The Columbia herald. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 18??-1935, 1901-09-27
Speedy Trial Given the
Assassin, and
IN THE FIRST DEGREE
Was the Verdict Returned by the
Jury-czolgosz Plead Guilty, but
Plea Was Not Allowed to stand.

Buffalo, N. Y, Sept. 23.-Leon F.
Czolgosz was placed on trial for the
murder of President Mckinley on Sep
tember 6. The trial was in the su-
preme court of Erie county, Part ILL.,,
Judge Truman c. White presiding.
The counsel for Czolgosz, former
Supreme Court Justices Loren l.. Lew
is and Robert c. Titus and Carlton
L. Ladd, saw him again Monday morn
ing before the time for opening the
court, but he had no more to say to
them than on the previous occasions
when they have visited him. In view
of the meagerness of opportunity for
defense, and the fact that the pris-
oner refuses absolutely to aid them,
it is not improbable that the entire
proceedings may be completed within
two days.
At ten o'clock the formal opening
of the court was announced. Justice
Truman c. White entered through the
center aisle and took his seat upon
the bench. The first business of the
session had no relation to the case Of
Czolgosz. 1t consisted merely of call
ing the roll of grand jurors for the
coming session and they were then
excused until October Z.
At 1915 there was hustle in the
corridor and squad of policemen
brought in the prisoner. He was
handcuffed to an officer on each side
while in front and behind him walked
other uniformed policemen.
The prisoner was attired in a new
suit of dark gray, white shirt and
collar and light blue bow tie. His
face was cleanly shaven and his hair
combed
He sat down behind his counsel
with two officers in plain clothing
Immediately in his rear. District At
torney Penney proceeded at once
with the reading of the Indictment.
He spoke to Czolgosz in low voice,
in fact, so low that when the prisoner
was asked to plead, he seemed not be
understand what had been said.
Justice wn1te asKeu MN: .wnat
have you to say?"
There was a moments hesitation,
then the prisoners lips moved as if
to make reply, but before he could do
so, his junior counsel, Mr.. Lewis,
arose to speak, not having seen the
prisoners motion.
Justice White, however, insisted
that Czolgosz should speak, and the
prisoner said: II didn't hear what he
said"
District Attorney Penney then read
the indictment again in louder voice
and to the demand for a reply the
prisoner, who was standing at the
time, said in verv low voice: Gull
ty.' This plea was, however, not per-
mitted to stand, under the law, and
plea of Not guilty" was at once or
dered by the court.
MIR. Titus, counsel for the defense,
then arose and stated to the court the
facts already known as to his con-
nection with the case. He explained
that the position of himself and his
associates, Judge Lewis and Mr.. Ladd.
was a peculiar one, and consisted
mainly in making sure that all the
forms of law and justice were OBJ
served in the prosecution. Justice
White, in reply, complimented counsel
for the defense and said that the pris-
oner could have no better counsel,
and that whatever the outcome, it
would reflect only credit and honor
on them
The examination and swearing in
of the jurors was then begun, the
prisoner standing as each was sworn.
The first juror was summoned at
1926. His name is Frederick V.
Lauer, plumber. He was examined
briefly by the district attorney and
counsel for the defense. No obiec-
tion was made and Laper was ac-
cepted.
lhe twelfth and last Juror was ac-
eepted at 2:43. His name is Robert !
Adams, contractor of Buffalo.
The jury having been duly sworn
Assistant District Attorney Haller
briefly presented the case of the pres
ecution to the jury. and at 1858 the
first witness was called.
Continued on Seventh Page)