Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1901-12-06
Conviction OF Mrs. Quimby.

Of the awful deed their mother and
step father, and that since their ar
rest they have shown little or no re-
greet for their terrible crime has en-
phasized the atrocity OF the deed and
attracted wide spread attention.
Three weeks were required for the
two trials during which time court
was in session every week day except
two. Much OF the time the roomiwas
crowded and except for the wise rule
no more than could be
seated, standing room would have
been at premium as it was when the
rule was relaxed during the pleas on
Friday last.
The two trials will cost the county
about s., 600 when all the expenses are
paid, but looking over the history of
the arrest, inquest, examination and
trial the HERALD can not see that
single dollar has been unwisely used
and congratulates Prosecutor Kirby
and Sheriff Parrish on the prompt and
efficient discharge OF their duty.
Prosecutor Kirby opened the case
with reference to the gravity OF the
crime. Referred to the purchase OF
the morphine by respondent, her char
acter as shown by her drinking beer
in saloon, chewing tobacco etc. The
letter written to her mother proves
her guilt, her confession confirms it.
There is only one ground on which
she can escape punishment, only by the
proof that she Is insane. IL her mind
was affected at all it was not enough
to destroy her sense OF right and wrong.
She says she gave morphine to the lit
tie girl after she vomited it up. That
she knew she was doing wrong. IL
this is true she is guilty OF murder,
the suicide other brotherand father is
not evidence of insanity on her part.
Mr.. Kirby's speech was conceded by
all TO be an able argument.
Mr.. John T. Mathews opened the
case for the defense He emphasized
the theory of reasonable doubt, said
the entire chain Of circumStantial ev-
idence is no stronger than its weakest
link. Mr.. Mathews made deter
mined fight for his client even though
he knew that public sentiment was
very much against her.
John Myers is studious young at
torney who appeared for the first time
before a circuit court jury. He traced
the history Of the crime in clear
and logical manner and advocated the
theory that Elmer Quimby committed
the crime. His speech was a very
credltable effort.
The closing argument for the de-
Tense was made by Attorney Leet.
He said that there was no preSump-
tion of malice on the part OF Mrs.
Quimby. She loved her children the
letter it was claimed she wrote had
not been fully identified. Take out
the letter and confession and there
was not enough to base conviction
on. A sane woman would not write
ia one sentence, II know the gates Of
He'll are open wide for me- and Ia
the next, take as my funeral text "She
has done what she could" BY the
testimony of DR.. Scott, by the circum-
stances OF the case, by the testimony
OF the other doctors we claim that
Mrs. Quimby, II she committed the
deed, was not responsible for her acts.
Mr.. Leets speech was listened to
with marked attention. 1t was an
able effort.
Mr.. Whitney followed in the closing
argument for the prosecution. lie
maintained that Mrs. Quimby might
be a victim OF moral insanity but
there was no evidence Of mental un-
Soundness sufficient TO make her ire
sponsible II she knew what she was
doing and could have done otherwise
she was responsible. She wanted to
rid herself OF the children. Her songs
and language were evidence OF de-
pravity. Her confession was volun-
tary and genuine and by it she was
convicted. Mr.. Whitney was fair to
the accused, earnest and effective.
Judge Stone reserved his charge IN
til Saturday mo ming
Judge Stone charged the Jury that
the condition q one stomach taken
with the evidence was evidence OF the
other. Ii at the time the crime was
the respondent knew the
right from the wrong she was respon-
sible IL she could have RETAINED Sui
eide is not evidence OF insanity. She
might have had tendency toward
suicide yet this would not prove her
not responsible for the murder Atroc.
ity is not proof of insanity for all MUIR
ders are atrociOus. The charge was
eminently fair, just and able.
The jury retired about 10 o'clock.
About III O'Clock they returned ver-
dict Of murder In the first degree
through their foreman, Mr. Smith.
there was practically no difference OF
opinion. The judge pronounced im-
med ate sentence Of imprisonment for
the remainder OF her life at Jackson
and was taken there Saturday after
noon by Sheriff Parrish.