The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-07-03
THE VERDICT is A DAISY.
SINGULAR FREAK OF A CoRoNER's
JURY OVER A ooLoRED suBJgcT.
The Head Wide Open, Brains Oozing
Out, Yet 1t Was the Result of Natu-
raj Cause, Produced by an Expansion
OF the Skull-Science in II.

Coroners juries are necessary institu-
ton in every civilized community.
Accidents will happen, death follow, and
then the jury system is called into play.
The methods OF selecting them differ,
circumstances governing in every instance.
Where the mishap is in broad daylight,
on prominent spot, and a crowd collects
in the regular order OF morbid curiosity,
the members of the jury are collared at
the scene and impaneled. If at the dead
hour of night, in an isolated locality, the
coroner usually scours the by ways and
hedges for material and takes them along
with him.
Any American citizen, arrived at man
hoods estate, whether white or black,
learned or illiterate is eligible for service.
The verdicts returned in many cases are
marvellous for their absurdity. Here is
the latest
Emily Miller, colored, residing with her
husband, child and mother at the corner
Of Eighth and Gaines street, Fort Pick
ering, met with a singular death some
time during Sunday night.
About 0 o'clock she retired, complain
ing Of severe pains in the head. As she
was chronic sufferer from headache no
notice was taken Of her complaint. Yes
terday morning when she failed IN arise ut
the usual hour, her husband went Ia her
room and called to her several times, but
received no response. He thereupon
forced open the door and entered the
room, when he discovered that she was
dead.
Squire Flemming arrived at the house
about 8 o'clock in answer to summons,
and empaneling a jury, composed OF
whites and blacks, he proceeded to hold
an inquest.
The investigation developed tho fact
that the dead woman's skull was cracked,
exposing the brain. The mother, husband
and little child Of the dead woman were
all examined by the jury, but their evil
dence failed TO show the cause OF the
strange opening in the skull.
There being no further evidence in
sight the jury retired for delibcation, and
returned its verdict, which was that the
woman died suddenly from n natural
cause, produced by an expansion OF the
skull.
Perhaps the knowledge of science dis
played by the Jury is all right, but II M,
the public, and ut least a respectable fol-
lowing in the profession. would like 10
know II. An APrEAL reporter stated the
facts TO one OF the foremost physicians and
surgeons in the city, and he laughed
heartily mt the proposition. lie further
stated that the idea Of skull parting in
such a manner. without q violent cause,
was prosperous. and too absurd for even
a moderately intelligent man 10 credit n
the verdict were found correct, then the
medical profession would have new and
highly important field for study open TO
| them.
The authorities should investigate
further. IL is not exactly the proper
thing TO lay all the blame upon Squire
Fleming aud his jury. Shelby county Is
peculiar. Il makes no provision for pay
ing physician for attendance and assist
ancc in an inquest. hence there was none
in this instance. Only the paltry sum OF
S. Is allowed for post norton examina.
ton, and no capable physician will touch
q case for that, unless he Also has desire
to broaden his knowledge ior future prac-
tice.
The singular death Of the Miller woman
has thrown the people residing in Fort
Pickering, especially the colorcd class,
into high state III excitement They arc
not prepared 10 accept the jury's theory as
rational and final, but believe she was the
victim Of foul play.