The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1913-11-19

Rev. Beers, Acquitted Today OF Death
OF His Wife, in the Famous False
Teeth Case.
The Jurors were locked in their
room by the bailiff. At 1905 they
were pounding on the door. demand
ing to be released by the sheriff. Tne
county attorney, not expecting a YER
located. Judge George H. WhitcomD'
Attorneys Hungate and Schenck wait
ed in the Judges office. w. E. Atch-
ison was reached by 'phone-permit-
ted the verdict to be given in the pres
ence Of representative Tor the state.
Have you come to a verdict?" de-
manded Judge Whitcomb when the
yeniremen filed into the room.
I'VE have, your honor" responded
Foreman H. L. Quail.
1--WE will have no demonstration or
applause" warned the court
And the clerk read the verdict. The
room was practically deserted-most
of the spectators had gone. Tears
came to the eyes of the clergyman
brother. Mr.. Beers, who had been
sanguine of acquittal, shook hands
quietly with his attorneys, then
thanked the jury.
His two daughters. Grace and Cora'
were not in the room.
Beers Will Go to Wyoming.
Mr.. Beers will remain temporarily
in TOpeka-then leave Tor wyoming,
where he has staked claim. He
has no definite plans concerning re-
suming his work as q Methodist
preacher.
At four o'clock on a rainy after
noon. Nov. IL, 1912, Mrs. W. L. Beers
was choked to death in a room at the
Hotel Glenwood. Rev. Beers was ar
rested charged with her murder. The
following day the coroner's inquest
was held. The preacher was held for
the death of his wife. His congre-
cations at Linn Creek and Wakarusa
furnished $1,000 release bond. Otis
Hungate was secured as counsel for
the defense On March II, 1913,
Beers was arraigned in the second di-
vision of the district court. Two days
later the first testimony was given.
The case was in the hands of a jury
two days, resulting in hung verdict.
The second trial began Monday, Nov.
10, when a special venire was drawn.
A week later Beers took the stand in
his own defense. Yesterday was con-
sumed by the opening argument for
the state, and the discussions for the
defense. The verdict was reached to-
day.
J. ]. Schenck, who concluded the
plea for the defense this morning, re-
duced several of the jurors to tears.
sympathies of the jury. Attorney At
Gibson repeatedly adjured the venire-
men to consider "cold facts"
Schenck Was Eloquent
"Consider what this old man has
done since his arrest" cried Mr..
Schenck. He has gone to the bleak
plains of Wyoming and started life
anew. He is not crestfallen. He is
courageous. 1 am proud to defend
such an upright, honest, Christian
gentleman. Mr.. Beers is the principal
actor in this tragedy. In your deci-
sion do not consider him alone. Think
Of his gray-haired mother, his broth
ers, his children, his grandchildren
who are pleading with you over thou
sands of miles to return a verdict OF
mot guilty'-and return it quickly
do not let your sympathies over.
balance your judgment" cautioned
Judge Atchison. as he rose to face the
twelve men. AFTER having heard the
pleas in behalf of the defendant yor
may not be able to Withstand thi.
temptation. You must do as yor
promised to do when you entered the
Jury box-try this case upon the evi.
dence presented"
Atchfson Concise.
The county attorney asked for con
viction Of first or fourth degree man
slaughter. His plea was concise an,
straightforward. He propounded sew
eral telling questions to the jury. H
admitted that he sympathized witt
the defendant.
This is an important case" h
said. in conclusion. 1T has attracts
wide attention. Weigh the facts care
fully. but-unless you believe beyon