Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1881-12-01
GUITEAU'S TRIAL.

in the Court room this morning. and the
Court, before beginning the trial, warn
ed those present against any expressions
of approval or disapproval. Giteau was
then given few minutes to address the
court, and he read paper peculiarly
constructed setting forth some Of his
ideas. He read in dramatic and some
what eloquent manner.
There was sharp tilt between SEQ
vile and Davidge over the newspaper
clippings found on Giteau when arrest
ed, which ended in Scoville getting pos
session of the papers. Giteau then made
second speech, saying he understood
that his divorced wife was in court and
wanted it understood that if she came
there to do him harm he would rip up
her character. There were some things
interesting concerning her career in
Philadelphia. He said: "She was poor.
unfortunate thing. and l never should
have married her. But if she comes in
here to testify against me and do me any
harm, I'll rip up her whole record. She
was unfortunate in Philadelphia, and
had child before | married her."
Jos. b. Smith, of Freeport, ILL.,, was
sworn and testified that he knew Gui-
teau's father; thought him queer, but
not crazy; knew Guiteau and his FORM
er wife, but knew nothing of their mar
ried life.
Jas. d. Foss, of New Hampshire, an
eyewitness to the shooting, testified
that he heard the second shot. Saw the
prisoner in the hands of an officer, and
he appeared highly indignant. Thought
from his manner the wrong man was
arrested.
Chas.. II. Reed, States attorney al
Chicago for twelve years, testified to
Giteau's appearing as counsel for the
defendant in minor criminal cases, when
he made rambling, incoherent speech.
He subsequently stated that he was
about to buy the 1nter-Ocean newspa-
per, although he had no money, but de-
pended on influence. Guiteau endeay-
ored to sorrow S15 of him a few days
before the shooting, saying when he got
his place from the Government he would
pay it; that Blaine was backing him.an
was all right. Told witness he would
in few days be nominated for the Par
is Consulate. Had visited Guiteau in
his cell since the shooting. Asked why
he shot the President? Guiteau said he
did not do it. The Lord did it. using
him as the instrument. The prisoner
was incoherent Struck his hands Wild
ly against the wall. Guiteau always ap-
peared sincere. This was the first indi-
cation he ever saw of violence. On
cross examination Reed testified that he
visited Guiteau in his cell by request of
Scoville. Never considered him dan
gerous; did not think him incapable of
judging right from wrong.
Reed denied that he had stated to
Cerkhill that he thought Guiteau of un-
sound mind, but responsible for the
crime. He repeated the assertion that
Guiteau's attempt to borrow money was
four days before the shooting.
Guiteau interrupted: "That was false.
1t was two months before"
He continued his Interruptions until
Judge Cox told him if he did not stop be
would be gagged. This silenced him.
At 1910 p. m, no further witnesses
appearing, recess for half an hour was
declared.
Thomas North testified as to the de-
PENDANTS insane doings, and the Court
adjourned.
On Saturday the testimony opened
with the continued cross-examination of
Thomas North, farmerly of Freeport,
Ill. Was a Methodist Minister, and left
the church because he was a Democrat.
When Luther Gtiiteau advocated human
sacrifice, thought he was honest in the
belief Did not think the elder Gui5eau's
horror of Niagara was evidence of an
unsound mind.
During the examination of the wit
ness Guiteau remained quiet, making
but one interruption.
Mr.. Davidge cross-examined Mr.. |
North sharply regarding bis record du-
ring the war, and the witness was then |
excused. Guiteau made speech at |
tacking Henry Ward Beecher, saying
he used to be a member of his church |
that Beecher was a liar, and that Mrs. |
Tilton told the truth.
He said: II notice that my friend |
Henry Ward Beecher is doing some |
cranky work on this case. / used to at
tend his church and prayer mestings,
and if your Honor knew him as we'll as
do you would not pay any attention
to him. There are good many people |
that think he is badly cranked, socially,
ard have no doubt tnat Mrs. Tilton told
the truth, and that he lied about it, and
tell him so publicly"
"Oh, well, well. prisoner, that will do
for you, said Davidge.
Guiteau was apparently satisfied and
nodded with smile, saying, "that's all
right, Judge, have had my say on
Beecher, I'm satisfied"
Senator John A. Logan. of Illinois,
was the next witness. He testified that
iuiteau came to his rooms in March
asst, showed him speech, which he
claimed elected Garfield, and asked for a
recommendation to Office. He was light
y clad, and wore sandals, but no socks.
lie said that Blaine had promised him a
,lace if Logan would recommend him.
Guiteau became one of the
,oarders at the establishment where