Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1897-10-21
NO VERDICT YET.
The Jury Still Debating Over
the Fate Of Luetgert.
The Majority Evidently for Conviction,
But Minority Stands Firm.
Juryman Harley Asks for instructions While
Other juymen Laugh.

Criminal Court Building, Chicago,
Oct. 2O.-At $50, tonight, it was an
nounced from the office of States At
torney Deneen that there would be no
announcement of the verdict in the
Luetgert case before the opening Of
court, tomorrow.
Judge Tuthill went home early in the
evening, leaving matters with States
Attorney Deneen, who was to send him
word in case verdict should be reach
ed during the early part of the evening.
The attorneys for the defence also left
matters with Mr.. Deneen and went
went home to await any word that
might come from the jury ROOM
States Attorney Deneen sat in his offio e
until $50 and then gave orders that his
Office be closed.
For time, tonight, it was rumore1
| that if the jury had not agreed by to-
morrow, it would be discharged as soon
as it reported it's inability to reach
verdict. This, however. is not the case.
1t is the firm determination of Judge
Tuthill to keep the jury until Saturday
night or late Saturday afternoon. be-
fore he permits them to go with dis
agreement.
The jury stands about where it stood
"a hours ago. Reports vary from 8
for the death penalty to 3 for acquittal,
to II for death and one for acquittal.
The one juror holding out for Luet-
CERT is Harley, and it is thought if he
would change fronts there would be lit
tie time lost in arriving at a verdict
In lola irl &c, oil \,
favoring the acquittal of the prisoner.
but it is thought he would come around
quickly if Harley could be induced to
vote for conviction.
Refreshing slumbers put the jurors
in the famous Luetgert case in better
spirits and good humor and, this MORN
ing. the majority of them We're more
active than on yesterday. The break
fast served, this morning, was received
with less complaint than was heard
yesterday morning, but after it had
been disposed of there did not seem to
be any desire upon the part of the
jurors to resume the struggle with the
problem of life, or death for Adolph
Luetgert. nf.
''They all stand just as they did yes
terday.' said Bailiff Walcott. this
morning. There are no prospects of
agreement at this hour and l do not
believe the jurors will ever agree. They
stand eight for conviction and four tor
acquittal."
There was a report current in the
morning that Juror Barber was waver-
ing and that he would soon vote with
thp ma iorify for oopvicfin
and the death penalty.
Judge Tuthill called the jury into
court at 1890 A. NJ. From a neighbor-
ing window Juror Harley was seen
shaking hands with other jurors and it
was believed that verdict has been
reached. Ten minutes later the Judge
sent for the prisoner and Luetgert was
taken up the back elevator in the
building and into the court.
1t is rumOred that Judge Tuthill this
morning opened three letters offering
brides to the jury. This report cannot
be verified as the judge and those con-
nected with the trial are absolutely in
accessible.
The star chamber conference in the
court room was sought by the men,
bers of the jury. States Attorney Dee
nen gave the following facts to The AS
ISOLATED Press:
Il had barely reached my office this
morning, when l was informed that my
presence was desired in the court room
and that the Luetgert jury had report
of something of that nature to the
judge.
Judge Tuthill, ex-Judge Vincent and
Attorney Phalen had been notified and
were in the court room when I reached
it. Luetgert was sent for and came
into court cool and smiling. Then the
jury was brought in. 1t was apparent
at once who had been holding the jury.
Judge Tuthill inquired if the jury had
any communication to make.
Juror Harley was on his feet in
jiffy and began asking questions. He
desired instructions on a question of
facts. Harley wanted to know if it was
possible to leave out certain evidence
altogether, exclude it entirely, and then |
consider the other evidence and make
up verdict from it. The query ex-
cited the laughter of those who were
opposed to Harley, and it was notice.
able that nine of the jurors laughed.
Judge Tuthill replied tina. the ques-
ton was an improper one for him to |
answer.
You have your instructions" said |
His Honor. Mote the reading of them.
You will find that nearly all of them
contain the language:
And. if after consideration Of all the
evidence you find beyond a reasonable
doubt. etc.
:" That should be sufficient The
court cannot now instruct you upon a
question of fact. You will retire to
your jury room and return to futher
Of the CASE"
Fire on Danbury, c.. Fair Grounds.