Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1883-06-14
FROM WASHINGTON.
rns srAR RoUrERs.
One Of The Jurors Fails in q 6t-The
Ceart Room in Confusion.

In obedience to the direction of Judge
Wylie the jury in the star route case came
into court at 1885 this morning, to receive
instructions upon points of law. Before they
were seated. however. Juror Vernon, who
had been unwell during the night, fell to the
floor in it, creating great excitement. He
is now under the care of physician and the
remaining jurors returned to their room.
The recess taken by the criminal court ex-
pired at 10 this morning. and q number of
spectators, including several jurors i'll the
former trial, assembled TO hear the report of
the jury in the star route trial. Mrs +.
Dorsey and sister, Mrs. Peck were also in
attendance.
Shortly before 10 o'clock Judge Wylie d.
rected court crier Donaldson to go to the
jury and inquire if they had agreed upon q
verdict. The crier departed on his mission.
Bliss stated to the court that Juror Vernon
had been unwell daring the night, but was
now better. Judge Wylie instructed the
proper officers to take care for Vernon.
The crier soon returned and informed the
court that the jury was ready to report. One
of the jurors, however. wished to come into
court. Judge Wylie thereupOn sent word if
any of them desired instructions upon points
of Law he was entitled to it, and the jury
would be permitted to come into court for
that purpose.
The message was deliv cred and the crier
answered for the jury that the juror in ques-
ton believes his difficulty arose from a ques-
ton of law but that the foreman regarded it
as question of fact. Judge Wylie then
sent for the jury and in a few minutes they
came into court. Before the foreman had
reached his seat, Juror Vernon. who pre-
scented wild and disordered appearance,
uttered several convulsive shouts, sprang into
the air and fell upon the floor in fit.
scene of confusion followed. The coun-
sci hurried to the assistance of the unfortu-
uate juror who had struck his head heavily
against chair in falling, and it was some
time before order was restored.
Judge Wylie babe the other Jurors retire,
and placed Vernon under the care of doc
tor. Judge Wylie refused Davidge's request
for a recess until the result OF the accident
could be learned.
In short time deputy marshal Fassett re-
ported that Vernon was all right, and at
10 30 the jury came in. Foreman Crane
said, ''Your Honor, one of the jurors desires
to ask a question OF the court. To most of
us it seems a question of fact but we prefer
to let Horrigan speak for himself
Judge Wylie-The court will hear his
question and if it be question of fact will
not undertake to pass upon it.
Juror Horrigan then arose and in con-
fused manner put to the court question of
an almost unintelligible character, which
seemed to relate to the dates of certain Or
ders made by Brady and to the notice of the
stumbling block" which Brady said he
found in his way.
Judge Wylie-Those are questions of fact
and not of law and il Is not for the court to
instruct you in that connection. Now, gen.
tlemen, you have had sick member of the
nvrI =,
happened this morning. but he seems in
measure restored, and hope will be able
now to perform his duties. l don't propose
to discharge this jury very easily. This is
the second time this case has been tried. |
don't wish to put any undue stress upon your
minds, but the court thinks you ought to
agree on verdict of some kind. You can
retire again.
Foreman--Your Honor, we have net agreed
on the question of conspiracy. In case we
shoulk agree upon the guilt of any one of the
parties l want to know if we can report to
the court?
Judge Wylie-No. you must report YER
dict as a whole.
Foreman-Some of the jury think
The Court-You have no right to say what
they think.
Foreman-My mind is somewhat in doubt
on the question of conspiracy.
COurt-Crime is conspiracy followed by
overtact.
Foreman-SuppOse we don't agree as to
conspiracy, can we vote upon the question of
the guilt or innocence of any of the parties.
Judge Wylie-The court will not interfere
with the order of your proceedings 1t will
not attempt to direct you in your discussions.
According to my instructions you can decide
upon any point in the indictment in any
order or time, but the verdict, when report
ed. must be a complete verdict, not based
upon part of the indictment, but upon the
whole.
The court took a recess until 10 o'clock
tomorrow, with the understanding that il
would meet to receive the verdict of the jury,
should they agEee upon one before that hour.