Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1906-03-09
Of Conspiracy and Attempt
to Deffaud Charges.
Remarkable Scene Of Congratu-
lations Follows Verdict.
Bonds on the Other Charges Now Pending
Reduced 10 $4,000.

Washington, March S.-George T..
Green, d former state senator or New
York, who has been on trial in the dls-
trict supreme court for more than TWO
weeks Oh charges of conspiracy to COM
init an offence against the Cnlted
States and to defraud the government
in connection with the sale of time re-
cording clocks to the postoftice de-
partInent, was today acquitted.
The announcement of the verdict
which was returned in court shortly
before 4 o'clock this afternoon, was
followed by a remarkable demonstra-
ton. One of Mr.. Green's closest friends
and fellowtownsmen and who sat by
hts side, threw his arms around him
and fairly shook him the instant the
words mot guilty" came from the lips
OF the foreman of the jury. Others
jumped to their feet and rushed toward
the table at which the acquitted man
was sitting and for several minutes ne
was Kept busy shaking hands.
The verdict was reached after four
hours deliberation. 1t is stated that
five ballots were taken and that upon
the first four, nine stood for acquittai
outright, but that the other three de-
sired some explanation with reference
to some phases of the case before
reaching their conclusion.
When court convened today Major
Holmes Conrad, special counsel for the
government, concluded his address to
the jury which was the final argument
on behalf OF the government and the
closing address of the trial. Judge
Gould then submitted his charge to the
Jury, experimenting the instructions
prayed for by the government and the
defence granted before the arguments
We're begun.
AT 3.15 practically four hours from
the time the case was given to the
jury, it became known that the jury
had reached verdict and Judge Gould
was sent for. At 10 minutes to O'Clock
the jury reported. Court Clerk Haw-
kins asked if the jury had reached a
verdict. Foreman Chester arose and re-
plying in the affirmative, the clerk
asked what was the verdict on indict-
nent 1880 1t was the jury's conclu-
sion upon this indictment which
charged conspiracy to defraud, that de-
ternined whether the defendant was to
be freed or convicted. The foreman re-
piled: Not guilty
Then followed the, demonstrations
The jury returned verdict Of not
guilty on the indictment known as
23.923 in accordance with the instruc-
tons of the court. That charged con-
spiracy to commit an offence. Attorney
Worthington suggested that the bonds
OF the defendant, which up to the
time Of his acduittal on the conspiracy
charge WAS $4,000, be reduced and they
were accordingly with the consent OF
the district attorney. fixed at S9eOo
based upon one of the other charges
pending against Mr. Green. .. G. Sta
pies of Washington, subscribed as
. surety.
81 am extremely gratified at the re-
suit" said Mr.. Green later, adding tina
he had not lost faith in human nature
He also expressed his sincere thanks t
the people of Binghamton, his hom'
city, for their attitude toward him il
this trial. He said the one thought up
pcrmost in his mind was to reach tn
side Of his wife and tell her the result
which meant so much to them Sh
was at the home of friend her
awaiting the outcome. 80 -,
United States District Attorney Ba
ker declined to discuss the verdict. MI
Green received many kilograms of con
graduation.