Rensselaer Republican, Volume 14, Number 13, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 15 December 1881 — Guiteau’s Gab [ARTICLE]

Guiteau’s Gab

Alore Testimony That is Damaging to the Insanity „ Theory. Judge Cox Gives the 'Unhung Dog Full Swing. Guiteau’s Former Exhibitions of Insolence and Blaguardism Outdone. Washington, December 7. DISTINGUISHED SPECTATORS. The Criminal Court was densely crowded this morning. Among the audience were General Sherman and Rev. DeWitt Talmage. The prosecution commenced in rebuttal to-day to demolish the theory of insanity as set up by the defense. In doing this, they will reti averse the ground gone over by the defense, and irom the standpoint of the prosecution will thoroughly ventilate Guiteau’s past life and habits, beginning with his early life iu Freeport, and concluding with a vast amount of the best expert testimony obtainable in the country. GUITEAU SPEAKS. As soon as the court was formally opened Guiteau addressed the court in rather imperious toues, as follows: “May it please your honor, the American people do not desire that this case shall be tried again, and I do not desire it. I say, .with the utmost respect to this ccurt, to the jury and to my counsel, Scovilie, that I am not satisfied with the political situation as developed here in case. That is the gist of this alleged offense. The President of the United States would never have been shot if it had not been for the political situation which existed last May and June, and I say I have the right as a matter of law, appearing as my own counsel, to ask your Honor that General ,Grant, Senators Conkling and Piatt, and President Arthur and those kind of men who were so down upon Garfield that they would not speak to him on the street, and would not go to the White House, shall be put on the stand. I have a right to show my personal relations to those gentlemen, that I was cordially received by them, and that I was well dressed and well fed at the Filth Avenue Hotel. I want to show my personal relations to those men. I don’t want to except to your Honor’s ruling, but I shall be obliged to do so, and I brave no doubt the court in banc will give me a new trial.” Judge Cox—“Yourtxeeption has been noted.”

PRESIDENT ARTHUR. Mr. SeoviHe theu called up the subject of President Arthur’s testimouy, and said he had- not yet received any Response to his interrogatories; that the President's evidence was absolutely essential to the defense. Guiteau interrupted him excitedly with —"I don’t think necessary for General Arthur to be ti^re.” To Scoville —‘‘I don’t care what you want; I’m doing this myself. I ask as a personal favor that he shan’t be dragged into court. I think a good deal of General Arthur. He’s President of the United States, and I don't think he should be bothered with this matter (striking the desk violently). He b President of tl)e United States, and I made him so, and I think I should have something to say in this matter.” • It was arrauged between counsel that the President's answers should be put in as evidence at any stage of the trial, aud Scoville called GENERAL W. T. SHERMAN. Witness simply recited the orders he had issued for the disposition of troops rpt the time of the assassination. He identified the letter written by Guiteau, and said he suspected at the time there might ne a conspiracy, nut afterwards concluded that the shooting was the act of one man. As he left the stand Guiteau said: -‘I thank you, General, for having ordered out those troops lhat day. If it hadn’t been for you 1 shouldn’t ba here today. I owe my life to the protection which you and General Crocker gave me during that period when the „mob spirit was rife.” At this the General smiled grimly. MORE WITNESSES. Edward P. Barton, a lawyer, A. T Green and G. W. Tandy, all of Freeport, 111., testified that they knew the Guiteau family, and considered them all sane. In the Guiteau trial, Dr. P. B. Buckley, Freeport, testified that he was L. W. Guiteau’s family physician. Never sa indications of the slightest mental derangement in him, nor in Abram Guiteau. Mr. Atkins, of the Freeport Republican, confirmed the testimony of the previous witnesses as to the sanity of various members of the Guiteau lyCOMMITTEE CHAIRMANSHIPS. Fellowing is the latest slate for beads of oommittets: To Mr. Kelley. Ways and Means; to Mr. Dunnell, Appropriations; to Mr. Kaseon, Pacific Railroads; to Mr. Robeson, Naval

| Affairs; to Mr. McCook, Military Affairs; to Mr. Belford, Mines and Mining; to Mr. Smith, of Pennsylvania, Accounts; to Mr. Brown, Invalid Pensions; to Mr. Burrows, Private Land Claims; to Mr. Houk, Privileges and Elections; to Mr. Neal, or Hazleton, of Wisconsin, District of Columbia; to Mr. Haskell, Post Offices and Post Roads; to Mr. Hiscock, Commerce; to Mr. Orth, Foreign Relations; to Crowley, Judiciary; to Mr. Reed, Banking and Currency; to Mr. Hawks, War Claims; to Mr. Page, Coinage, Weights and Measures; to Mr. Hubbel, Public Lauds; to Mr. Harris, of Massachusetts, Patents and Grounds; to Mr. Pound, Agriculture; to Mr. Updegraff. Claims; to Mr. West, Public Expenditures; tec Mr. Moore, of Tennessoe, Levees and Improvements of the Mississippi Iliver; to Mr. Manufactures; to Mr. Pacneco, Education and Labor; to Mr. Calkins, Militia. I’UBLIC PRINTER. Senator Logan, Assistant Pastmaster' General Hatton, and Mr. S P. Round, of Chicago, the candidate for Government Printer, called ou the President this morning, and it is believed that the result will be the immediate appoinment of Rounds to the long-cov-

eted place. , ; THE WHITAKER CASE. The decision of Judge Advocate General Swaim, in the Whitaker case is completed, and goes to the Secretary of War. Nothing definite can be learned as to the decision. BLAINE It is said that Secretary Blaine has madediis arrangements to retire from the State Department on the 15th instant. CABINET NOAfINATIONS. The nominations of Frelingbuysen and Brewster for Secretav of State and Attorney General, will not be sent to the Senate before next Monday, SENATE Senators Sherman, Pendleton, Lapham, Dawes, Bayard and Morgan, were appointed by the chair on the joint committee for the preparation of memorial upon the death of the late President Garfield. Washington, December 8. GUITEAU’S “CHICAGO CRANK.” As soon as the Criminal Court opened this morning, Guiteau shouted out: ‘‘A crank in Chicago says I talked with him about this case. I don’t know the man. It is false.”

MRS. WILSON. Colonel Corkbill called, as the first witness in the case, Mrs. Julia M. Wilson, of Leadville, Colorado. Bhe knew L. W. Guiteau from her earliest recollection. He was her uncle. Witness gave a most feeling account of the life and character of her mother, Mrs. Maynard, who, it had been alleged by the defense had died insane, but who really died from pneumonia in ISSG. Her mother was noted for her lovely disposition and Christian character, and her virtues are remembered and spoken of to this day. Witness was her nurse and constant attendant up to the hour of her death, aud never saw the slightest indication of flightiuess or insanity. The witness was questioned in relation to the residence of Davis, one of the witnesses for the defense. Davis testified he was at one time in Mrs. Maynard’s room duiing her last illness, and she was very, flighty and incoherent, and continually charged him (Davis) to look out lor her husband aud children, for she feared they would go to the poor house. The witness (Mrs. Wilson) smiled iuc edulously while the question was bei ig put, and replied that she did not even remember the man Davis.

- The deposition of Mr. Turner was read, in which he said: “I have heard her husband say she died insane,” and witness was questioned in regard tojL Mr. Scoville objected to the reply, “I never heard of it,” and a lively discussion ensued betweeu Judge Porter and Scoville. Guiteau became enraged at Judge Porter and shouted, “Now hold your thunder until you get to the jury. Judge; you are doing this sort of thing too much.” Judge Porter, without noticing the outburst, continued in the most impressive manner to argue his point, when Guiteau broke in again, ‘‘l’m not a criminal, and I won’t be til convicted. I won’t have that word. You just hold your eloquence till you get at the jury.” Scoville expostulated with him, but he retorted in the most vicious man-u«-r: ‘“Shut.up and mind your business; I know what I’m doing.” Witness was questioned in regard to various members of her family, and stated positively she never saw indications of iusanity in any of them. Speaking of the prisoner’s father, L. W. Guiteau, the witness said: “My uncle Luther visited me frequently, aud I loved him with very tender atfection. Our whole family were dei ghted with his lovely Christian character, and such a thought as that he might be in any degree of unsound mind never entered my head.” Witness was subjected to close and critical cross-examination. She was asked if she entertained any prejudice having hereditary insanity alleged in this defense, and replied: “I object to any unfair statements being made upon that subject. Perhaps for the sake

of my children I might dislike to have it set up. For myself, facts can make no difference.” Her evidence in chief remained unshaken, and her testimony produced a marked sensation. JOHN W. GUITEAU. At the conclusion of Mrs. Wilson’s testimony, John \V. Guiteau arose fom his seat next the prisoner and asked the court to rule out the, question and answer relative to the witness’ father having died of softening of the brain. •“I cannot see, yout honor, continued Guiteau, “ttah occasion for dragging in people who have fro blood connection with the prisoner.” • Judge Cox—l think the matter irrelevant. The prisoner—Mrs. Wilson seems to be a very bright lady, but she is opposed to having it appear that there is any insauitv in the family. That’s the matter with her testimony. Mr. Scovilie here arose trembling with excitement, and protested against the meddling of John W. Guiteau in this case. “He is opposed to showing insanity in the family,” said Scovilie,

and his voice was drowned by the prisoqer, who struck his hand violently on the table and shouted: “So do I. He had better get back to Boston. He has got no business here. Justj because he happens to bear the same name, he will get a little notoriety out of this case. I haven’t known anything about the man for years. That’s all there is about him, and I want him to go right out of this case." t' GEORGE C. MAYNARD. Colonel Corkbill called George C. Maynard, who verified in several material points tie testimony of the preceding witnes*. I JOHN W. GUITEAU AGAIN The court was about to announce the usual recess when John W. Guiteau arose and said: “Your honor, I greatly desire to make a personal explanation /"My father is dead’’— Guiteau broke in (interrupting him) —Oh, shut up and sit down. Wou have been vindicated. Davidge here objected to any mofe side scenes. “The prisoner had continually been allowed to interrupt the proceedings, and at this rate the trial would soon become a farce.” Jndge Cox—l see no occasion, Mr. Guiteau, for an explanation on your part. THE LATEST CRANK. Shirely, the “crank,” arrested here a short time since, is the party who gave foundation for the statement that was telegraphed all over the country, that the Chicago police had arrested a man who possessed a letter and documents that would establish Guiteau’s crime as the result of a conspiracy. He his been wandering around from place to place, and originally came, it is said, from Saratoga, N. Y.

called on the president. Amohg the callers at the White House this morning web a delegation of citizens of Freeport, headed by Congressman Hawk. Their object, they say, was iherely to pay their respects. It is said that Boutwell will succeed Hunt as Secretary of the Navy. The two were closeted for some time at the Navy Department yesterday, THE SECRETARYSHIP OF STATE. Secretary Blaine to-day informed a Senator that he expects to retire from the State Department next Wednesday. He thinks Mr. Frelinghuysen will be nominated Monday, and confirmed in time to4nter upon his duties Wednesday. Washington, December 9. MR. M’ARTHUR’S TESTIMONY. The Criminal Court opened promptly at 11 o’clock, and Dr. McArthur again took the stand. Guiteau shouted out: “Your honor.” Scoville—Keep still, please. Guiteau—Well, then, you state it at once; if you don’t I will. Scoville the court, and objected to the—character of the evidence which had beth given by the witness, on the ground that evidence to any other crime could not be introduced when the prisoner is on trial for this particular offense. He desired all such evidence to be stricken out. Guiteau here broke in excitedly, aud shouted out: “It is purely in the nature of a confessional. McArthur is not an expert or a lawyer, and I object to his telling the jury and the American people facts which I told him years ago in regard to my history.” The court ruled evidence could be admitted, as tending to show the general character of the prisoner. Cqrkhill—Did you ever see anyihiug in the prisoner to indicate insanity?

6ir, I never did. Guiteau here broke into one of bis noisy harangues, and despite the caution of the court and expostulations of the counsel, proceeded to express his oninion of Dr. McArthur in terms not at nil delicate. Turning to the reporters’ table, he declaimed for some minutes against the "scandalous reports” of his character, and singling out the reporter of the Republican, shook his fist at him threateningly. Colonel Cork hill desired the court to restrain the prisoner, when Guiteau turned to him and said: "You go slow, Corkhill. You are spotted, and as soon as this business is over the President will remove you ” Mr. Scoville cross examined the

witness, and became very angry and much excited at some of his replies. The testimony in chief. was not shaken. W. 8. Caldwell, a physician, treated L. W. Guiteau during his last illness. Never detected any evidence of mental uneoundness. ANOTHER CREDITOR. Gebrge W. Plummer was called. Guiteau immediately shouted: “I owe this man 520, but it bas cost the government S2OO to get him here. I think the President’s attention better be called to the way you are squander ing the government’s money, Corkhill He might bounce you at once You will cost the government $200,000 or $300,000 at this rate.

Witness allowed the prisoner to occupy a desk in his law office at Chicago some months. He seemed to have a good deai of collection business, and went in and out like any business man. Guiteau continually interrupted, and ‘finally the witness said to him: “It seems that your close relations with the Deity of late have corrupted your manners.” 5 The prisoner laughed heartily at this sally, and said: “Well, that ain’t so bad. Plummer, for a W'estern man.” “Did you ever see anything in his conduct that indicated unsouudness of mind?” “No, sir,” replied the witness; “nothing whatever. He seemed to be a man of ability, vain and conceited; but then he had late from New York city ou his card, and we expected the rest.” 'I his convulsed the court. Stephen English, editor and proprietor of the Insurance Times, of New York, took the stand.

Guiteau called out: “This man was in the Ludlow street Jail, aud I got him out for $300.” The witness then gave circumstances under which he became acquainted with the piisoner. The witness was in jail uuder $40,000 bonds chargtd with libel. The prisoner acted as his attorney. Guiteau frequently and noisily interrupted the witnes*, calling him a liar and perjurer. At one time he shouted: “There isn’t an insurance man in New York that doesn’t know what a fraud you are.” Witness continued: “The prisoner swindled me out of S3OO, and also swindled many poor creatures in jail by promising to help them, and getting their money, aud then never raising a finger in their behalf.” Guiteau shouted at the witness: “Why, I wouldn’t spit on you in the street, you old scoundrel. I’ll get some insurance men to show you up. You are lying all the way through, you old fraud.” Witness was asked if he ever detected any signs of insanity in the prisoner, and replied on the contrary. He w r as a remarkably clear-headeJ. shrewd lawyer; he completely outwitted me. Warren G. Brown, attorney at law, New York, was counsel for Mrs. Guiteau in obtaining a divorce from the prisoner. He believed the latter perfectly sane. Guiteau (excitedly)—l want to know, Corkbill, what all this kind of evidence has got to do with the real issue, who fired the shot that killed Garfield, the Deity or I? i think it is devilish mean to rake up my character in* all its details. The only issue here is who fired that shot, the Deity or I. Just take that liome ; Corkbill, and think it over till to-morrow morning. I want to know what all this has to do with the question of my sanity or iusanity on the 2d of July. As I have told you before, I had time enough to go crazy a hun dred times in the interval.” , D. McLean Shaw testified that Guiteau told him he was bouud to have notoriety same way or other. He ihight killjsome big man and imitate Wilkes Booth. At this the prisoner became very violent and abusive.