The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-04-15
THE CINCINNATI RIOT,
The Governor Begins the InQuest-Judge
Avery's Charge to the Grand Jury.

CINCINNATI, April 14-Coroner Muscroft has
begun the inquest on the victims of the late
riot He has selected thirteen dead persons, in
tending to let that examination cover the entire
number, So far, nothing has been elected be-
yond the testimony for identification of dead
bodies. 1t is said the coroner will not make a
searching Investigation, leaving that to be done
by the special grand jury, which began its duties
this morning after being charged by Judge
Avery to make inquiry into the late riot, the
burning Of the courthouse, and the charges of
corruption in connection with the jury that tried
William Berner The testimony before the
grand jury will be given privately, and all Will
be sworn to secrecy.
Judge Avery, in his charge to the special
grand jury made plain to them that they had
been summoned after due consideration by the
court, upon the suggestion of the prosecuting
attorney to inquire, and true presentment
make concerning the riot, its occasion and
causes, and the destruction of life and property
not to recount events and make clear the con
nection between causes and consequences, but
to declare in regard to crimes. He charged
them that their first duty was to inquire if the
crime of bribery had been committed in CON
nectlon with the Jury that tried VIM. Berner
then, to inquire if the crime of riot had been
committed, and by whose hands the court house
was burned; and lastly, if life had been unlaw-
fully taken. He explained with great force and
clearness the law concerning bribery, riot and
arson, and concerning killing in furtherance of
an unlawful act. He also made clear the duty, of
the sheriff in protecting his prisoners from res
cue or unlawful execution He impressed upon
the jury the Importance of thorough and patient
investigation of the whole subject saying they
would have the assistance and advice of the
prosecuting attorney, and could also have any
witnesses summoned they might want.
The entire bench of the Common Pleas Court
was present during the delivery of the charge.
The jury, as stated when impaneled, is com
posed of the foremost citizens, intelligent and
responsible men. The result of their work will
be awaited with great interest but they are
charged to strictest secrecy, not even being per
mitted to tell what witnesses appear before
them.
There is marked difference in the method of
conducting criminal trials noted to-day in the
Common Pleas courts. There were three con-
victions and two pleas of guilty, and all were
begun and ended in one day. Among the con
victions is Dan Flanagan, who is said to be
wanted in Tennessee and elsewhere to serve
terms whore he has escaped, to answer for
crimes. He was convicted of robbery and grand
larceny, having bought cigar of a woman who
was alone, and then, with drawn revolver,
took the contents of the money drawer and es
capped The iulies required but short time to
agree upon verdicts in the cases submitted.
The Dayton, o., Journal WILL tomorrow and
next day, publish a communication from one of
the most distinguished iurists of Ohio, reviewing
the Cincinnati riot. 1t is article of great
force, and will command general attention.