Democratic Sentinel, Volume 18, Number 18, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 18 May 1894 — COXEY IS CONVICTED. [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

COXEY IS CONVICTED.

LEADERS OF THE COMMONWEAu FOUND GUILTY. Judge Miller's Charite Wae Strongly Against the Defendants—Released on Bail Pending a Motion for a Me* Trial —'•Gen.” RandaU Arrested. They Walked on the Grass. The three leaders of the commonweal, Coxey, Browne and Christopher Columbus Jones, have teen found guilty of violating the laws of the District of Columbia in their recent demonstration on the Capitol grounds. The jury retired after hearing a long charge from Judge Miller, which left them little alternative but to convict if they followed his instructions. The verdict was guilty as to the first charge—carrying banners upon the Capitol grounds—against all the defendants,and on the second charge—walking on the

grass of the Capitol grounds—guilty as to Coxey and Browne, and not guilty as to Jones. Attorney Lipscomb entered a motion for a new trial and another in arrest of judgment. Judge Miller gave four days to file the formal paper. Then -the judge made inquiries about bail,

and Frank Hume, a well-known wholesale grocer, who several times has run for the Democratic nomination for Congress from the Virginia district across the Potomac River, signed a b ind in SSOO for each of the thi ee convicted commonwealers. Gen. Coxey left the room on the arm of his wife, pushing through a curious crowd, which made no demonstration. The conviction of himself and Jones

Was a surprise to the Commonweal sympathizers. Two weeks, a Washington dispatch says, may elapse, during which the trio will be free on bail, before the motion for a new trial is argued decided. The penalty provided by law is the same for each offense, viz: A fine not to exceed SIOO and imprisonment in jail for not more than sixty days, or both, within the discretion of the couit. , Accordingly the maximum punishment which may be meted out to Coxej’ and Browne is S2OO and 120 days, while Christopher Columbus Jones is subject to SIOO and sixty days. By a curious Congressional error in a recent bill which reorganized the District courts there is no Appellate Court to which a Police Court case can be carried. The only method of appealing from Judge Miller's sentence will be by an application to a higher court for writs of habeas carpus and certiorari. Attorney Lipscomb has announced that he will take this step if Judge Miller overrules the motion for a new trial. However, such a petition will not operate as a stay of judg-

pent to keep the defendants from serving their sentences while it is pending. ARREST OF “GEN.” RANDALL. He and Three of Hlg Staff Taken Into Custody at La Porte, Ind. “Gen.” Ranlall, of the Chicago Commonweal Army, and three of his staff were ari ested and placed in jail at La Porte, Ind. The arrest, a dispatch says, was made a mile outside the city limits and without a warrant, before any demonstration had been made by the army,, which was en route to the Opinion is very much divided over the legality of the action, and is the cause of much discussion. The General was indignant when he was told that he was under arrest, and rising in his buggy he shouted: “I protest against this arrest. I am an American citizen and I have a right on this highway.” Col. Hceffler, who was on horseback, turned to the group of officials and asked them if they had a warrant. His answer was that if they did not have a warrant they would get out one in good time. While Randall was descending from his buggy an other pair of deputies were assisting Hoeff'er off his horse and the pair were half dragged, half pulled toward the row of deputies that guarded the highway. Randall again remonstrated with his captors over his arrest as illegal. They roughly hauled him away, alternately protesting and pleading. For an instant it looked as if the column would make a rush to rescue their leader, although they were as weaponless as a band of high school cadets. A telegram was sent to Chicago for Dr. Grier and the best of counsel, and one of the best criminal lawyers in the State. Many citizens say that it would have been cheaper for all concerned to have fed the army. They argue that it would have cost but 8100 to feed the men, whereas it has now cost the city and county $5lO, and it is quite possible that they are not through with the affair. I 1 ITT 1 Representative Meiklejohn has introduced a bill in Congress granting to the East Nebraska and Gulf Railway Company right of way through the Omaha and Winnebago Indian reservation in Nebraska. Prince Bismarck is not permitted by his physician to receive friends.

SENATOR ALLEN ARGUES

JUDGE MILLER.

UNCLE SAM’S UNDIGNIFIED ZEAL.