Birmingham state herald., 1896-01-26
T RESTS WITH THE JURY No Verdict Yet in the Bowman
 Murder Trial.
 --T-t f4...5 ABLE ARGUMENT0F COUNSEL Appearance of Defendant Through Ills Ordeal. The Last Speech Was Made at O'clock,
 Followed by Brief Charge.

The Bowman case, which has been Watched with very great public interest since the shooting of Eugene Jeffers, has been tried in Jefferson county's criminal court and the verdict is yet to be made Known. 4.- ......,s
 2 There is not a man connected with this case-attorney defendant, officer or wit ness-who has not all along had the steady attention of the public fixed upon His actions and utterances regarding the ease. The trial has consumed the week Just passed. When, the case was called this time both sides were anxious for trial, as was the able judge who has pushed the progress of the case to its end. as speedily as was consistent with law and an impartial trial. The jury, too, have denied themselves personal com forts and have most patiently borne the efatigues of the jury box in order that the end mighf, be, reached as soon. as, it was ldesiredj by all concerned. -555 l.3 Solicitors e. w. Ferguson and Lee Bradley have been earnest advocates for the state. They have suffered no van- tage ground to escape their. vigilance, and both seemed deeply impressed during the trial with the gravity and responsi- bility of the solicitors duties. Indeed the most casual observer recognizes that the
 
 MT P. G. Bowman has been constantly in attendance on the court since the call of the case. Naturally he has manifest ed a most alert interest in the case and has frequently engaged in consultation with his learned counsel. In appearance he is still the elegantly attired, com manding figure that would attract atten- tion anywhere. His features are hand some, his apparel selected witl discrim- mating care. his movement graceful and his manner that of an outspoken and candid man. It was very evident that his testimony in his own behalf while in the jury box had great weight. With this, too, it is plainly evident that Bow man has suffered keenly over the un- fortunate events of the fatal night in June in the Florence hotel bar room.
 Another daily attendant on the court has been MT. Tom Jeffers, father of Flu gene Jeffers, the youth who was shot by Peyton G. Bowman, The bereaved father has watched everything closely and his silent grief has appealed to all who have observed him.
 The argument was begun yesterday morning. Solicitor Lee C.. Bradley open ed for the state. Every eye in the crowded court room was on him and every ear eagerly drank in his words. MT Bradley is a youth in appearanc although it was evident before he had spoken a dozen words that he is an at torney and jury speaker of no mean force and equipment.
 He reviewed the testimony of the wit nesses, and grouped it coherently for the jury. The position maintained was that Eugene Jeffers met his death at the hands of P. G. Bowman while he was de- fenseless in the grasp of John Bowman, although it was admitted that Eugene Jeffers, according to- testimony, had drawn a weapon on P. G. Bowman.
 Solicitor Bradley was followed by At torney Altman for the defense.
 Colonel Altman addressed the jury at length. reviewing and commenting on the testimony and offering cogent argument to the jury. He particularly and minute ly bore upon the presumptions of inno- cence and the province of the jury.