The Cheyenne daily leader. [volume] (Cheyenne, Wyo.) 1870-1884, 1882-01-13
DAVIDGE SPEAKS
And Takes Apart and Analyses the
Assassin's Character.
A Fire Of Sharp, Cutting Criticism Be
fore Which Guiteau Winces.

hio pooitiOh III iioub u ehO JuAJ ohu
opened argument with a disclaimer OF
any intention to make a set speech, but
simply expressed a desire to render the
jury what aid he could in their present
and solemn duty. The time had now
come in this trial when the jury were
to become factors Of whatever disorder
or levity might have characterized the
trial; there was but one sentiment in
respect Of the conduct Of the jury; all
had commended their dignifed deport-
ment and close and patient attention to
the evidence, and he could not doubt
that as they had received the com
mendation of all in the past, they
would continue to deserve it in the
future by their decision Of the question
before them.
AS Dayidge traced the process Of
reasoning by which the prisoner had
gradually reached the conviction that
but one life interposed between him
self and possibly great benefits" Gui-
teau became restless, and for the first
time since the opening of the court, in
dictated by v twisting about, the
usual preliminaries to interruptions
which in this instance quickly fol-
lowed. In this case, said Davidge, ''the
suggestion came to the wretch in the
night as he was lying in bed"
ut came to me when the Lord got
ready to have it," snarled the pris-
oner.
Davidge continued: "This thought
or suggestion CAME to him On the 18th
of May; still thinking he might obtain
office, he sought and kept his hands
clean. He made another effort on the
2Sth of May, to induce the president
Guiteau called oat from the dock: 81
would not have taken the foreign
mission after the first of June if 1t had
been offered to me-"
Davidge, apparently not needing
him, ION the 2Sth of May"
Guiteau: 81 am talking about the
first Of June"
Davidge, pausing a moment: "Just
listen to him."
Guiteau, (sneerlingly) "They will
listen to you but your talk is so weak 1t
is hardly worth listening TO-"
sin the beginning" said Davidge,
sit was sought to show that the pris-
oner was off his balance, now the
court tells you to look for that degree
of insanity that disables a man from
knowing that what he was doing was
wrong. This is the test you are to APP
ply. Upon the question of inspiration,
L think 1 will be able to show your
satisfaction how little there is in this
claim" The only question, he said,
was that of insanity. He then argued
that the prisoner had that degree Of in
telligence of legal knowledge and
moral sense which render him RESPONSE
BILE for his acts. In q telling passage
he showed that the prisoner himself
had the wit to see the fatal weakness Of
Scoville's line of defense, and re-
pudiated it, arguing in his own behalf
that he was not an imbecile, but a sane
man, whose intellect and will had been
dominated during a specified period Of
time, rendering him irresponsible for
this particular crime. He then re-
viewed the circumstances of the crime.
IF, he exclaimed. I were to sum up
the moral and intellectual qualities Of
this man, / should say that he had the
daring of a vulture, combined with the
heart of the wolf"
In speaking Of Guiteau's plan, he
remarked upon his greater fear Of a
mob than of the law, and exclaimed:
1--WE must say to our shame that this
estimate had no Foundations" 1t rested
with the jury to show the world to
whether Gniteau's opinion was well
founded. Recess.
Upon the reassembling of the court,
Davidge considered In order each
member Of the Guiteau family, whose
mental condition had been considered
here, but the unanswerable expert tes-
timony, he said, showed how much ef-
feet THAT collateral insanity could have
on the mental condition OF the pris.
oner. 1t is hollow mockery to discuss
this.
Guiteau at once shouted: IT have
always been a christian man, and fol
six years l have been strictly v~irtuous,
Don't forget that either"
Davidge continued: There Is not Q
single fact or a single jot or title to
show that the prisoner was not perfect
ly responsible for his act on the SECOND
Of July. The jury will find that the
defense have carefully picked out ant
held up to view everything in the en-
tire career Of this man, which may b,
considered odd or peculiar, and it is foI
you TO consider how much value cal
be attached to this evidence, when yol
come to consider whether this man die
not know on the second of July that |
was wrong to kill the chief magistrat,
Of the nation.
Davidge continued his review Of tn
case and evidence until the hour of
having arrived. adjournment was sug
geated, when a scene Of excitement en-
sued caused by Guiteau interruptini
and demanding to be heard in a speech
to the jury.
Appointments.
Washington, Jan. 12.-The presiden
| haa annaintad Elinhlat Whifflaap q