HOLMES CASE—PART SIX

H. H. Holmes.

Judge Arnold.

Cortland Evening Standard, Monday, November 4, 1895.

HOLMES REMAINS CALM.

The Verdict of Guilty Caused Not a Tremor.

JURY AGREED PROM THE FIRST.

Could Have Returned a Verdict In One Minute, But For Decency's Sake They Remained In Conference an Hour or So.

   PHILADELPHIA, NOV. 4.—H. H. Holmes, the convicted murderer of Benjamin F. Pitezel, spent a quiet, uneventful day in his cell in Moyamensing prison. "This man of steel and heart of stone," as the district attorney described him to the jury, does not evince in the slightest any outward signs of breaking down. With death actually before him now he is the same cool and callous Holmes.

   The prison regulations prevented anyone from interviewing him, but a message was sent out that he slept well and was then feeling comfortable and still confident his innocence would yet be established.

   Extra care has been taken that the man shall not frustrate the efforts of the prosecution by committing suicide. A double guard has been placed on his cell and will remain there until he has paid the penalty of his crime. He is still in the untried department, but as soon as the death sentence is pronounced he will be taken to a cell in "murderer's row."

   As to the other actors in this great drama of the past week many have returned to their ordinary pursuits. Some of the chief ones, however, are still here.

   Mrs. Pitezel and ''Dessie" drove through Fairmount park and saw some of the places her daughter Alice spoke of in the letters confiscated by Holmes. In a few days they return to Galva, Ills.

   Miss Yoke, Holmes' third wife, will return to Denver shortly and endeavor to have her marriage with Holmes set aside as illegal.

Benjamin Pitezel.

CLOSING OF THE TRIAL.

Jury Lost No Time In Agreeing on the Verdict.

   PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 4. — Henry H. Holmes was convicted of murder in the first degree for killing Benjamin F. Pitezel. He coughed slightly when he heard the worst. That was the only sign.

   The jury retired to deliberate at 5:40 o'clock in the afternoon. According to one of their number, they had reached their verdict before the doors of their room closed upon them. For hunger's sake they ate their supper first. Then they took a ballot and without hesitation every man of the 12 answered guilty of murder in the first degree.

   But, however atrocious the crime, however fiendish the criminal, it is hard to send a man to the gallows in one minute's time. So, for decency's sake, they talked about the case for a seemly period, about an hour and a half. Then word was sent into court that they had agreed. This was at 8:15 o'clock. It took a half hour to get the court in readiness to receive the verdict. Such things are not done too quickly.

   Holmes spoke to his counsel, Rotan and Shoemaker, in the cellroom before he was taken back to the Moyamensing prison. To them he said:

   "I feel that this condemns me! It was an unjust trial."

   He would say no more than that. Immediately after the announcement of the verdict the usual application for leave to file a motion for a new trial was made.

   District Attorney Graham did not oppose the motion and Judge Arnold fixed the 18th of this month for a hearing. The principal reason urged will be lack of time for the preparation of the defense. Should a new trial be refused an appeal will be taken to the supreme court and argument heard at its next sitting in this city, January, 1896.

   So, even if everything goes against him, Holmes has yet some time to spend on the earth from which he is alleged to have sent so many fellow mortals.

   The verdict was a surprise to many persons, who did not believe the crime had been fastened upon Holmes beyond a reasonable doubt. When these heard it, they said:

   "Well, it was on general principles, and it's just as good."

   That is not the meaning of law, but in this case, everybody agrees that "it's just as good." Up in Gilmanton, N. H., there are two old people, his father and mother. And he has also two brothers and two sisters. Not one of his kin was heard from during the trial.

   When the jury went out, an indefinite recess was taken. Judge Arnold said he would remain in the building until midnight if necessary, and if no verdict had been reached by that time, he would come to court at 10 o'clock in the morning. Nobody believed there would be occasion for this.

   At 20 minutes to 9 there was a bustle of moving people in the packed courtroom, and it became known that the jury was coming in. A moment later Judge Arnold took his seat. District Attorney Graham and his assistants entered, and the jury filed solemnly in and took their seats in the box.

   Then amid an oppressive silence Holmes was brought in and placed in the dock. For a moment there was not a sound. The silence was literally painful, and every heart in that crowded room throbbed faster. The man who was about to hear his doom pronounced stood erect in the dock, the same deathlike pallor, which could grow no deeper, on his face. He stared at the jury blankly, his hands clasped behind his back. Once or twice he moistened his lips with his tongue. There was no other sign of agitation.

   Then from the deep-voiced court clerk came the words:

   "Jurors, look upon the prisoner; prisoner, look upon the jurors. How say you, gentlemen of the jury? Do you find the prisoner at the bar, Herman W. Mudgett, alias H. H. Holmes, guilty of the murder of Benjamin F. Pitezel or not guilty?"

   The condemning syllables came promptly from the foreman:

   "Guilty of murder in the first degree."

   "Hem," uttered Holmes clearing his throat, but his shrunken form never trembled, his lips betrayed no emotion, his marvelous nerve had not forsaken him. There was only a tighter clasp of the hands folded behind him. Then he slowly sat down, and at the request of counsel the jury was polled.

   As each name was called Holmes wrote it on the margin of a newspaper in his hand and the fingers holding the pencil did not shake. The verdict was formally read by the court.

   The motion for a new trial was received and after Judge Arnold had spoken a word of regret to counsel for the defense because of last Monday's occurrence, when they withdrew from the case, and appreciation for their arduous but fruitless labors. Holmes was taken to his cellroom and a few moments later to the prison.

   Then the jury was thanked for their attention and labors and sent home; the court adjourned and the most extraordinary case in the annals of American courts was ended.

PAGE TWO—EDITORIALS.

An Uncalled-for Attack.

   The attack of the Cortland Democrat on the Republican nominee for member of assembly in its last issue, and the unfavorable comparison of Mr. Saunders with the Democratic nominee, are alike uncalled for, unjust and malicious. The following paragraph is perhaps the worst among The Democrat's comments:

   Is it not much better to elect a strong Democrat to the place than to choose a much weaker man simply because he is a Republican politician? If our Republican friends were selecting a man to transact business for them would they not choose the live business man even if he was a Democrat, rather than the ordinary politician although he happened to be a Republican? Of course they would. The member of assembly is chosen to transact the business of Republicans and Democrats alike. Why not chose the man who can do the work the best?

   Mr. Saunders can safely leave it to the voters of the county who know both Mr. Hubbard and himself to say which one is the "weaker man," both as a business man and a public official, Mr. Saunders has probably done business with as many farmers in this county as any man in Cortland. What do they think of his business methods and character? He has paid them good prices and has so conducted his business, at the same time, that he is one of the substantial men of Cortland. Mr. Hubbard represented this town as supervisor once. Mr. Saunders represented the Democratic town of Truxton three times, and declined a fourth term. Don't the Democrats of Democratic Truxton know a "weak man, after they have lived in the same town with him for ten or eleven years? Do they select "weak men" to transact the business of the town? Had they elected him once and dropped him it might be said that one term was all they wanted of his service. But it was not only once, but twice and thrice that they entrusted the town's affairs to his management, and had he been willing to keep on serving and remained in the town, he might have been Truxton's supervisor to-day. Three terms as supervisor makes a pretty good preparation for the assembly.

   We have no desire to go into personalities or make unpleasant comparisons between candidates, but The Democrat has provoked them by its false and gratuitous assault on Mr. Saunders. There is no reason, either comparative or otherwise, why any Republican should desert Mr. Saunders for Mr. Hubbard, and every reason why he should not. Ask Truxton people, Democrats or Republicans, how Mr. Saunders served them.

   The Democrat has been both hasty and unfortunate in contrasting Mr. Saunders and Mr. Hubbard. The comparison brings to the [race] reasons why Democrats should support the Republican nominee, rather than why his own party should desert him, either to give complimentary or any other kind of votes for his opponent.

   Straight-out Democrats should also remember that Mr. Hubbard was one of the "Dandelion" brigade in this county who favored or attended the "anti-snap" Democratic convention at Syracuse. We have Democratic authority for saying that he was even chosen a delegate to that convention. How do the old-timers feel about sending a man to Albany to fight the regular organization? Democratic candidates who live in glass houses should restrain their party editors from shying stones at the Republican wig-wam. It is likely to provoke a return fire in the shape of a shower of brick-bats, followed by a terrible smashing of windows.

Y. M. C. A. TRUSTEES.

Adopt By-Laws, Fill Vacancies and Effect a n Organization.

   The trustees of the Young Men's Christian association held an important meeting last Friday night. As no bylaws had heretofore been adopted, the original trustees had been holding office for an indefinite period. Bylaws were adopted at this meeting, in which the terms of office of the trustees were fixed at three years. G. E. Butler and B. L. Webb were elected to fill vacancies caused by the resignations of J. H. Turner and Myron DuBois. Lots were then cast to determine the date of the expiration of the terms of office of the several trustees. The result was as follows:

   Trustees for three years—J. W. Keese, B. L. Webb.

   Trustees for two years—Dr. S. J. Sornberger, W. D. Tuttle.

   Trustees for one year—C. B. Hitchcock, G. E. Butler.

   The association through its trustees can now bold any property that may come into its hands. What better monument can a man or woman erect than to be instrumental, in erecting a comfortable home for young men under the supervision of the Y. M. C. A., where there is always a wholesome atmosphere.

THE FAIR CLOSED.

A Successful Week's Entertainment Ended Saturday Night.

   The Emerald Hose fair was brought to a successful termination Saturday night.  The attendance was large and the concert by the Cortland City band was excellent. The contests for the gold watches were brought to a close. The lady's gold watch was contested for by Miss Kate Driscoll and Miss Kitty Kane and the competition was very spirited. When the money was counted it was found that Miss Driscoll had secured $302.95 and Miss Kane $240.62. The watch was accordingly awarded to Miss Driscoll.

   The contest for the gentlemen's gold watch was between Mr. Richard Couch and Mr. Jerry Connors and was none the less exciting. Mr. Couch had secured $80.93 against $20.90 for Mr. Connors. The watch was therefore awarded to Mr. Couch. All goods not otherwise disposed of were then sold at auction.

   The fair has been a great success from a financial stand point as well as from the point of entertainment and will add largely to the amount in the treasury.

BREVITIES.

   —Glann & Clark are to-day moving to their new store one door south of the old stand.

   —The Normal juniors meet the Ithaca Grammar school team at the fair grounds here Saturday, Nov. 9.

   —There will be a regular meeting of the C. A. A. to-night at 8 o'clock, All members please be present.

   —New advertisements to-day are—F. Daehler, page 2; Warner Rood, page 5; G. J. Mager, page 7; Baker & Angell, page 7.

   —The regular meeting of the Woman's Relief Corps will be held to-morrow, Nov. 5. at 3 P. M. A full attendance is desired.

   —The funeral of Mr. Albert Sherman of Homer will be held at his late residence in that place on Wednesday at 3 o'clock.

   —Election returns will be received by the members of the Tioughnioga club at the club rooms to-morrow night. Refreshments will also be served.

   —The Republican county committee will receive returns at the Cortland House to-morrow night. They will also be received at the Republican league rooms.

   —To-morrow will be Election day and a legal holiday and no paper will be issued from this office. The full returns of election will appear in Wednesday's issue.

   —The case of Day against Foster which was filed before Justice H. A. Dickinson, Saturday resulted in a verdict for plaintiff of $49.50, the amount claimed.

   —The regular mothers meeting (central) will be held at the home of Mrs. C. Robinson, 7 Pearne-ave , on Wednesday, Nov. 9, at 8 o'clock. The subject will be physical culture.

   —The attraction at the Opera House Saturday night will be Byrne Brothers' pantomimic comedy, "Eight Bells," which is new this year and is meeting with popular favor everywhere.

   —Miss Maude Fitzgerald gives a little tea and party this evening for a company of the friends of her sister, Miss Mabel. The party is especially in honor of Miss Mabel Brewer, who leaves with her parents to-morrow for Florida to spend the winter.

   —Work on the new bridge of the E. & C. N. Y. R. R. over the Tioughnioga river is to-day being pushed hard. The needed timbers arrived Saturday night and more rails. A car is to-day out on the bridge over the water, and the completion of the bridge is now a question of but a day or two.

   —The annual meeting of the Cortland Rural Cemetery association will be held this evening at 7 o'clock at the office of Judge Eggleston. The annual report of Treasurer C. P. Walrad will be heard and three trustees will be elected in place of A. L. Cole, C. P. Walrad and A. D. Blodgett, whose terms of office expire.

HOMER DEPARTMENT.

Gleanings of News From Our Twin Village.

   Election day to-morrow. The polls for Districts Nos. 2, 3 and 4 are at Tower's blacksmith shop, Zimmer's barn and the Homer National bank building, respectively.

   Miss Lavina Chittenden went to Avon this morning, where she will spend a few weeks at the sanitarium.

   Miss Henry returned from Syracuse this morning.

   Y. P. S. C. E. prayer-meetings at the Baptist and Congregational churches this evening at 7:30 P. M. The public are cordially invited to attend.

   Messrs Henry Harrington, George Straat and Frank Hull went to Otisco lake fishing on Friday. They returned yesterday with 600 perch and 47 pickerel. A great catch!

   Mr. Burr Wilds, who has been employed at Atwater & Foster's as operator for several weeks past, has severed his connection with that firm and Mr. Fred Burdick of Whitney Point has been engaged to fill the vacancy. Mr. Burdick entered upon his duties there to-day.

   Mrs. J. J. Murray and son Oliver returned from New York on Saturday evening.

   Mr. Oswald Haven of Pittsfield, Mass., is a guest at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Bates on Elm-ave.

   Fred Corbin of Susquehanna, Pa., spent Sunday at the home of his mother on Pine-st.

   Yager & Marshall opened their fair store in this village on Saturday morning. They have rented the store at the corner of Main and James-st., formerly occupied by H. E. Hannum, U. S. express agent. The express office has been moved into the rear of the building, its entrance being on James-st. Yager & Marshall have put in a large stock of crockery, tinware and novelties and their store was visited by a large number of people on their opening day. This morning they hung a large new sign over their front door.

   Mr. and Mrs. Porter Corl of this village are the happy parents of a son, born on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 1895.

   The funeral of the late J. Albert Sherman will be held from his home on South Main-st. in this village on Wednesday afternoon, at 3 o'clock.