet,
just as Scoville sat down, and, exclaimed, with
motion of his clenched fists, 81 endorse every
word of that, and tell that Robinson If he
does not do things Just rs Iwant them done he
can get out of the case. That is short"
Robinson rose to address the court.
Guiteau (persistently)-"I do not want to
hear any more speeches Of Robinson. want
him out Of the case.' To the deputy mar
shals, who are pulling him back into his seat
-"Let me alonel You have nothing to do
with me here"
Robinson said he Intended no disrespect to
Scoville, and continued: 81 know what
have asked lie indispensable. l will give the name
of counsel as soon as know be can be as.
signed. I am sure his assignment will
strengthen the defense, especially when it most
needs strengthening"
The Court-'The trouble is that I have no
assurance that at the expiration of the time
mentioned this gentleman will go into the
case"
Robinson-"I give you my assurance that
if ordered by the court he will feel an obliga-
tion to accept the assignment"
Guiteau here made another effort to get up
on his feet, but was restrained by two deputy
marshals again, whose interference he opposed
strenuously.
The Court-"There is this much to be said
about this application. The time hrst fixed
for the trial was week sooner than the time
asked by Mr.. Scoville, and when Mr.. Robinson
was assigned to the case he was not granted
by week the extension of time he asked; SO
that the present application is not for any
longer time than was originally asked by Rob-
inson. I feel very much embarrassed with
the question. It is important that this trial
should proceed without delay, and intend il
shall proceed without unnecessary delay.
intend, also, that this prisoner shall have q
fair trial, and that reproof shall not rest upon
the court that the prisoner was sent to the
gallows without fair trial in order to appease
public Indignation. My inclination is to al
low weeks time to Mr.. Robinson
which was the time originally
asked by him. I shall assign counsel of whom
he has spoken to assist, leaving that counsel
to make his arrangements to come into the
case. If he cannot do SO sooner than in two
weeks time, do net think should give any
more indulgence than this, and p find embar
rassment in giving that much.'
Guiteau Escaping the control of the deputy
marshal and getting to his feet)-"I do
not want Robinson to actas my counsel"
Scoville rises and attempts to speak. Guiteau
persists in addressing the court and goes on
III want to say emphatically that Robinson
came into the case without my consent.
knew nothing about him and do rot like ths
way he talks. / ask him peremptorily'
(pronouncing this word "peremptarily'
retire. expect, in time, to have money to
employ any counsel that please. am not {
beggar nor pauper."
Guiteau being made to resume his seat, SEQ
Vile then again explained his position in tn,
case and added: "Gen. Butler Is the choice
Of tho rrieoner,S re1afives and nf fha rriaope,