Waterbury evening Democrat., 1892-02-26
IT WAS A SURPRISE
Verdict in the Curtis Trial at
San Francisco.
THE JURY COULD NOT AGREE
It Stood Ten for Conviction and Two for
iCquittal After Being Ont Day.

The Case Comes Up Tomorrow When Ii
win be Set tor Hearing-The Prose
cutting Attorney Expected Disagree
WaERrs on the acknowledgements oil
Regret-Belieft that a Second Trial Will
Give the Actor His Freedom.
SAN Francisco, Feb. 26-Long Def or
the opening of Judge Troutt's court the
corridors leading to the court room were
crowded and it was with difficulty that
those whose business called them there
could enter.
The discussion af times among those
composing the crowd ran high, and on
the faces of many could be seen looks OF
expectation and hope that Curtis would
be acquitted. Others were there out OF
simple curiosity.
Numerous wagers were made on the
result of the jury's deliberations.
Mrs. Curtis came into court accom-
panied by lady. As she held whisp-
cred CONVERSATION with some of her sym
pathetic friends, it was plainly to be- seen
that she was anxious.
Curtis entered the judges chamber
shortly after the entrance of Mrs. Curtis.
He looked pale and tired, and held a
short conversation with his wife. 1t was
evident that the strain of the trial had
told on him.
When Judge Trout entered silence at
once prevailed in the room. He an
nounced that the jury had not as yet
reached a verdict, and that the court
would adjourn.
This announcement seemed to please
Mr.. and Mrs. Curtis, for in this delay
they both found ground for the brightest
hopes.
Friends who have stood by Actor Cur
tbs all during his trial surrounded him
| and cheered him up as best they could.
They all assured him that he VOL; be
all RICH that there was not the least
doubt Of the fact that he would be ac-
quilted and in a few days he would once
more. be free man. Curtis thanked
them and seemed to take much comfort
out of their cheering assurances. One
| rumor started that the jury stood eleven
to one for acquittal, and that the juror
holding out would be soon brought over
| to the majority.
Then the jury filed into court and an
| nounced that they had not agreed on a
verdict and that there was no likelihood
| of them ever coming to an agreement.
Judge Troutt-Stated that he would not
accept this report rs final, and sent them
back for furIber deliberations, with in
| structions that they were to report at
| the end of two hours 49, E~-- --
When tho jury returned to the court
| room, Judge Trout again promptly CON
vened his court.
Both Actor Curtis aud his wife were
perceptibly nervous and anxiety was
strongly depicted upon their counter
anCes.
The attorneys for the defence, who sat
by the actor and his little wife, had a
look of deep concern on their faces. a
Assistant District Attorney Hinkle
| stated that he was by no means confident
J that a verdict of conviction would be
| rendered. 1t was very apparent that lie
expected disagreement.
After the jury had taken their seats in
the jury box they were asked by the
court if they had come to an agreement
The foreman arose and said: mo; we
| are still unable to agree. The jury
| stands ten for conviction and two for
acquittal." Thereupon the court ordered
the jury discharged.
The case will be called again to-
morrow, when it will be set for hearing
The result when announced was re-
ceived with surprise, mingled with eN-
| pressions of regret.
The disagreement is the topic of con-
versation all over the city, and while all
express themselves as sorry that Curtis
was not acquitted, they are of the belief
that his second trial will give him his
| freedom.