The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1884-01-26
JAMES MUTT ACQUITTED.
Not Gully by Reason of Insanity His
P:.sMt Me tai Condition.

At 10 O'Clock or Tuesday morning last
the jury in the trial of James Mutt at
Pittsburg, Pa, for the shooting of Dukes
his sisters tracucer and fathers MUIR
derer, brought in a verdict of "Not guilty
on account of insanity at the time the act
was committed AS early as o'clock
all entrances to the court house We're be-
sieged by a crowd far exceeding in num-
bers the attendance on any day since the
| trial began. At $3.50 clock Judge Stowe
ordered the court opened, and the pris-
oner was escorted to his seat His coun
! tenanee wore a look of anxiety, but often
changed to one of confidence as words of
encouragement were whispered into his
! ear The excitement following the trial
and the arguments of counsel had SO af-
! fected his nerves as to exhibit itself in
| the twitching of the facial muscles and
restless movements of the body, which
| indicated that his mind was i'll at ease.
| He stated to his counsel that he had
rested badly. and with the exception of
an hour or two during the morning he
bad not slept during the night. At 9:51
the jury filed in. and as they seated them
selves the silence that prevailed was op-
| pressive. After answering to their names
the Judge said: "Gentlemen of the Jury
have you decided upon a verdict?''
They replied: I'VE have
The court then said: ''Prisoner at the
bar, stand up
Mutt. who was very weak ard much
affected. attempted to rise to his feet.
but had TO be assisted by one Of the court
officers.
''Genticmen. what is your verdict >"
asked the court. to which the foreman
replied: Not guilty. on account of in
sanity at the time the act was commit
ted. - The crowd, which with difficulty
had been restrained during the day. gave
vent t. lis feelings of approval in loud
cheer. which the immense crowd on the
outside took up and answered back, and
another cheer went up from those inside.
Finally order was restored. and the Judge
remanded James Mutt to iail until Wed
neSday, when. in accordance with the
motion of his counsel. committee ex-
amned him as tn his present mental con-
dition. Mutt was taken back to his cell.
Mrs. Mutt and Miss Lizzie were not pres
ent. They remained at the residence of
Major Brown, where the glad tidings
we've quickly conveyed to them.
The jury were out ten hours After
their discharge an effort was made to in
terview them. but they positively de-
clined to give any information as to how
they stood up to the time of the final
ballot, as they had sworn not to divuIge
the secrets OF the iury-room. 1t is ascer-
tanned, however, that fear ballots were
taken during the night, and that a con.
cluSiOn was not reached until I clock
this morning. When the frs hall It was
taken three jurors favored Il verdict of
guilty as indicted, three not guilty and
the others not guilty because insane. The
verdict meets with approval on all sides
and at Uniontown it was received with
great rejoicing. Congratulatory dis
counsel for the defense from all parts of
the country. James Mutt will not return
to Uniontown, but will be taken to rela-
tives living At distance, where he will
remain for the presant at least.
The hearing as to the mental condition
of James Mutt took place at clock on
Wednesday morning. several experts
were examined and he was reeased.as of
souad mind at this time. \ hearing was
necessary to satisfy the court that he is
proper person to be at large. The law
on the subject is very clear, and provides
that when a person is acquitted of any
offense by reason of insanity the jury
shall so declare, and that the court shall
have power to order him kept in strict
custody SO long as such person shall be
of unSound mind.