Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1885-06-05
CLUVERIUSF0UNDGUILTY
MURDER IN THE FIRST DEGREE
REPORTED IN 30 MINUTES.


Betraying a Particle OF Emotion
Nothing Better Than a Disagreement
Expected by the CrOwd-A Motion for
New Trial Almost Certain.
RICHMOND, June 4.-The twenty-sixth
day of the Cluverius trial found the court
room packed to the full extent Of its con-
tracted capacity by a crowd eager to hear
the closing argument of Charles V. Mere
dith, the chief prosecutor in the case.
Mr. Meredith began by complimenting
and thanking the jury for their patience
and attention during their long and try
ing confinement in this case. He referred
TO the instructions given by the court,
and then read from authorities showing
that almost all the evidence is more or
less clrcumstantial. Innocent men, he
said, have not only been sacrificed on
circumstantial evidence, but also on what
is known in law as positive evidence.
He explained the instructions in detail,
and then went on to sum up and comment
on the positions taken by the defense as
to the manner of the death of the deceased.
SUICIDE REFUTED.
He cOmbated the theory of suicide, so
strongly advocated by the defense, and
said that there was no doubt as TO it's alb
surdity. Mr.. Meredith then took up sue
oessiVely the murder theory, the motive
for the murder and the question of the Sc
ductiOn of the deceased by the prisoner,
and discussed them at length and with
great force.
AS the case draws to close and the
decision of his fate becomes question of
few hours only, the prisoner seems to be
more impressed with his terrible position.
His seriousness and nervousness are pain
fully apparent to-day.
MR.. MEREDITH's LINE.
Mr.. Meredith occupied the afternoon
session in going over the questions OF
identity, the movements of the prisoner
and the deceased on March 13, day and
night, the torn note and Its connection
with the prisoner, and commenting upon,
detailing and criticising the testimony of
the witnesses at great length to show that
it was not coincidence alone, but circum-
stantial evidence Of the strongest kind.
He concluded at S:55 O'Clock, having
spoken nearly nine hours. His summing
up aud deductions were of the most for
chile character, and his peroratiOn was
powerful and effective. He closed his
remarks by asking for a verdict of mur-
der in the first degree. The case
was then given to the jury, and they
retired. During their absence a squad of
police filed into court and was stationed
in line Immediately behind the prisoner.
This precaution was deemed necessary
by the court to prevent any demOnstra-
tiOn in the event of a verdict being ar
rived at. The court room was more
densely thronged than at any time since
the commencement OF the trial.
SPECULATION ON THE VERDICT.
An immense crowd filled the hallway
of the building, and the street outside the
court was almost impossible. The sub
dued hum of voices could be heard
throughout the court room, and much
speculation was INDUCED in regarding
the result Of the jury's deliberation. SEN
tim mt being divided between a verdict
of guilty and inability of thejury to agree.
No one seemed to believe in a verdict of
acquittal. At 9:25 O'clock City Sergeant
Lee in a low tone informed Judge Atkins
that the jury had agreed and were pre-
pairing their verdict. This was soon
known throughout the court room, and
almost every eye was turned on the pris-
Oner, who was sitting quietly in his usual
place near his counsel.
RETURN OF THE JURY.
At $3.50 O'Clock the jury filed into the
court room and took their seats. A
deathly stiffness pervaded the crowded
room. Clerk Layton polled the jury and
then put the question:
"Gentlemen of the jury, have you agreed
upon a yerdictY'
Foreman Keppler replied that they had.
The prisoner was then told to stand up,
which he did, looking straight ahead and
seemingly unm0yed.
The clerk asked: Gentlemen of the
jury, what say you, is the prisoner guilty
or not guilty of the felony charged in the
indctmentp
Foreman Kepper-"Guilty."
The Clerk then took the indictment and
read the Endorsement thereon.
eve, the jury, lind the prisoner guilty
of murder in the first degree, as charged
IN the Indictment"
CLUVERIUs STOICAL.
The prisoner then sat down, but to all
outward appearance was as unmOved as
at any time since his arrest. When the
verdict became known outside there was
some clapping OF hands and a few shouts,
but this was soon quieted by the police.
Judge Atkins asked the prisoners coun-
sci if they had any motion TO
make. but Judge Crump requested that
the court be adjourned until tomorrow,
so that they might have time to decide on
their course Of action. This was ac-
corded, and the court at 10 O'clock ad-
jOurned until tomorrow morning, when.
it is well understood, a motion for new
trial will be made.