The Dallas daily herald. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1873-1887, 1882-05-06
THE COwART CASE.
Able Argument of Counsel-The Jury
Hangs-what They Talk About.


All the evidence in the case of the state of
Texasys. r. L. Cowart having been adduced
Thursday evening, the case was argued by
the counsel on each side. County Attorney
Robert Seay opened for the prosecution
and made an able argument for the state,
considering the facts he had to base it upon.
He was followed by Colonel L. G. Bower,
who grew eloquent for the defense, and
those who heard him say that he knocked
considerable wind out of the sails of the
prosecution Next came Mr.. Sawnie
Robertson who made powerful
speech for the defense and Colonel Stem.
mons for the prosecution, who sustained his
side OF the case with his usual ability.
Then came Colonel Crawford, the genius of
the bar, representing the defense who, in
bis own original style and eloquent way,
told the story of the tragedy aud
It's Surroundings in manner that
made it plain to every one, and ut the
same time interesting to the large crowd of
spectators that filled the courtroom.
He was listened to with breathless interest
throughout, and his words went just where
he aimed them, SO sure and certain did he
strike the mark with his logical and legal
shots. lie was followed by Judge Banks.
dale, for the defense, who is recognized at
the bar as one of our most learned lawyers,
and he was not found wanting. His argu-
ment was able, full and thorough through
out, He closed the argument, and 1t was an
able one, characteristic OF the man who, in
the cause of his client, never fails to make
Q fight to the bitter end. The charge of
Judge Aldridge to the jury was iull and
comprehensive and liberal.
The jury retired ut $3.50 and were out I'M
I'll II o'clock, when they came into court
and stated that they could not agree. They
stand ten for acquittal and two for
finding him guilty of manslaughter. There
was present tull armed police force and n
number of deputy sheriils, owing to n
Eumor atloat that If the jury found Cowart
not guilty, the brothers ot the deceased ill.,
tended to take his life. There were also a
number of his friends present, equipped for
any emergency of this kind, though the
ramor, to all appearances, is uniounded ;
yet the courtroom was filled with OIL
GERS OF both the city ahd county, and
had break been made IL would no doubt
have resulted most fatally. IL is due the
Ihurmond brothers to state that they have
not made any signs of interfering with the
natter and have so far conducted them.
selves like aw.abdiug men. The jury, and
when the word jury is mentioned in thi,
connection, all the members of it are moi
meant, was drunk, and to 20 to show they
mad trlled away their time
IN which mans life wa,
in jeopardy the following snatches Of thcil
conversation is given as heard by HERALl
reporter One of the number rendered
"Old Black joe in low tone, yet in tru,
negro minstrel style, while another told {
JOKE at which he himself laughed immoder
Mely. All this time there were severa
walking the floor as though they were en-
Tries In u grand walking match. On
gave reminisccnce OF Loeb's the
a're, while another spoke o
span Of mares that could dus
anything on the road. and still another In
sisted that he had horse that these mare
could not hold candle TO. There wer
some, however, that discussed TIE case care
ially.. They returned into court ut l
o'clock and having Jailed TO agree on vel
dlct the court held them over until thi
morning at 0 O'Clock.