The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1842-12-10
Philadelphia.
Correspondence Of the Herald.l
PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 8, l84;


JAMES GORDON BENNETT, ESQ
DEAR SIR
The trial of Alexander for the murder OF Lougee,
is progressing rapidly as the nature of the case
VIII admit Of Mr.. Porter the son of the Governor,
having finished his opening address for the prosecu-
lon to the jury which highly creditable for so
young practitioner, he was followed by United
States Bank Reed for the defence, who barped much
upon virtue and integrity-qualities, which NAV be
well for him to talk about. The effect of such
speech from him upon Philadelphia jury, NAV
readily be imagined. Itwould be difficult 10 convey
the idea to a stranger of the extent OF the chilling
influence it had upon all around. 1t fell with with
ering, bghtng influence upon the prospects of the
defendant. He was followed by Mr.. Pope, the late
Governor OF Arkansas, for the defence. Mr.. Pope
comes from the far west TO display his oratory. He
is about fifty years of age has lost his right arm, and
speaks with pint decaner of wine or brandy upon
the table before him, in potaons of which he indul-
ges at intervals II may be the practice In the west
thus to borrow excitement, but wife us II appears
strange and eccentric, to say the least of it. He
addresses the jury with the title OF sir, if address
in the chairman of some meeting. He has des-
caned largely upon the habits and customs OF the
with their readiness and promptitude in resenng in
suits, which he attempts to justify, and speaks of
blow with poinard with as much Indifference as
though II was a right divine belonging to the south
IL, -.
infer he would have believe an intention TO kill on
the part of the coward who strikes an unarmed man.
This distinguished champion OF the west may make
very acceptable political speech for the atmosphere
OF the tar west, but we are by means prepared to
adopt his views in this section Of the country, and
God forbid the time should ever come when we shall
be- We are now lovers of order peace and the
the laws, and hope to remain So Upon the preser.
walton OF these principles depends the happiness and
lives Of our citizens. The defendant has, however,
the advantage of another address, TO come from one
OF our legal gants-a gentleman who Is beloved
and admired bp all, and whose manner and we'll
timed matter must and will have much influence
| mean George M. Dallas, Pennsylvana's favorlte
son. The prosecution will be closed by Ovid F..
Johnson, our talented, fearless, and interchangeable
attorney general. 1t is acknowledged by all VINO
have heard him in the trial of an important like
the present, that no man more udiciousy selects the
strong points OF his case, or more forcbly, or with
greater effect presents them to jury. In this
case the laws will be indicated by him, and the
safety of our citizens maintained against their viola
tors and hesitate not to believe and freely express
my belief that the Judge who will charge the Jury in
this case, will lift himself above all undue prejudice
ormawlsh sensibility. and ably and vrtuousy NAM
tain nviolate the laws Of the land And although
much has been said against the jury, no doubt be-
cause many OF them are poor men, sincerely
hope that their conduct In the discharge of their du
ty, will not place PENNSYLVANIA behind New York
on the score of faithful and resolute execution of
her laws; the public need have no fears but the
court will discharge to the letter faithfully their
duty
The death OF our late Sheriff has cast his duties
on the Coroner for time, who will be relieved from
them well as fron, the receipt of the profits of the
office so soon as the Governor appoints, under our
late law, his successor, The usual changes in the
subordinate offices will OF course take place the
late sheriff was whig-the Governor will of course
appoint democrat.
There is, however, another appointment of inf
nitey greater importance to our community to de-
volye upon the Governor in January ! mean that
of President Judge of the Court of General Ses-
sions, Vice Hon. George w. Barton. Much and
deep interest is felt in relation to this appointment
the present incumbent being man of brilliant ia
Tents; much solcitude is afoat as to the character
and abilities of the one who takes his place,
raj very clever young men of our bar, with the
influence of their friends are circulating petitions
for the appointment. There was time when age,
experience and ripe talents were regarded as requl
site for such judicial stafions then the people were
satisfied, and had confidence in the administration
OF the laws Were young Tan to be appointed
and pursued a course as pure that of an angel he
would be suspected 1t is TO be hoped the Governor
will consider this matter, but if young gentleman
is TO be appointed to thus court, trust it will not
be to the presidency, revoir. CARO-.