Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1882-01-28
Judge COx,s VindicatiOn.

rom the Philadelphia Press
The editor OF the american Lar Recie,r, writing
at late stage OF the Guiteau trial, says: 1--WE do
not know any judge on any bench (and we know
not few, north, south, east and wesD in the
United States who would, On the whole, have full
filed the grave duties Of the judicial trust in the
conduct of this trial, and especially In the most
elevated conception OF the true meaning
and use of the discretion OF the court than
ment by one who was specially quali1ed and had
most honorable opportunities for Judging the
conduct OF the case IS in singular contrast to the
expressions OF Impotence and disgust with which
some journals have allowed themselves to COM
ment on the trial. Some Of these have grown
Wroth from day to day because apparently. Judge
Cox dld not arbitrarily and deSpotcally silence
Guiteau, keep his counsel in check, and bring the
trial summary to an end. The trial was not a
pleasant spectacle, and neither is a post mortem
examination; but those whose eyes or n0rtrls are
offended by necessary operation had better
keep their distance, and be satisfied simply with
results.
There was. probably, never before a criminal
prosecution reported SO fully and widely as this.
TRIVIAL incidents and speeches which ordinarily
would never be heard Of again obtained facti-
ttouS importance When telegraphed to the four
corners OF the earth. We are confident that when
as WHOLE will be held to be in the highest de-
gree credtable to the District Of Columbia and to
tne united States. The prisoners Interruptions
and misconduct doubtless prolonged the trial some
what, but they hurt no one but himself 1t was
impossible to Silence GuIteau by any course
Wnich was not OF more thap doubtful legality, and
which, II adopted would probably have entitled
him to new trial. Even II this were not the case,
no better method could have been devised for
showing the real character OF the prisoner than
simply allowing him full swing. Had it been
possible TO suppress him, neither the country nor
the jury whOuld have had nearly so favorable an
opportunity to judge OF his responsibility. The
result has proved the wisdom OF the course pur-
sued. The country early concluded, with scarcely
Il dissenting voice, that the prisoner was sane
enough to hang. The jury, too after ten weeks
trial, decided that he was gully within five min
uteS after the case was finally put into their
hands.
10 the jury was model of its kind and worthy the
time and the occasion. That judicial spirit which
seeks only impartial justice pervades the entire
address. He removed from the jury the considera-
tion OF all cXtraneons Matters pointed out the
simple fact at ISSUE gave them rule by which to
determine that fact, and without indicating what
Their verdict should be made it possible for them
70 reach that verdict in the shortest possible
time. Disregardng the discOrdant rules touch
Judge Cox formulated a rule OF his own SO
evidently just that it viii doubtless be cited as an
authority In future trials where INSANITY is set uD
as defense. His position during this trial has
been peculiar and trying one. II he had been a
weak man he would undoubtedly have yielded to
the popular clamOr to deal with GIitea according
TO what was conceived to be his substantial de-
head, and he administered the law as he found it.
and not as he might have wished it to be for this
occasion. The verdict of the jury Is his vindica-
toE, and his published charge Is the proof OF his
pre-eminent fitness for the discharge OF the grave
duty to which it was his fortune to be called.