New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-05-23

found The news few like wildhre
through the corridors Of the Criminal
Courts Building. where n large crowd
waited TO learn the verdict.
Quick Verdict a Surprise.
Nobody was expecting II so soon.
District Attorney Whitman was nou-
fed at his Office on the top floor by pri-
vate telephone from the Judges cham-
bers. He could scarcely believe that
the Jury had already decided. The i'm
preston was that they probably were
going to ask for instructions. NO one
was allowed In the courtroom except
counsel and the newspaper men.
The Jury fled in at 400. \ moment
later Justice Seabury took the bench,
the Jury rising as he entered. They re-
gained their seats just as Clerk Penny
called. I'm shrill voice:
Charles Becker to the bar
deep silence pervaded the court
room. There was not a whisper among
those present. District Attorney Whit
man and his assistants in the case, Mr..
Delehanty and Mr.. Minton. as we'll as
Mr.. Manton and ,his associates. John
u. Johnston and Hartford T. Marshall,
were in their places at the counsel
tables Every face bore solemn look.
It had been noised around outside Of
the courtroom when il was known that
the Jury had reached verdict in so
short time that it could be but one
thing. Guilty" Perhaps Becker's
lawyers thought so.
The faces of the jurors was a study
in solemn dignity. Some of them were
evidently having a hard time con-
trolling their emotions. Foreman
Biadgen. the smallest in stature and
the youngest Of them all, appeared
deeply affected. The atmosphere
seemed TO portend the worst for
Becker.
Justice Seabury broke the silence just
before Becker appeared by ordering Cap
tain Lynch of the court attendants 10 see
that absolute order was maintained in the
courtroom. The captain hurried his as
SlStdnls 10 NHllVuS pdi 10 VI biiV 'NS4 NiS"i'
to watch the crowd of newspaper men who
were scattered about the room. Becker
came In at the door through which the
jury had filed two minutes after the jury
took their seats. He walked alone ahead
Of two deputy sheriffs He glanced at
the jury, and then at his counsel. and
leaned against the railing with one hand
on the bar.
please rise. gentlemen" the court
clerks voice rang out again. Jurors,
look upon the defendant; defendant, look
upon the jurors.
Becker turned toward the jury and
seemed 10 be scrutinizing their faces
closely. The jurors looked at him. but
most Of them let their gaze turn from the
defendant after fleeing glance. Becker
eyed the foreman, but Mr.. Blagden looked
straight at Clerk Penny.
How find you, gentlemen of the jury,
guilty or not guilty." demanded Penny.
Guilty as charged" replied the fore
man. in a low voice.
Becker Appears Dumfounded.
There was rustic in the courtroom.
Becker stood perfectly still His face did
rot change. He appeared dumfounded,
but showed nc emotion. Mr.. Manton rose
and asked that the jury be polled. Becker
looked into the face of each man as his
name was called and the answer came
back, AYE" lie turned his eyes away
as the question was asked the tenth juror,
as II realizing there was no possible hope.
Then Clerk Penny took the prisoners
pedigree Officer Cavenaugh. Of the court
squad, repeated the questions to Becker
and then repeated the answers TO the
clerk Becker answered most of them
loud enough 10 be heard by all those in
the courtroom. His voice was clear and
strong.
He said he was forty-three years old.
born I'm the United States both parents
born in Germany. and his residence was
S2Ss Olinville av... The Bronx.
"Occupation?" asked the court officer.
Former policeman" replied Becker.
Religious training?" asked Cavanaugh.
Catholic" replied the prisoner.
Ever been convicted Of crime be-
fore?" was the next question.
yes, on this same charge" Becker re-
piled.
Before that" asked the court officer.
"No." said the defendant in a clear,
ringing voice.
Mr.. Marshall got up and went over to
Becker and shook his hand fervently.
The two men gripped each Others hands
for several seconds without speaking.
Mr.. Msnton asked the court TO defer SEN
tence.
II will remand the prisoner 10 the
Tombs for sentense on the S0th," said the
court
IN discharging the jury Justice Seabury
sald
Gentlemen of the jury. the court de-
slres TO thank you for the service you
have rendered. Because OF the length OF
time II required and the absence 1t en-
tailed from your families / will forward
certificates TO the Commissioner of Jur-
ors eXousing all of you from further jury
duty for two years. ] thank you. You
are discharged"
Looks at Jurors.
Becker turned from his place against
the bar and looked at each man as he