Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1895-02-25
CAPT. ROWGATe ACQUITTED.
The Jury We're Out Nearly IL Hours Esiore
Arriving at That Decision.

Washington, Feb. 24.-Capt. William
| Howgate was acquitted. today. ON the
charge of embezzling Sill, 500 from the
government, while holding the position
of discussing officer of the United States
! signal service and of forging voucher
| for that amount to cover up his alleged
wrong doing. The verdict was rendered
about noon, when the jury had been
locked up nearly 70 hours. Captain How
gate received the announcement without
emotion, but after he was taken to his
cell, he danced for joy.
Judge McComas entered the court room
shortly after l and received word that
the jury had agreed. Some time was
spent in securing the attendance of the
attorneys. Captain Howgate as brought
from his cell and took seat beside his
daughter Miss Ida Howgate He had a
pleasant smile on his face and chatted
and laughed with Miss Howgate.
A moment later the jury filed in and
the defendants smile changed to an ex-
preston of anxiety. Judge McComas had
instructed the jury to bring in verdicts
upon three distinct points. The first was
whether the government was debarred
from prosecuting Howgate because of
the statute of limitation. An affirm
alive response on this point would
have the effect of throwing out the
indictments charging forgery and embez-
Element, and disposing in a like manner
of all the other indictments against the
defendant.
In response to Clerk Downs questions,
Foreman Cissell stated that ON the issue
upon the plea of statute of limitation, the
jury found for the United States; but on
the issues as to the charges of embezzle-
ment and forgery the jury found the
defendant not guilty.
Lawyer Worthington gave convulsive
grasp to Howgate's hand, but the latter
showed no signs of excitement, though
his pallor gave way to a deep flush and
his smile returned. Some enthusiastic
persons clapped their hands and We're
reproved by the bailiffs. Miss HOwgate
sat unmovcd
The assistant district attorney moved
that the jury be polled. Each man re-
sponded for himself as the foreman had
announced for the IL. Mr. Worthington
arose with the remark that he supposed
the defendant would be remanded to Gus
tody on account of the remaining indict-
ments. Judge McComas said, somewhat
sternly: "The members of this jury are
now discharged. !"
Howgate was then taken back to the
prisoners cage and his daughter went to
get him some lunch. While the jurymen
were going to their homes, Howgate was
skipping back and forth like boy on the
hard concrete of the cell. He said he
thought the verdict could not be otherwise,
in view of the evidence.
District Attorney Blrney said he was
very much annoyed at the verdict. If
the jury found that the statute of limita-
tons applied in the case, he would doubt
he said, his right to bring Howgate to
trial on the other indictments, but as the
jury decided the statute did not apply, be
would give the defendant another chance
to show whether he was not guilty
The whole delay on the part of the jury
in reaching an agreement was caused by
the plea concerning the statute of limita-
tions. Immediately after the jury retired,
Thursdays ballot was taken on this ques-
ton and resulted to ) in favor of the
defendant. When the jurymen retired to
their cots, last night, they were still hope
lessly apart on this point, but at 10 this
morning ballot resulted unanimously in
favor of the government. The other two
questions were decided in a few minutes