The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1882-01-28
GuiteaU>s Trial.

FOrty.fth Ddy.-At the opening of court on
the fourteenth inst, Scoville asked the Judge
whether the prisoner would be allowed to
speak in his own defense, to which Judge Cox
replied: II should be 10th in a capital case to
DENY any any, man nan :; q proper opportunity
counsel; but in this case it is safe to assume
that the prisoner will abuse the privilege. as
he has done all through the trial, and that
what he would say would be highly improper
TO go before the jury. l shall therefore deny
him the privilege. As l said yesterday how
ever, If his counsel desire to read from his
manuscript anything which they deem proper
to be laid before the jury, they can do So"
Reed then arose and addressed the jury in be-
half Of the prisoner. The judges decision de-
nying Guiteau permission to read his speech to
the jury embittered the prisoner, and inter
ruptlons and remarks became more savage
than before. Reeds speech was an able effort
and delivered with great oratorical effect. 1t
held the attention of the jury, the court and
the audience, and though the majority Of his
hearers did not agree with opinions by him.
they still gave him credit for pleading bad
case.
FOrty-sirth DGy.-Scoville began his closing
argument with confession of his unfamiliar
ity with the modes of practice in criminal
cases. All the defense asked for a fair,
candid, impartial weighing of the evidence by
fair and candid men. The counsel would Mt
tempt no oratory, because he was not equal to
it, and besides he would not do it if he could.
He would address himself simply to the reason,
judgment and intellect of the jury. Oratory,
eloqueuce and appeals to the passions he would
leave for the counsel who would follow him
Judge Porter. Scovilles remarks were very
caustic at times and drew forth few impatient
remarks from Porter and Davidge. The pris-
oner chImed in with bis jabber as usual.
FOrty-SeUenh Dayton the 18th inst. the
W. allowed to aEa ohort
at the opening Of court. No attention was paid
to HIM, and Scoville then resumed his address
to the jury. He reviewed Guiteau'5 life and
his entire argument was TO show that the pris-
oner was insane. He denied that Guiteau had
ever been as morally corrupt as the prosecution
tried to make him out. Later on he read pas
sages from the prisoners speech, when the lat
ter called out: "You had better stop, Scoville; il
viii go dead against our fool theory" Scoville
criticised the prosecution severely for not allow
ing the prisoner to address the jury, simply
because, as he said. they feared the prisoner
might disclose, by his manner Of speech, his
true mental condition.
FOrtg-eigltth Ddy.-Scoville continued his
argument and created profound sensation by
denouncing Grant, Conkling and Arthur as be-
ing morally and Intellectually responsible fol-
the crime committed by his poor, insane client
During recess Scoville received telegram an.
nounciug that the New York court Of appeals
had just decided that the prosecution where
some evidence of insanity is produced for de-
Tense, must make out case of insanity beyond
reasonable doubt. Guiteau exercised bis
tongue repeatedly and seemed to be III the best
of spirits.
Forty-,ainh Ddy.-As soon as the prisoner
took his seat he delivered speech with pom.
pous effort at oratorical effect, thanking tie
New York court of appeals for their recent de.
cision in regard to the prosecution Of alleged
insane people. Scoville resumed his argument
occupying the entire dav.
Fiftieth Day.-Scoville concluded his argu
ment. Counsel for the prosecution withdrew
their objections, and the court announced that
Guiteau would be allowed to address the Jury
in his own behalf. The prisoner not being pre-.
pared, an adjournment was taker.