Hopkinsville Kentuckian. [volume] (Hopkinsville, Ky.) 1889-1918, 1893-06-27
WILEO GOES FREE.
The Jury Treats the Public 10 a
Surprise.
There IL No Telling What the
Verdict Of Jury VIII BE.
vile, May Now Resume His Arms.

| UlOTnluk. NOlnluR OccutIeu buDde-
quent to the last report to strengthen
the side oil the defense. The chain OF
evidence put together by the Com
monwealth was complete in every de-
tail. There never was a stronger case
OF guilt established in the court
house. The great crowds that have
heard tho testimony from day to day
were OF one opinion. All agreed that
Wiles had deliberately assassnated
Walter Weaver from the fence corner,
and that no fouler murder was ever
committed in the county. And yet
in the face OF the facts aud the plain
positive instructions OF the court,
which left no doubt OF the jury's duty
ia the premises, there were many who
shook their heads and said, "Wiles is
guilty, but it will be a hung jury"
When pressed for reasons the knowing
ones lapsed into silence but re iters
ted the opinion that the jury would
be controlled by a minority friendly to
Wiles.
THE ARGUMENT BEGINS.
It was about 10 O'Clock Wednes-
day morning when the argument Of
the case began. The first speech for
the defense was by Mr.. VIM. S. With
ers, who had just been admitted TO
the bar. His appeal to the jury was
earnest, logical and plausible. He
soon rid himself Of slight embar-
rassment that hindered him at the
beginning and handled his case in Il
J mastery manner. He is nothing of
a sky-scrsper, but there is in this
young man the making Of success
full lawyer. A close reasoner, fluent
speaker and an agreeable presence,
J he early secured the attention OF ali
} who heard him and never lost it du-
ring his speech, which was nearly
two hours long. Considering
the bad case he had to
work upon, his speech was a re-
marksble one for Lsmaiden effort and
was the best speech from beginner
heard in the Court House for many
years.
Mr.. Withers Was to have b on fol
lowed by Mr.. Jas. B. Allenworth, but
that gentleman was unfortunately
taken from the case by the sudden
death OF his brother-in-law, MIR. Chas
O'Neil, and was absent from the city
after the first two days OF the trial.
The second speech for the defense
was made by Mr.. w. W. Clarke, who
in an address OF two hours covered
every material point in the case. Mr.,
Clarke is a speaker whose arguments
never fail to hold the attention Of bis
hearers. He studies his cases closely
and is thoroughly informed as to the
legal points involved upon all ques
tons be undertakes to discuss. His
argument was one that did great cred
it to the high reputation this rising
young lawyer already enjoys.
The side OF the Commonwealth was
opened by County Attorney l.. T.
Brasher, who discussed the law and
and facts bearing on the case for two
hours and successfully sustained the
position advanced by the State, that
the killing could have been nothing
short OF deliberate murder.
Mr.. Chas. II. Bush, who ranks at
the head Of the district bar as a de.
fender, next devoted an hour aud for !
ty minutes TO powerful argument
for the prisoners side. He handled
the case with ability, tact and con-
summste skill. He was pathetic in |
picturing the grievances of Wiles that
preceded the killing and powerful in
his deDuncistion OF the prosecutions
he WAS called upon to endure. Mr..
Bush's speech had visible effect up
on those even who did not agree with
him in his view OF the facts
From 10 till II o'clock SATURDAY.
morning Mr.. Jas. Breathitt held the
floor for the prosecution Dir B'eath
lit is justly regarded AZ the finest ora
tor at the local bar and his speech
was worthy Of his reputation. IL MAS
his first speech Of prosecution in n ca
reer OF fifteen years. II has invaria
bly, been bi1 province to repl esent the
defense in criminal cases.
Mr. Breathitt's versatility ~ n
speaker, his ability to cover the wholr
scope Of requirement aud his capacity
TO take either side OF ease with equal {
facility we're admirably displayed :
Naturally eloquent and possessing a =
voice, we'll trained and 7
pleasant to the ear, his plea for JUS
tice TO young Viewers assassin will
rank with the most finished forensic
sfforts heard here for year.. 5
Mr., Il. p. Campbell closed The Gaze u
Tor Wiles, beginning at O'clock aud S
speaking for two hours and thirty @
live minutes. MIR. Campbell has long b
stood in the front rank Of our ablest 8
lawyers, II was expected that his Of |
Tort IN this case would be one OF his b
best and there was no disappointment, h
In an argument that impressed every G
'ne with its force aud thorough prep (,
aration, he strove to extricate his eli
,nt from the network Of evidence that
lavd been woven about him at every =,
point. II il the great lawyer who can "