Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1895-08-10
GUILTY AS CHARGED.
So Says the Jury in the Noted
Taylors' Case.
rhe Brothers Found Guilty of Numbering
the Meeks FamiIy-The Verdict APP.
parentIy in Accord with Pub
lie Sentiment.

CARRoLLTON, Mo-, Aug. 3.-Yester.
day morning at 2 o'clock the court
room was full of people to hear the
speeches of counsel in the Taylor
brothers trial for the murder of the
Meeks family. Col. John B. Hale made
the closing address for the defense
and Tom Bresnehan followed in behalf
of the state. Col. Hale, in a speech of
nearly two hours, presented his side of
the case in most able manner. Mr..
Bresnehan, the able prosecutor of
Linn county, followed Col. Hale in a
two hours speech, and then the people
did not know what to expect.
At high noon the jury were given
their instructions, and by consent of
both sides allowed to have their dim
ner. They were then shown to their
room, where, after celebrating on the
case for an hour and half, they sent
word to Judge Ruclxer that they had
reached verdict. Judge Rucker and
the attorneys went into the court room
one at time, in order not to attract
any attention from the crowd. How
ever, it was known very soon that the
| jury had decided the case and then q
rush followed. A thousand people
tried to get where only 800 could be
accommodated.
The jury, during their de1iberation,
had occupied the court room, and when
the door was opened by Judge Rucker
glance into the room showed that the
jury had concluded their labors. They
were all in their seats and ready to hand
up their verdict. Judge Rucker first
turned his attention to the crowd, and
after making a threat to have all ex-
cluded from the room he finally secured
quiet. The defendants were then
brought into court. One of the deputy
sheritfs preceded them, tanning his
arms like a wind mill and bowling at
the top of his voice, "Clear the ASLEEP
George Taylor followed the perspiring
deputy. He was as cool and collected
as on any other occasion. The color
in his face was all gone and the two
pink spots that are so much admired
were nearly white. Bill Taylor fol-
lowed. His expression and color were
just as usual, and one would have
thought he was going to hear verdict
of acquittal.
As soon as the defendants were seat
ed the court asked the jury if it had
Foreman Craig. The circuit clerk then
called the jury and all answered pres
ent. The court then asked for the ver
dict. 6. w. Craig. the foreman, took
it to the clerk. The clerk read the
verdict:
We, the jury, find the defendants William
P. and George E. Taylor, guilty in the manner
and form charged in the Indictment.
G. w. CRAIG, Foreman.
A cheer went up from the crowded
court room. The court ordered the
room cleared or the noise stopped and
quiet reigned again. Attorney Conk-
ling asked that the jury be polled and
it was done, each juror answering in a
firm voice that the verdict was his
own. The jury was then discharged
and the defendants given in charge of
the sheriff.
The verdict was at once taken to the
families of the defendants. Mrs w. P.
Taylor on hearing the news tainted.
The Taylors remained in the court
room for an hour consulting their at
torneys about future action in the
case, disappointing a large crowd of
people that were waiting to see them
taken from the court room to the Jail.
There were over 1900 people gathered
in the street and court yard, but they
finally dwindled down to 1000 when
the Taylors made the trip.
Thus has ended famous case. The
first trial resulted in mistrial, but
this time the twelve were of one opin-
ion. B. c. Dulaney and George Free
man, two of the jurors, stated that the
result was reached on the first ballot.
The people of this city are nearly
just, and although many express pity
for the families of these men, yet no
one would change the verd let.