The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-10-16
After Twenty Hours of DGIiber- alton Jury Decides That
 He is Not Guilty
DEFENDANT SPENDS DAY
 RECEIVING HIS FRIENDS
Cheer Went Up in Court Room Despite Courts Admonition, But was
 Quickly stopped-Tlllman Makes a Statement.

MakeS OtdlSHShhs Lexington, S. C., October 15.-Ihe trlai of James H. Tilman, who was charged with the murder of N. G. Gonzales edltor of the State in Columbia, on January To- last, has come to an ed, resulting in an acquittal.
 The jury, before which he has been on trial since September 2S today brought in a verdict of not guilty, thus ending judicial hearing which has expressed the attention of the public of South Carolina, as none other has in the lass quarter of a century. The jury was ous for twenty hours before arriving at verdiee.
 Never was a case in South Carolina court more vigorously contested than thi 5 The solicitor was assisted in the pros ecu ton by four other lawyers, while the ac- cused was defended by seven lawyers, an exceptional array of counsel. More than a hundred witnesses gave testimonay, about as many on one side as on the other, and nine lawyers argued before the jury.
 There was a general exodus today from Lexington, the population of which has been materially increased during the trial. Practically every one attending had come from some other part of the state. MT. Tillman left on an afternoon train for his home in Edgefed accompanied by his wife and friends from his home county.
 Knock Heard on the Door.
 Not a sound had emanated from the jury room when Judge Gray convened court at 9:30 o'clock today, not sound was heard to indicate that ar agreement mad ben reached. Civil business was taken up and more than an hour had elapsed before a knock was heard on the door leading into the jury room. The bailiff announced that the jury desired to come into court. but the deep significance of the sound had already been appreciated, however, and all eyes turned toward the jury room. Judge Gray directed the bail Tiff to ascertain if an agreement had been reached when the word came from with In that the jury was returning with verdict.
 Except for the court officials, members of the local bar, and the newspaper men, who have followed the trial throughout, the court room was practically deserted. Summons were sent for the attorneys in the case, and the sheriff was directed to bring the accused into court The jurors filed in and took seats they had occupied for so many days but as all the attorneys had not arrived there was delay of a few moments before the decision was an- nounced. Not all the attorneys had come in when the court inquired if there would be any objection to having the verdict announced without waiting, calling att tention to the strain so apparent through tta oh xUq
 Defendant Not Guilty.
 "Gentlemen, have you agreed on a ver- dict?' was the time-worn inquiry, made by the clerk of the court, the foreman replying in the affirmative and at the same time handing the verdict to the clerk It took but an instant to read It. and when the words mot guilty were read some of the friends of the defend- ant gave vent to their feelings in shout The previous admonition of the court did not prevent the demonstration.
 The motion of counsel for the defense of the discharge of the defendant, was immediately signed by Judge Gary, the solicitor assenting, and Mir. Tillman was at liberty.
 When the legal formalites had been gone through with MT. Tillman walked up to the bench and shook hands with the judge after which he shook the hand of
 
 rounded by his friends who extended their congratulations.
 He left the courtroom in company with his attorneys, but left them at the front door to go across the street to the jail, visiting that institution for the last time Gathering up his effects at that place, which had been his abode for many months, he bade 1t goodbye. He has been in custody since January 15, his applica- 4io for Iof1 bot
 Wife and Mother Notified.
 Mrs Tillman and his mother were not in the courtroom when the verdict was announced, but the former nad been ap- prised of an agreement and was at the jail to await the announcement and meet her husband there. The mother had heard at her hotel. some two blocxs away, that the jury had come in. and was hastening on her way to the courthouse. when she met her son coming out the street Learning the result, she threw her arms around his neck and manifested her joy In silence. Later all were at the hotel where Mr. Tilman met friends and rela- tives, had long talk with his attorneys, and transacted other business. Senator Tillman was not present tocay, having gone to Trenton, his home, to attend his wife, who had been injured in a run away telegram was sent him advising of his nephew's release.
 The long -drawn-out deiberation of the fury and the failure to report into court yesterday afternoon or through the night intensified the strain on those who were awaiting the result. Soon after the jury went out yesterday afternoon a ballot was taken which resulted in ten to two for an acquittal. Soon after one of the minority joined the majority. leaving one juror standing out. He he'd to his views and kept the jury out all night. In fact. it was only about twenty minutes before the knock was heard on the jury room door this morning that he yielded. Many of the jurors got no sleep at all during the twenty hours they were locked in.
 Other Charge Not Considered.
 The count in the indictment charging the carving of concealed weapons was not considered. consequently the charge went without action. After the verdict was an- nounced the clerk held up the pistols and offered them to the defendant. who