The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-03-15
WHEN
CLOTHING STORE.
AN OUTRAGEOUS VERDICT
The Murder Trial at Uniontown Ter
inmates in Dukes's AcquittaL
The Finding Denounced by the Judge-The
Streets of the Town Filled With Ex-
cited and Indignant People.

UNIoNTowN, Pa, March 14.-The testimony
all being in, argument in the Dukes murder
commenced this morning. The common
wealth did not seek to break down the de-
fendants character by rebuttal Hon. G. E.
Boyle, for the defense, asked what the COM
monweath claimed in the case, to which
Hon. W. H. Playford replied: 1--WE claim
that Nicholas A. Dukes, the defendant, is
guilty of murder in the first degree"
The case seems to battle the ingenuity of
the defense, as scarcely an argument has
been made on that side that cannot be
construed in favor of the commonwealth
The points of law submitted by the defense
were read by R, H. Lindsey, and were, in
substance, that if Dukes considered himself
in danger of bodily harm, real or apparent,
the shooting was justifiable." Judge Wilson
was asked to charge the jury that Dukes cor
sespondence was extraneous, and formed no
cart OF the crime charged.
Hon W. Fl. Playford opened his address to
the Jury at 1880 P. NJ. The prisoner shows
signs of weakening. The general feeling is
decidedly against the defendant
w. H. Playford spoke two hours this after
noon for the prosecut ton. He said the MUIR
der of Captain Mutt under the circumstances,
was point of infamy not paralleled in the
criminal annals of any State since the founda-
ton of the Republic. Judge Wilson's charge
was exhaustive and of great length After
its delivery the case was given to the jury.
THE DEFENDANT.
Nicholas Lyman Dukes, the man charged
with this terrible offense, presents the ap-
pearance and dress of gentleman. His full,
round and whiskerless face has too much of
grossness and sensuality to be positively in
tellectual, but nevertheless it is an intelli-
gent countenance. On his right cheek, under
the eye, is red scar or birth-mark. He has
a curved mouth, prominent nose, dark eyes,
! and broad, full forehead. He is dressed
now, as always with great attention to per,
sonal appearance. His strong, compact form
the build of an athlete-which is topped
off with thick neck and big head, is in
cased in well-fitting suit of black
His expansive cuffs and standing col
lar bespeak the purity of his linen. He
demeaned himself with entire nonchalance,
and watched the proceedings with the listless
air but attentive ear which a lawyer natu-
rally acquires by familiarity with court
room practices His well-known confidence
in his legal acquttal and the implicitness
with which he relied on his able counsel,
seemed manifest in his bearing. Dukes and
Mr. Boyle frequently put their heads together
across the corner of the table and consulted
with each other. Dukes ranks at this
bar as a fair lawyer, and his suggestions, par
ticuiarly in case in which his own life was at
stake, were worth needing. Prior to the MUIR
der which he committed his prospects for
professional reputation were excellent. No
young man at the bar ranked higher or
seemed to have a brighter future. But lying
across his horizon now are clouds which even
q legal acquittal will not dssipate.
\ A VERDICT OF AcQUITTAL.
The jury returned to the box shortly be-
fore o'clock, and announced verdict OF
F, scquittal. Judge Wilson looked amazed at
the announcement and said:
Gentlemen of the jury, I suppose the
verdict is one that you thought you should
render under your oaths; but it is one that
gives dissatisfaction to the court. because we
thought the evidence sufficient to justify a
different verdict. If you have committed an
error, it is one that we cannot avoid, but we
can only express our condemnation of it in
this mild way. The prisoner is discharged. !"
Dukes then left the court amidst great ex-
element and indignation.
$50 P. M.-The Indignation over the ver-
dict is terrific, an excited crowd has lust
started toward the courthouse, where Dukes
is in charge OF the sheriff. carrying a stuffed
effigy of Dukes; they are also bearing efigies
OF the twelve jurymen, aud violence is mo-
mentarily expected. Dukes remains under
guard OF Sheriff Hoover.
AT 945 the crowd reached the McClelland
House, few doors from Dukes room. They
suspended his effigy across the street and
are singing, I'VE will hang Dukes's body on
a sour apple tree" Everybody is on the
street.
The following circular signed by many
leading citizens, is being posted up:
INDIGNATION MEETING.
Citizens of Fayette county in favor of sustain
ing the character OF the county before The civil
lied world are invited to assemble at the post
office at Up. M, on Thursday, the 18th inst, TO
express their Indignation at the outraged ver-
dict acquiJfing the assassin of Capt A. Q. Mutt.
Let the world know that the aw-abiding ciiizens
of this county are shocked and Mortified, and
their feelings outraged by this verdict.