Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1889-04-20

fNtDhNAL 'tN'lAbfDs
B0wen's testimony closed the evidence in
the case and the Court adjourned until 4
O'Clock In order to allow counsel TO prepare
instructions.
INSTRUCTIONS.
The Court instructed the Jury in substan-
italy the usual terms for cases OF this
character.
THE PROSECUTION.
Az O'Clock, when the courts session was
resumed. Colonel Spotsw ood opened the ar
gument for the State. lie spoke about one
hour and half. HIS speech was careful
resume Of the evidence. lie said the de-
ceased went to Bowen's store on peace
iul mission. There WAS no evidence
that he had intended TO do The
prisoner a wrong The direct object Of
the visit was NOT explained, but nothing
could be deduced from the evidence to show
that the dead man had any purpose 10 iniure
Bowen in any way. The evidence showed
tbat when the Two men came 70 the door
that Bowen had challenged deceased ana
said he could whip the whole Simcoe family.
Speaking oi the deadly lght, Colonel
SpotswOod said the only witness who tcsli-
fed that Simc0c struck Bowen was SUSIE
Bower. sister Of the prisoner. The evil
denco showed that Bowen kicked deceased
while the latter WAS on the ground, and that
simcoc died in few minutes from the ef-
fects of the blows received. He thought AL
the facts In the case justified the jury to
bring in yerdil Of murder In the second
degree.
CHARLES Y, MEREDITH, ESQ.
Mr.. Meredith opened for the defence In a
speech OF nearly two hours. He reminded
the Jury in the outset that their verdict
hut no
dear ones bv his side Mr.. Meredith de-
clared that witness after witness tor the
State contr4dic'cd one another. The boys
could not agree a. to the streets
the parties were seen on the night
OF the murder. When witnesses Tor The
Commonwealth cOntradicted each other IN
such a manner he could not see how man
under oath could believe any OF their state
menis. II witnesses are not 10 be be-
lieyed in one thing they should not
be believed in another. The COM
menwealth IS required to establish
the guilt OF the prisoner beyond a doubl,
bot he could not imagine how jury couid
decide between the Simcoe brothers, who
contradicied each other IN so many points,
aud the eyewitness Of the last scuille,
none OF whom could agree as to what hap
peBed then.
Mr.. Meredith went over all the evidence
very carefully. aud made very able de-
fence OF his client.
During his speech, when speaking OF the
tender love between the prisoner and his
mother and sisters, all the Bowen family
were much affected and all gave way to tears.
The prisoner hung his head and Wept
bitterly for several minutes.
non. GEORGE u. WISE.
a. Sor Ia do
fence. lie did not 90 into the details in The
ease, as he said that Mr. Meredith had shown
COnclusiyely that no ease bad been
made against their client. Bowen had
depe lust what any other Elan
would have done. The deceased came
TO his store, and while there raised quar-
rel. Bowen didn't treat him IN manner
that showed any malice, but took him to the
door and told him to 20 home to his family.
He had all the opportunity be could have
wished to beat him while IN the store.
Mr. Wise said that the three Simcoes went
10 BOWen's 10 raise 4 row. The two boys
were waiting a. the door with stones in
their hands, and war was brewing.
When the prisoner went TO csrry his
old mother home he was struck down
by the hand Of George Simcoo. IT
was aremarkable gathering around Bowen'S.
All the BOYS m the nelghb0rhood knew that
the Simcoes were IN for 4 fight, and young
Fulton had taken their places 10 see tie
difficulty.
Mr. Wse's speech was principally devoted
10 showing that BOwen's actions were lusti-
fable, and were lust what anv other man
similarly situated would have done.
THE FINAL ARGUMENT
Colonel Spotswood closed in short speech.
lie reminded the jury that their decision
would be looked to with interest, and that
they were TO a certain extent the lawmakers,
as their verdict would be an example to
other people. lie replied TO all the points
made by the other side N an able and eilec-
tive manner.
TIRE VERDICT.
The Jury returned to the Sergeants office
and after about forty minutes consultation
brought In verdict Of involuntary man
slaughter, and fixed the punishment at six
months in jail and fine OF $3.50.
CHEERING THE VERDICT
A great cheer broke out in the courtroom
when the verdict was announced, and 1t was
some time before order was restored.
Judge Witt ordered the Sergeant to bring
before him for punishment all who had
cheered, but no person could be fixed upon
rs guilty OF the offence.
MOTHER AND sISTER.
The prisoner took the result very coolly,
but the mother and sisters gave away 10 their
grief. The two sisters were 50 much Affected
thev had 10 be taken from the courtroom.
Mrs. Bowen remained with her son until
the court was adjourned and he was taken
back 10 iaii.
80 MOTION TO SET ASIDE THE VERDICT
Mr. Wise said hls side did not desire to
make any motion, and the court adjourned
at few minutes before If O'Clock.
The courtroom, clerks Office, and hall
uAy were packed during the speaking, and
quite a large number Of persons gathered on
Capitol street in front OF the courtroom.
IL was the largest crowd that has attended
q trial since that OF Cluyerius.
HOW THE VOTE STOOD.
When the vote was first taken in the turys
room Messrs. Percy f. Montague, shirley
Woods0n, George c. Wilde, X. f. Knowles,
and James 4. Ferriter were in favor OF ac-
quitting the prisoner. The other jurors
were In favor OF punishment for involuntary
manslaughter-On member being in favor
OF the full penalty. A thorough discussion
OF the case was had and a cOmpromise was
made and the verdict agreed upon as re-
ported.