Evening journal., 1903-03-26
Touching Scene IN the
Court Room When Yer
dict Was Announced.
Relatives Cry for Joy
Jury Was Eight to Four
for AcquittaI on the
First Ballot, But Minor
ity Yielded

Staff Correspondent Evening Journal.
Il Georgetown, Del, March 26.-"Mr.
Collins, you are free to go where you
please" said Chief Justice Lore last
Evening, in discharging Elmer Collins,
whom a jury Of his peers had just ac-
tluitted on the charge Of wife murder.
I Then followed such a scene as has
never before been seen in the old Court
n House. Collins brother, DR.. c. e. Col
ins, of Crisfield, threw his arms around
his brother and the two brothers stood
ocked in each others embrace, ming
ing their tears of joy.
While they were sobbing out their
oy, Collins friends and sympathizerE
we're cheering and applauding the ver-
iict which took the frail young farmer
rom under the shadow of the gallows.
rhe court crier shouted: "0rderi Or
ierl but no attention was paid TO his
,ries
The two words: Not guilty" made
new man OF Collins. For about
twenty minutes he held q reception in
he court room.
Verdict Not Expected.
When the afternoon session of court
adjourned last evening, it was nearly
o'clock and the court announced that
I would convene at 10 o'clock to re-
ceive any word that the jury might
send in. 1t was fifteen minutes after
That time when Chief Justice Lore and
Associate Judges Pennewill and Grubb
Followed by the attorneys, filed into
he Court House.
Thar, tho ooaaft o,sfar ,,4t1faH fIo ha1l
'ope, and the notice was thus sent all
aover town that the court was in ses-
sion. A rush was made for the build
ng, and in a short time the big white
washed room was filled to overfowing.
Sheriff, bring in the prisoner" said
Chief Justice Lore. For the first time
The assembled multitude knew that the
iVry had reached a verdict. This in
telligence was received with surprise,
Rs it was not expected that a verdict
would be rendered until this morning.
Collins Brought in.
With the skin of his face drawn and
hshy white, Collins was led into the
4 room. He sank into the seat in the
lock. He seemed unable to keep his
aead up, and leaned it on the railing.
ais sunlxen eyes shone forth like holes
burned in a piece of parchment. The
faces of the prosecuting officers. c. T.
Richards, one of the attorneys for the
iefense: the faces OF the judges, and
in fact every one in the audience
showed the nervous strain under which
they were laboring.
Jury Seemed Troubled.
When Collins had been seated. the
order was given the bailiff to bring in
the jury. With n slow step and heads
bent, the twelve men filed into the
court room. A serious look was on tho
face of each. HE is guilty. He is
guilty." was whispered around the
room. The hand of the veteran fore
man. Henry Tunnel, was shaking.
'Elmer Collins stand up" said the
clerk of the peace. The prisoner pull.
ed himself to his feet and faced the
jury.
How say you, gentlemen Of thu
jury. DO you find Elmer Collins guilt,
Or not guilty?" was the question asked
the jury. 1t seemed minutes, but it wal
hardly a second before Mr.. Tunnel an
q swered: mot guilty"
Congratulated Collins.
Then Collins brother, DIR. Collins, o
81 Crisheld, ran for the box and threw
his arms around the free man, who
minute before had been charged witt
The murder of his wife. Mr.. Richard
pressed forward and grasped the ham
of his client. Mr.. White was not pres
ent. He was taken sick after hi
speech in the afternoon. Yells of ap
proval and handclapping made the oil
room ring.
When the court discharged Collin
he walked from the dock and set dow
outside. Attorney General Ward shoo
hands with Collins and congratulate
him. Collins thanked him. Anon
H the first TO shake his hand was Deput
attorney General Richards.
Collins Future.
In talking to the reporters, Collin
g said; only the grace of God has sus
tained me-" he said. HE has been m
81 greatest helper. My brother has aske
81 me to visit him at Crisfield but afte
q that l have no definite plans. I wi
probably leave this section"
"a The Rev. w. S. II. Williams, paste
# Of the Georgetown Circuit Methodi:
n Episcopal Church, took Collins to hi
parsonage for the night.
# While Collins was talking to the re
81 porters the mans father came into tn
ri room and placing his arm around hi
e sons shoulders, Rugged him. PA, Pa