Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1882-01-26
THE VERDICT.
Opinions OF Promfnenf GemtIemen of
the Result with Guiaeau.

OenuNRmRn
the Result With Guiaeau.
The news of the verdict of murder in the
first degree in the Guiteau case, reached
the city about 6 o'clock last evening, and
travelled about like wildfile. Bulletins
were. sent out from the telegraph -Qiiicas
news was announced fIo.n tire newspaper
offices. Crowds gathered to read the brief
dispatch, which, in its few words, convey
ed the entire intelligence, and the verdict
was the topic of discussion all through the
evening. Coming at the time it did, the
news caught every hotel man at home, and
a wonderful variety OF expressions Of opin-
ly exclaimed one gentleman, and, lets
all take drink" went up from a large
group before it broke for the nearest bar.
At first there was general feeling of un-
mitigated satisfaction at the prospect of
speedy justice being meted out to the ma
tion's arch-criminal, and feeling Of relief
that the long trial was over. But after
while, revulsion OF feeling set in in Ger.
tain directions and many expressions of at
least doubtful sympathy for the poor
wretch were heard. The reporter endeay-
ored to CLEAN few opinions to show the
drift Of public opinion, but it was uphill
work. Many prominent members Of the
Legislature and citizens of Wheeling de-
clined going into print upon this subject
and many others could not be found. Some
of the opinions are as follows:
Speaker Wilson, think the man was
crazy, and the verdict the result solely of
public opinion. That is shown by the
rapidity with which it was reached Com
mon decency would have suggested that
the jury stay out little time anyhow.
Auditor Mlller-ln my opinion the man
was not sane.
Prosecuting Attorney Scott. of Ran
dOlph-l think Guiteau was crazy, but the |
jury should know best. Nearly every one |
who has seen him thinks he is crazy.
Hon. W. A. QuArrier-l am glad of the |
verdict. He may have been crazy, but so |
is every murderer. 1t is best as it is.
Geo. 7. Sargent--l think the verdict is |
an outrage. There is no doubt of his in
sanity.
Hon Sep. Hall-Haven't much opinion
about it and don't want in the papers.
Hon. A. C. Fulkerson-TeChnicall speak |
ing, think Guiteau is crazy, but he is one
of those crazy men from whom society
should be protected. / have studied his
case closely and that is my opinion.
Hon. John II. Riley--From what know
OF the case, ] think Guiteau should be hung
high as Haman. heard his speech last
and made up riy mind then.
Hon. John B. Floyd-L am satisfied with |
the verdict, though perhaps he was little
crazy.
Judge J. H. Ferguson-The verdict was
right. If had been on the jury ! would
have hung him six months ago, IL / could.
Col. Beckwith-The verdict suits me, eY-
actly. |
Capt John Thompson-From what I
DE StaIhaker=Aiah" "aHve"rfG plJppi
verdict, OF course. Should have been re.
tAIped long ago.
Governor Mathews-From what / know
NJ the legal rulings OF the case, th'IA
the verdict was proper one. uo,
president Summcrs--l think his couhSei
injured his case when they put him on tiie
stand and alluwei him TO make speech
If not thus endorsed by them, ms OUT
breaks might have induced peonle yr-
Iieve he was crazy. think the verdict is |
right on the showing made by his own
: al. don't believe he was crazy, but |
did d know righ.. from wrong when r, he shot
the the President. II "a thought God was go.
ing to take care OF hilG; wy ula ne not
shoot Garfield when he Was IN 'lie uePot
with his wife He was afraid, ana lhis -
;ncompatible with his theory OF lnsptra-
ton If he was inspired he would have
sbot Garfield from the front and trusted
everything else tn the Almighty.
Major Anderson think him insane
and his conviction national disgrace.
Col. CT. =. Cresap-l regard him as
fanatic lunatic and utterly irresponsible.
Therefore i don't think he should be huhg'
Ex-speaker Monettni TN tnlhk h;m nc Is crazy
Senator Donehoo-I think him crazy, |
bnt now they ought to hang him. cant
Se,;aye that a sane Republican would de-
iiberateiy murder the CHIEF man of his
Hon. Geo. W. Tippett--My candid optn-
ion is that il they hang him they will hang
a crazy man.