THE GLENBROOK MURDERS.

Evening Star, Issue 10341, 15 June 1897, Page 4

THE GLENBROOK MURDERS.

BUTLER’S TRIAL. (Peb Press Association. —Copyright. ] SYDNEY, June 14. The trial of Butler began at Darlinghurst to-day. Long before the doors opened an immense crowd had gathered, and immediately they were opened rushed every available inch of the courthouse, which was densely packed. Hundreds remained patiently outside in the rain throughout the* day. The AttorneyGeneral, assisted by Mr Wade and Sir Carver, prosecuted on behalf of the Crown, and Mr Edmunds and Mr Broomfield, assisted by Mr Williams and Mr Doyle, defended the accused. >. Butler, who was looking exceedingly well, took the proceedings coolly, and lolled back in his chair. There was a strong guard of police round the dock. The charge of murdering Weller was first taken. The accused pleaded not guilty, and freely exercised his right of challenging. Over thirty out of the special panel were called before the jury were empannelled, the Crown challenging one only. The Attorney-General’s opening address traced Butler’s connection with Weller and the history of the crime as elicited in tho Police Courts. He referred to the prisoner’s statements,to the detectives on the voyage from San Francisco. Amongst other statements Butler said that when the Judge asked him if he was guilty he would tell him to go to a hot place, and he would think him mad and send him to an asylum. Wellers landlady and a personal friend of his deposed to Weller going to Glenbrook prospecting. He took a considerable sum of money and jewelleiy with him. She identified the jewellery and other property, and also the handwriting in books found in Butler’s possession as - Mr Weller’s. The remainder of the day was devoted to a recapitulation of the police and other evidence as to the finding of the body. A shipmate of Butler’s on the Swanhilda gave evidence that accused showed him Weller’s master’s certificate and said it was his own. He also showed him Mrs Wellers photo and said it was that of his wife. He stated that he was going to ’Frisco to see his friends, and on the day before the barque arrived he asked to be allowed to go ashore in the first boat, as he did not want his friends to see him working as a common sailor.