The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1882-01-21
Guiteau,s Trial.

TOrtletb Ddy.-Ihe day was consumed by
arguments of counsel upon the prayers for in
structions to the jury The arguments pro-
ceeded with somewhat less Interruptions from
the prisoner than had been expected, although
the question to be discussed was of purely
legal character. A lively scene occurred when
reference was made by Davidge to Judge Davis
On. " charge to the jury in the Coleman case,
and Porter proceeded to read from newspaper
slips. Scoville objected to Porter's reading,
saying he might as well make a stump speech
to the jury, as the Coleman decision had no
bearing on the case. Judge Porter repealed the
intimatlon, and insisted that this farce, which
had so long been enacted by the counsel for
the defense, must now stop; if not rebuked by
the court it would be by others. Judge Cox
ended the dispute by saying the matter read
was undoubtedly authority. As Dayidge re-
sumed, Guiteau again shouted: " [ want to get
this thing right before the jury. Every one
knows all about that Coleman case. The Jury
gave q verdict against that charge, and this
prosecution knows it WELL" The effect was
electrical when Davidge, in the most deliberate
and earnest manner, said: "Your Honor, this
man was for three weeks held up to us as an
Imbecile, and now listen to him; he not only
knows the difference between right and wrong.
but he understands fully the law of the case"
Guiteau replied: &" Iransitory mania, that is
my case" The jury were told they might rest
for the day, but they preferred to remain and
listen.
Forty first Dayton the 9Th inst, Scoville
submitted to the judge the law points for the
defense. He was followed by Corkhill and
Davidge for the prosecution. The prisoner. who
appeared rather nervous and anxious, followed
the arguments with the closest attention, and
INDUCED IN frequent and noisy comments. He
said, . want one. hour to speak to the jury,
and when they hear me that will vindiCate me.
| can say more in an hour than Scoville III
day. There are Christian men IN that jury, who
will know the truth of my words. | was i'm
PEELED by the DEITY to remove the President,
and they will see how this was when they hear
my speech. 1t viii cover the entire case. 1t
will show how brainy am, and prove that the
Deity never selects fool to do His work. That's
all there is in this"
Forty second Ddy.-Judge Porter began his
! argument shortly after 10 O'clock and at once
fixed the attention OF every one in the room.
| Gulteau pretended TO be engaged in his manu-
script, but soon laid it aside and listened with
wrapt attention. Nothing like it had been seen
or heard during the nine weeks of the trial.
The prisoner WINGED under POrters scathing re-
marks, neryously twisting in his place, and for
! some time was unable to say ANYTHING that in
| any sense could approach to an interruption.
/ however, he gradually regained his usual assur-
/ ance, and resumed his daily habit of interrupt
! ing with contradictions and denials. Porter
/ concluded his mastery argument at II 40 by
! reading tue now famous letter of President
! Garfield to Judge Payne, in which he cOmpli
| mented and thanked him for brushing away the
network of sophistries with which 1t has of late
! years been customary to envelop the plea of in
/ sanity when set up in excuse for crimes. Judge
Cox Immediately read his decision. occupying
! forty-tive minutes in its delivery. He decided
4 against the defense on the question of jursdic-
| ton, holding that jurisdiction is complete in
| the place where the wound was inflicted. In
regard to the legal test of insanity, the Judge
| decided that knowledge and an appreciation
of the difference between right and wrong
! must be taken az the correct test His rulings
were directly against the prayers of the de-
Tense Upon the question of reasonable doubt
/ the judge said 81 shall not charge the jury to
acqult If they find reasonable doubt as to any
! one element, but shall take into consideration
and charge them relative to the clements, and
/ that if, from all the circumstances and evil
dence, they have reasonable doubt of the COM
mission by defendant of the crime as argued,
then they shall acquit." Adjourned until the
18th.
Forty-Htird Day Judge Davidge, OF coun-
sci for the prosecution, opened his closing
argument to the jury on the 18th. He re-
| viewed the testimony of witnesses in forcible
manner, and Guiteau became very restless dur
| ing the speech A stormy scene occurred over
| the question Of allowing Guiteau to address
the jury. Judge Cox did not decide to allow
him to make speech, but told Scoville to read
over the address and let the court know if there
was anythingin it that he desired to go before
| the jury. When Davldge objected to allowing
Guiteau a seat at the counseIs table the audi
ence applauded, aud the prisoner sprang to his
I feet shouting: 1.-The American people will
read my speech, aud they are greater than this
court. The American people are trying this
case. If you undertake to put on gag-Iaw, the
court IN banc viii right me. My speech will
make eight columns and it reads like an ora
ton Of Cicero. 1t will go laundering down the
ages-and don't you forget. And as for you,
/ Corkhll, President Arthur will soon dispose of
you" Mrs. Scovile was deeply affected and
wept hysterically.
FortgJoouth ddy.-Davidge concluded his re-
marks, occupying the entire day in their de-
livery. The prisoner, although he started out
at the opening with public apology to Davidge
for having abused him the day previous. broke
IN frequently and annoyed the speaker very
much. At one time the Interruptions became
so troublesome that Davidge paused for a
moment and said 81 trust, gentlemen you
Will not draw an inference from the fact | do
not take any occasion TO reply to any of these
talsehoods turning his head toward the prison
err that are being uttered here" When the
speaker had finished Guiteau said 81 thank
you, Mr.. Davidge, for your speech, it is a very
light one. | hope Porter will give us as light a
one too. He had better see President Arthur
before he commences. / wrote the President
about the matter day or two ago." COL Reed
stated that he would prefer to begin and end
without break, and thought he could finish
ell he had to say by l o'clock next day. Ad-
journed