Rensselaer Republican, Volume 22, Number 21, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 23 January 1890 — THEY WEAR BTRIPES NOW. [ARTICLE]

THEY WEAR BTRIPES NOW.

O onin’s Murdtftn Ar« Hustled Off to ihe Joliet Penitentiary. Judge McConnell, at Chicago, Tuesday* granted a new trial to Kunze, but refused it to the other Cronin murderers— Cough : lin, O’Sullivan and Burke. He said the prisoners bad had a fair trial. The fact that they bad not been granted separate trials had not been prejudicial to them. The jury had been fair. The evidence seemed to the court sufficient except in the case of Kunze. The identification of Kunze was not good. In regard to Kunze the court said: “I believe that the verdict of the jury was not only unwarranted by the evidence, but was an absurdity. As to the other defendants, I overrule the motion for a new trial.” Mr. Forrest’s motion for a rearrest of judgment was overruled, and the court asked; “And, now, have the prisoners anything to say?” There was a memento suspense, and then b.g Dan Coughlin'® rose and said in firm, distinct tones; “Your honor, lam [ innocent. I was convicted by perjurers.” O’Sullivan’s turn came next and his j voice trembled slightly as he said: “I ! have not much to say. 1 protest my innocence be lore God and man, and the time is not far distant when it will be shown. 1 was convicted by a prejudiced jury and perjured evidence. Ido not ask formerly. 1 asit for justice. I have not bad justice.” Burke stopped chewing gum long enough to say: “lam innocent. I always knew that in England they allowed perjurers to go on the stand and convict innooant men, trot 1 never knew it was done in America.” A moment’s silence followed and then the Court said: “Will the prisoners rise!” The three men rose again sou the Court imposed sentence in the following words: “Following aud confirming the verdict of the jury, toe judgment of the Courtis that you be taken to the penitentiary at Joliet, and there confined for the term of your natural lives.” Coughlin and Burke heard the words ! «-/'*houl losing tiie command of their feeling--, out O'Sullivan’s Ups quivered and Ls face bad a worn, pinched expression, rue defense were granted sixty days to tile a bill ot exceptions. It was announced ' -iat Lawyers Forest, Donahoe and Wing m bi t-u rruraed to take the ease to Suvrenie Court to the Mar<sh haras.