Histories

Newspaper Date : 2/15/1889 12:00:00 AM
Volume : 12
Number : 46
Page : 2
Column : 4
Newspaper : Review
Description : Description of charges against Duncan McArthur.
Transcription : CIRCUIT COURT NOTES. THE RECORD. But little general interest was taken in this term of court. The only case of any particular public interest was that of the People vs. McArthur charged with assault with attempt to murder. The prisoner was brought into court Tuesday afternoon. He was without counsel, but he entered a plea of not guilty and time was granted by the court for him to secure the services of an attorney and prepare for trial. Thursday morning the case had not yet come up for trial, McArthur showing an apparent reluctance to employ an attorney, advancing flimsy excuses why he has not already done so. There are those who believe that he is not right mentally. The crime with which he is charged is an attempt in the month of October last year to shoot his wife. McArthur had been drinking heavily for a long time prior to the attempted crime and the crime is charged to his besotted condition and the consequent entire suppression of every moral faculty. Only a few years ago the defendant was accounted one of the most promising young men of Alcona county. He was repeatedly elected clerk of Alcona township. His downfall dates from the time he engaged in the liquor business at Black River. He soon became very dissipated and reckless. Later--C. R. Henry was appointed by court as attorney for defendant and upon his motion case was continued until next term of court. Bail was fixed at $1,000 with one good surety.