The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1842-01-22
Correspondence Of the Herald

Correspondence Of the Herald
RosHEsrER, Jan I3 1872. -
mr. Fan Zandfs ISiai-State Of Public Opinion in
hochesftr-B isot'y and Ses1s-Neo T,ia
DEAR BENNETT -
Well, The fameus Van Zandt's case is over, and
the great world rolls as ever, but what do YOU
think of the verdict Of the iury7 You seem to have
been surprised-we, sober citizens, are astounded!
What could have been expected from the evidence
of the case but prompt acquittal-how then did the
community stand amazed at ihe verdict of $1,000!
Now a little to the facts and circumstances Of the
case. Mr. Van Zandt was long the popular and
genllemanly rector Of Grace Church in this city.
With the well bred and liberal of all sects he was
well esteemed, and at the same time hated by all
the bgots because he gave parochial levees, and
smoked cigars When the foul charge of seduction
was thought against him, as all things are possible,
his friends, for the most part suspended proneunc
ing their opinion, averng that the allegation was
probably unfounded, but would be best tested on
trial Not 50 with the bigots Like 80 many hell
houads, they beloved forth in full chorus that he
was guiy-he should be guilty, and should be found
guilty heaven and earth to the contrary notwith.
standing! prohlgae press joined in the cry, and
for five months past Mr.. Van Zandt has been pre-.
judged before the public Prudent men of all ranks
delayed forming their opinions until the trial. hut
the mob and rascalscraey swore deeply that the &C.
cussd should not ascape
Well. the trial came The girl was sworn.
and such story Eight months gone and ignsr-
ant OF 1t ~ = and the frst time too-no change
OF dress, and a walk of half mile to boot
"***** Bat will not sicken YOU iury Of
sensible women would have acquitted Mr. Van
Zandt on the girls own story And then an alibl SO
clearly made Out.-Aud such a verdict - ~.
The very judge on the bench was sickeped and
disguised at the verdict Others who had formed
no opinion before the trial now de clared in Mr.
Van Zandts favor, and there now ten no ad vo.
cate his cause, where there was one before The
tide of public opinion is turning, and moro sympa-
thy Is eIlici ed from the fact made knownt hat
portion of the jury had made up their minds
against Mr.. Van Zandt, before they entered the
jury box, SO that the generous confidence Of his
counsel in their integrity was entirely mis- placed.
The sentiment now prevalent is, that Mr. Van
Zandt has been tried, bit not IN court and all sen.
sible men aie indignant at what they conceive to
be an oatraee on the forms of law and Justice.
MIR Van Zandt has applied for new trial. and
will probably get it Meanwhile you and your
readers will suspend your opinions, on the simple
ground of justice to fellow man. As to Mr. Van
Zandt's Persecstsrs,I advise them to recommence
the manufacture ofgossip on this interesting sub
J~ct to dog the very footsteps Of the accused to
bride seme poor ass to whom in friendly confd-
encs he may have whispered the agony of his SOUL
to come forward and betruy him and by all means
to continue to exhibit their little p,otege at moral
reform meetings, and sewing societies
The end is not yeti In my next will reeur to
other matters. u.s.