Evening journal., 1890-02-27
LIE eeeAr LEcoNgY raIAL.
A Review Of the Opening Speech for
the Prosecution.

A Review Of the Opening Speech for
the Prosecution.
Interest was again greatly increased
yesterday in the LeConey murder trial,
in the Camden courts, owing to the com
mencement of the summing up on the
part Of the state Mr.. Wilson II. Jenkins
opened the argument and occupied the
entire day, prolonging the session in
order to complete the opening address.
When the court room was thrown open
to the public there were the same people
that have been there day after day pres
emit. The familiar faces of the faithful
friends and neighbors of the accused man
were to be distinguished as they sat in
almost the same seats they have occupied
since the beginning of the trial On many
faces could be seen the hushed, expect
ant look which showed the realization of
the drawing TO a close of the trial and
fear and dread as to what the final result
might be-
Chalkiey LeConey came in as usual
with Sheriff Baird and took his customary
seat between his brother, James LeConey,
and the mother of the girl whom he is
charged with having murdered He
showed by his appearance that he keenly
times during the long argument of the
prosecutor he displayed great nervous.
ness, and at all times gave it the closest
attention. When Prosecutor Jenkins
reached that portion in which he placed
Murray and Smiths testimony in the
scales against his and weighed 1t to the
| Jury, his interest was intense.
In his address Mr. Jenkins reviewed q
large portion Of the evidence, touching al
length on all the important links in tht
chain Of circumstantial evidence against
the accused uncle, Chalkley LeConey. His
arguments we're exhaustive on the cir
cumstances surrounding Francis Lingo
his arrest and release, and his subsequent
alibi, He also dwelt at length upon tbs
actions of Chalkley LeConey when in
formed of the murder in the field; hil
return to the house, and his actions upor
returning, as well as his conduct evei
since the day Of the murder.
In conclusion, Mr. Jenkins gave to tbs
Jury the States theory of the case, which
was that LeConey and Annie had quar-
relied, and that LcConey choked her intC
insensibiiity, and then, thinking tina
Lingo would soon be there cut her throa
and simulated a felonious assault an,
robbery.
LeConey listened intently to thu
argument all day, but towards the
last seemed TO grow very uneasy
in his chair under the scath-
ing denunciations Of the Prosecute
When reference was made TO the Law
and argument entered upon as to its ref
erence TO certain technicalities bearing
upon his case LeConey would settle bacl
in his chair and resume his aecustome,
position. But the instant the prosecute
returned TO his task of tearing down tn
evidence built up by his counsel he woul'
lean far forward in his chair and closel,
follow him.
Prosecutor Jenkins made very adj
and skillful argument IL was delivere
with much force and had been carefull
prepared Although very lengthy it wa
at no time tiresome and was listened {
by all with close attention. Many of tn
members Of the Philadelphia bar visite,
the court during the day and a humble
OF the leading criminal lawyeas of tina
CITY we're noticeable among them.
Judge Pancoast Is to open the argu
ment Of the defense this morning and b.
will take up the whole days session. d
will be followed by Lawyer Grey, AM
prosecutor Jenkins will then follow
and close the case in behalf Of the state
} The crowd around the entrance to tn
Jail from the Court House was large
! yesterday than at any previous day sine
l the trial began They stood for hour