The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1889-12-21
THE TRIBUNE.
CALDWELL. IDAHO, DEC. 81, 1885,
PENITENTIARY FOR LIFE.

Chicago, Dec. leone of the
most memorable trials in the Grim.
inal history of America closed this
afternoon, when the jury impannel-
ed three months ago rendered its
verdict in the Cronin case. The
return of the jury with verdict
and not a disagreement, is the
source of much congratulation to
the public mind, and although
there is naturally much division of
sentiment on the question of appro-
val of the verdict, the sense of re-
lief which is experienced at the
final elimination of the case is
unanimous. AS court convened at
2 p. NJ, the verdict was received,
and the five defendants marched in
to receive the announcement of
their fate. Hardly a sound was
heard, as every eye in the audience
turned toward John F. Beggs, who
led the procession. The face of the
senior guardian of Camp 20 was
pale and anxious-looking, but he
faced the stare boldly. Daniel
Coughlin affected his usual indifer-
ence, but his furtive eye denoted
the terrible mental suspense the
cx-detective experienced as he
awaited the dreadful announcement.
Patrick O'Sullivan'S eyes were d.
rected to the floor. Martin Burke's
face flushed for a moment as he APP
preached his seat, but Immediately
after his features regained their
natural expression, and he recon-
menced the chewing of gum as
usual. For the first time since his
arrest, the little German, John
Kunze, seemed to appreciate the
gravity of his situation and his US
ual air Of jauntiness was absent.
"The clerk will read the verdict"
said the court. Instantly hush
so profound that as the clerk tore
open the envelope the sound fell
discordantlY upon the anxious ears.
A moment later this anxiety be-
came painful as in its intensity IS
the sonorous voice of the clerk be-
gan to read the verdict:
owe, the jury, find defendant
John F. Beggs, not guilty"
awe, the jury, find defendant
John Kunze guilty of manslaughter
and fix his punishment at impris-
onment in the penitentiary for
three years."
ave, the jury, find defendants
Daniel Coughlin, Prtrick O'Sullivan
and Martin Burke guilty of MUIR
der and fix the penalty at imprison-
nent in the penitentiary for the
,erm of their natural lives"
Simultaneous with the announce
nent of the verdict, Coughlin, o.
Sullivan and Burke turned deathly
pale, while Kunze started suddenly
rom his seat and a moment later
dropped his head upon his breast
md burst into tears. Begg's face
vas luminous with joy and walking
,ver to the jury box said: Gen
lemen, | thank you. l trust the
uture may confirm your judgment
lpon me and that you will never
egret that you found me not guilty
# this terrible charge" The only
ound that broke the stiffness fol-
owing this were the deep sobs of
<unze. He burst out with: "God
,nows l am innocent; I never was
n Lake View that night. Oh, God
,nows | am innocent gentlemen"
Comments among the audience
we're various. Both Irish factions
we're well represented, and natural
y took different views. Cronin's
riends were indignant at the YER
ict while members of the other
action were congratulating them
elves and the prisoners that it was
10 larger.
The verdict is thought to be
ompromise on the part of the jury,
leven being in favor of the death
,apo1fv op1 ono far oocn;tto1