The Trial of Czolgosz

The actual trial of the assassin of President McKinley began at Buffalo on Monday of this week; a jury was selected with little difficulty; and there is every reason to believe that the trial will be carried on with propriety, dignity, and promptness. It would be impossible to praise too warmly the spirit evinced in this matter by the members of the bar of Erie County. For the honor of the profession, the insuring of absolute justice, the making impossible any charge of oppression or cruelty toward the wretched prisoner, and the elimination, so far as possible, of sensationalism in the treatment of this case, the course pursued by the bar as a body has been admirable. At its formal recommendation, Judge Loran L. Lewis and Judge Robert C. Titus have been appointed by the court counsel for the prisoner, as at the preliminary hearing Czolgosz had no counsel, would ask for none by name, and, indeed, refused to speak a word, although, it is reported, he speaks on ordinary matters to his jailers. Both Judge Lewis and Judge Titus are honored and recognized leaders in their profession. Both are ex-Justices of the Supreme Court of New York. The letter from the Bar Association to Judge Emery, before whom the preliminary hearing took place, points out that “it is of the utmost importance that the counsel assigned shall be men of such experience and of such a high sense of their professional obligations that the highest traditions of the profession shall be upheld, and that the trial shall be dignified, just, and impartial.” Both Judge Lewis and Judge Titus have accepted the appointment with the greatest reluctance and at a distinct sacrifice of personal inclination and interest. Alienists of high reputation have examined Czolgosz both on the part of the State and in behalf of the defense. It is generally stated by the press that insanity will not be put forward as a defense. Emma Goldman, who is under charges of having incited the assassination by public speeches, has been allowed to furnish bail in $20,000, but is unable to obtain proper security for the bonds.