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MRS. PERKINS FREE
[Welland Tribune, 26 April 1907]
Cayuga, April 23-Mrs. Mattie Perkins is free. After a trial lasting a week, during which her life, her motives and the acts that aroused the suspicion that she had murdered her husband on Christmas Day by giving him a dose of strychnine were held up to the closest scrutiny, an impartial jury decided tonight that she is not guilty.
Two minutes after the jury filed into court at 11 o’clock tonight, Mr. Justice Mabee was out for a short walk, when he received the message that the jurors were ready to announce their verdict. “Have you agreed on your verdict?” asked Clerk MacDonald. “Not guilty,” came the ready response from Henry Marshall of Dunnville.
The prisoner did not realize for a minute what the verdict really meant to her, until her sister, Mrs. Romain Hyslip, whispered the good news that she would sleep in her old father’s home tonight. The jury was out four hours and thirty-five minutes.
A Humane View
The Judge addressed the woman as follows: “The jury after a very long and careful consideration of the case, have been able to take a humane and merciful view of the evidence adduced on behalf of the crown and yourself. Your counsel, Mr. Johnston, in his able and eloquent address to the jury today, pointed out that the real proof was known only to yourself and your Maker. For the sake of your peace of mind and your soul hereafter I trust the verdict is in truth and fact one of not guilty. You are discharged.”
Immediately the woman was surrounded by her relatives, including Mr. and Mrs. G.E. McArthur of Thorold, who have been staunch friends throughout, and escorted to the home of her father, Issac Curry, here.
Discharging the jury from further attendance, Mr. Justice Mabee on behalf of those concerned in this case, thanked them for their attendance. “This doubtless,” he said, “is a source of satisfaction to you, that you have been able to reach this conclusion. I am unable to say that I disagree with you. There are a complicated set of facts, and I am thankful that you were able to arrive at a verdict.”
Mr. Marshall, on behalf of the jury, petitioned for extra pay for night sessions. His Lordship thought he had the power to make the order.
Shook Hands with Jurors
Mr. E.F. B. Johnston, K.C. was not present when the verdict was announced having gone to Toronto. Mr. Gideon Grant, who waited over, said he had heard from sources since the conclusion that Henry Perkins had committed suicide. A paper just found in his pocket would leave no doubt about the matter. In connection with this story, Mr. Grant said he understood the jury had taken this view of the matter. He believed the crown was justified in taking action in the case. Mrs. Perkins, after the adjournment in the court, shook hands with all the jurors.
The last day of the trial opened with the continuation of medical evidence for the defence. The testimony of Dr. McKeown and Kayler was distinctly effective in buttressing that given on Monday which introduced a series of element of doubt as the cause of Perkins’ death.
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