The Washington herald., 1907-07-29

Boise. July 2S.-Braced for he knew not
what terrible shock. William D. Haywood
early this morning heard the clerk Of the
court read the verdict that made him a
free man and acquitted him Of completely
in the murder Of ex-Gov Frank steunen-
berg.
The surprise was stunning, even to Hay
wood
OF all the people in the courtroom when
the jury came in. it is probable that not
one Of them expected an acquittaL Il is
certain that neither Haywood nor his law
yers looked for 1t.
Most Of the jurors say they could not
convict under the courts instructions.
To the prosecution the surprise was not
less complete than 10 the defense. They
had been rather looking for a disagree
ment, with not more than two or three
men holding out for Haywood. and when
the lawyers and reporters were called in
the early morning by telephone messages
from the courthouse with the news that
the jury was ready TO report. after being
out twenty-one hours. it seemed certain
that some sort Of a conviction had been
agreed upon. The little group Of bleary-
eyed lawyers and reporters. worn with
the strain of hours OF sIeepIess waiting.
hurried into the dingy courtroom.
Courtroom Stunned.
Up 10 the last word Of the verdict ev-
cry living soul in the little group would
have sworn they were listening to the
reading of Bill Haywood's doom. The
effect was paralyzing. Compared TO it a
bolt from the blue would not have been
noticed.
But Haywood is free. He says he is
going back TO Denver In a few days.
One OF the first things he did was 10
visit his sick mother in a local hospital.
His appearance was the first news she
had Of the verdict.
I'm here, mother" he said. when he
entered her room, and I came alone"
A little later he got the best advice he
ever received in his life.
Another inmate OF the hospital IS little
John Murphy. who for years has been the
general counsel for the Western Fedora
ton OF Miners, but now he is dying Of
consumption. Haywood went TO see Muir
ply as soon as lie had left his mother
He bent over the little man and raised
him in his arms while he told him the
news.
Murphy Gives Advice.
Murphy took Haywood's massive head
between his shriveled hands, looked him
IN the eyes, and said:
Bill, you're big, strong man. In
your hour Of triumph be humble"
On leaving Murphy. Haywood hurried to
see his wife.
Judge Wood was in his chambers when
the lawyers arrived Clarence Darrow
was one Of the first to respond to the call.
He looked pale. haggard. and apprehen-
sive. and asked for definite news. There
was none. All that everybody knew was
that the Jury had agreed 1t was pIain
that the lawyer feared the worst
James II. Hawley. senior prosecutor.
arrived a few moments later He was
anxious, too but clearly expected n con- |
yiction. John Nugent another LAWYER |
for the defense. followed close on Haw-
ley's heels, and Lawyer Richardson. look
ing white and worried, was not far he |
hind him. Senator Borah did not appear
at all.
Haywood Coolest of All.
Meantime word had been sent down 4
stairs 10 Haywood and at 1850 o,cIocl, /
he followed a deputy sheriff into the /
courtroom. He was the coolest man IN /
the courtroom. He shook hands calmly
with his lawyers and smiled as he did if /
Then he sat down in his accustomed /
chair, between Darrow and Richardson
Nothing but a continued clasping and
unclasping the fingers OF his left hand |
betrayed nervousness.
Judge Wood entered the courtroom and
ascended the bench at 7:54.
He wasted no time, but said.
Mr.. Sheriff. order the bainn 10 hiring
in the jury"
Sheriff Hodgins went into the iurr-
room. There was a brief delay. and
about minute later. Juror Samuel 7.
Russell appeared at the head Of the
twelve. There were not more than TWEEN
ty-five persons in the courtroom as the
jurors tramped slowly in.
The instant they took their seats Judge
Wood inquired:
Gentlemen, have you agreed mo,
your verdict?"
Thomas B. GOss, Foreman,
I'VE have your honor" said Juror
Thomas B. GOss who by his responses
disclosed for the first time that he had
been made foreman.
"You viii hand it to the court" said
the Judge
Brace up there now, BIl.' whispered
Darrow to Haywood
Foreman Goss put his hand in his
pocket, drew out q white envelope.