The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-11-27
STREAM OF ORATORY
1T FLOWED ALL DAY IN THE GREEN
FIELD COURTROOM.
Two More Speeches This Morning Be-
fore Burton's Case Is Given
TO the Jury.
PLEAS TO SAVE HIS NECK
THE PRISONERS GREATEST HOPE
NOW Is FOR LIFE SENTENCE.
He Weeps During the Strong Argu-
ment of Prosecutor WiItsie
Scenes i'm Court.
PLEAS TO SAVE HIS NECK
THE PRISONERS GREATEST HOPE
NOW Is FOR LIFE SENTENCE.

Special to the Indianapolis Journal
GREENFIELD, Ind, Nov. 26.-The Bur-
ton trial did not come to an end to-day as
was anticipated. The attorneys found op-
portunity to spend more time in the argu-
ment than they had at first contemplated.
There were six of them to speak and from
$3.50 o'clock this morning until $50 o'clock
this evening oratory flowed in unceasing
stream in the temporary quarters of the
Circuit Court of Hancock county. Speeches
We're made by Messrs. WiltSe and Virgins
for the prosecution, and by Messrs. Down
ing and Spahr, of the defense. Two clos
ing speeches are yet to be made. Mr..
Black will conclude the speech already be-
gun at the opening of court tomorrow, and
Mr. Wiltsie will close for the State. Then
Judge Offutt will read his instructions to
the jury and the Twelve men will retire to
decide Burton's fate.
1t is probably as good as settled that Bur-
ton will receive a life sentence The effort
of the attorneys for the defense thus far
in the argument has seemed to be to save
him from the gallows. Mr.. Downing, in a
speech lasting over two hours, seemed to
leave the impression that he believed the
jury was bent upon hanging his client, and
his plea was that he be given chance for
reformation, arguing that confinement for
life accomplished all that hanging could
accomplish for society, which was to be
protected in the administration of justice.
For the first time since the trial began
Burton showed signs of real emotion to-
day. 1t was during Prosecutor Whistles
opening speech. Very soon after Mr.. Wilt
sic began talking Burton turned his back
to the speaker and his side to the jury
remaining in this position until near the
conclusion of the address. Then when he
finally turned back TO his original position
it was seen that his eyes were red and
that tears were trickling down his face
There was a difference of opinion as to the
cause of this emotion. Some who saw it
thought it was remorse, while others, who
are more prejudiced and who are unwilling
to give the man credit for having such a
feeling, declare that it was the scatfold
which loomed up so distinctly before the
prisoners eyes which caused the show of
emotion. over against the wall back of
Mr.. Wiltsie sat Frank Redmond's mother
and sister. They began crying soon after
he began talking, and kept it up in various
degrees throughout the course of his re-
marks. Two of the jurors also showed
signs of being affected, and number of
persons in the courtroom used their hand
kerchiefs freely. Mr.. Wiltsies opening
speech was strong one. One of the law
yers opposing him said afterward that he
had never heard a case presented to a jury
with so much force. Mr.. Virgins sur
prlsed his friends with his abinty as an
orator.
Whatever the verdict of the jury may be-
there is little probability of Its being re-
versed, even If 1t should go to the Supreme
Court, and this is extremely unlikely, as
Burton is without friends ana money. Law
yers who have watched the case carefully
express the belief that it has proceeded
with few errors of any kind, and with alb
solutely no reversible errors. The attor-
neyS or both sides are loud in their praise
of Judge Offutt. He has conducted the
case with dignity and firmness
Burton is showing signs of the wear and
tear of the trial. His face is thinner and
he looks haggard. He has fallen Oft several
pounds in weight since coming here His
guards say that he eats fairly We'll but IS
restless at night. He said to-day that he
expected life sentence.
Mr.. Spain, in his argument, claimed that
the alleged confession and pictures of Bur
ton, published in the daily papers assisted
the witnesses for the State materially in
the identification, and if they had not felt
morally certain, on account of the alleged
confession, that this was the man who shot
Redmond, they would have been less Ger
tam, but, believing that he had confessed
they felt they could make no mistake