The evening herald. [volume] (Shenandoah, Pa.) 1891-1966, 1892-02-26
IT WAS A SURPRISE
Verdict in the Curtis Trial at
San Francisco.
THE JURY COULD NOT AGREE.
1t Stood Ten for Conviction and Two for
ioquittal After Being Ont Day.
THE JURY COULD NOT AGREE.

The Case Comes Up Tomorrow When It
win be Set tor a Hearing-The Prose-
cutting Attorney Expected "A Disagree
ment-scenes in the Court Room-Mauy
wagers the ResuIt-NIurmurs of
Regret-Belief that Second Trial WIN
Give the Actor His Freedom.
SAN FRANoIsco, Feb 26.--Long bef or
the opening of Judge Troutts 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 at 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, il 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 Troutt 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
tis all during his trial surrounded him
and cheered him up as best they could.
They all assured him that he would be
all right; 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 a 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 Trout stated that he would not
accept this report as final, and sent them
back for further deliberations, with in
structions that they were to report at
| the end of two hours
When the 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 counten
| ances.
The attorneys for the defence, who sat
by the actor and his little wife, had q
look of deep concern on their faces
Assistant District Attorney Hinkle
stated that he was by no means confident
that a verdict of conviction would be
rendered. 1t was very apparent that he
expected a 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 fol
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 ex-
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