The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-09-07
CRIMINAL AND ACCIDENTAL
The jury in the Case of Frank James
Give Verdict Of A0quittaI.
a Frightened Woman and Two Children
Burned TO Death-TwO Young Ladies
DrOwned-Other Mishaps.
THE JAMES TRIAL.
Conclusion of Arguments-A Verdict of Ac-
quittal Returned.


quittal Returned.
ST. LOUIS, Sept. 6.-The Post Dispatch
special from Gallatin, Mo-, SAYS; large
audience was in the courthouse to hear
Prosecuting Attorney Wallace close for the
State in the Frank James trial. He said the
question before the jury was: as the arm
of the law or the arm of the bandit stronger
in Missouri" The testimony was
taken up and the action of the
defense in changing its course in the face of
the jury and in abandoning the Jim Cum
mings theory, was strongly commented upon.
The defense had said great deal about the
Rock Island railroad, to excite the granger
prejudice. 1t is not wounded capital that
calls upon you to redress wrongs. 1t is
the pool of blood OF labor, not capital,
that cries alond for justice; it is the bleeding
wounds OF Mcmillan, the stonemason that
speaks. Mr.. Wallace then went into an
analysis of the testimony, treating it from
memory, and in remarkably clear and forci-
bic manner. The jury was besought to re-
call that in all the transactions Of the
gang they were moved by greed for money
alone, and chivalric revenge for wrongs COM
united during the war had nothing to do
with ii. There was enthusiastic applause at
the close of the speech.
A Kansas City Stars Gallatin special says
Frank James was acquitted, the jury re-
turned verdict at O'clock and the an
nouncement was appauded. The prisoner
received it coolly.
The topic of conversation upon the streets
this evening is Frank Jamess acquittal.
There are many who say they expected it.
but the majority say they looked for a dis
agreement of the jury. Public sentiment can
be quoted as strong in condemnation of the
pt re- those wi
from a strict legal standpoint that the jury
was justified in acquitting, the States evil
dence being made of LiddelPs testimony,
supported only by circumstantial evidence.
The general feeling, however, is one
of disappointment and chagrin that the
strong chain of evidence woven by the
State tailed to stand. Expressions of SYM
pathy with the prisoner satisfaction over
his acquittal are confined to very few, who
are and have been James's friends and can
be taken In no way whatever as indicative of
the actual public sentiment here. A fire.
quent expression is that the verdict is an
outrage and an unjust stigma on the State.
Charges OF jury liking also are banded
about
The Kansas City Tmes's Gallatin special
says: Upon the announcement OF the YER
dict quite a decided demonstration of APP
plause came from certain quarters of the
courtroom. The court, however, quickly
frowned it down, and singing out young
man VINO made movement to throw up
his hat, called him to the bar and
administered a severe reprimand. The youth
proved to be Luther James, of Kansas City,
a cousin of the defendant. The question of
the DISPOSITION Of the remaining indictments
for completely in the killing of Westfall the
Winston robbery and the murder of Sheets at
the Gallatin bank robbery, in 1868, came up,
and, after consideration, the cases were con
tinued until the October term, and the pris-
cd IN fin frio oil
1t is announced that he will not attempt to
give bail. but remain in Jail until
the next term. The prisoner
received the verdict with perfect
composure. as dd also his wife, but Mrs.
Samuels was much affected. In order to
guard against any disturbance which might
follow, the single saloon of the place was
closed.
1t can be truthfully said that
the verdict was a genuine surprise
to the community, and much
Indignation is expressed. member of the
jury stated to the correspondent that the
first ballot stood eleven for acquittal and
one for conviction, and that one
after hearing the explanation of
the others view, made the vote
to acquit. conversation with the foreman
of the jury coroborated the statement of this
juryman. As indicating the public senti-
ment, subscription paper was crcu-
lated and signed by over a hundred
citizens, including the foremost men, and
most OF the business men of the place for the
purpose of presenting TO Prosecutor Wallace
of Kansas City, as a testimonial of their
heartiest endorsement of his conduct of the
case and approaching his efforts in behalf of
the State.
Governor Crittenden, when asked by re-
porter if he had any opinion to express re-
garding the verdict, replied that he had not
1t is the verdict of the jury, he said, and it
would be improper for me to COM
ment upon it. The case has
been pushed with great energy and
it has been both prosecuted and defended
with great ability, perhaps more so than any
other criminal case in the history of the
State.
What effect does this acquittal have upon
Frank james in regard to the requistion
from Minnesota? Are there not other in
dictments here?
! believe so-for the murder of Westfall
and of Sheets, and for the Blue Cut rob-
berry.
He would still be regarded as in custody
of the State so far as acquisitions from other
States are concerned?'
Yes; but | cannot say what course will be
pursued toward him in the counties where
the indictments are found
THE CRIMINAL RECORD
The Dastardly Murder Committed by