The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-04-04

A trial--the most remarkable and exciting, pro-
badly with one exception, ever known in New Eng
land-has terminated in the conviction Of the pri-
soner of the highest human offence OF which the
laws take cognisance From the commencement
of this trial to the melancholy termination it has
been conducted in manner which presents no
ground for Just exception "a any one. The invesi-
cation has been thorough and scrutinizing as
the nature of the case would admit. Able and in
genious counsel have been employed on both sides.
An unprejudiced jury have, for eleven days, given
their patient and single minded attention 10 the
evidence adduced. A wise; clear headed, and up
right Judge has charged them in regard TO points
Of law and dubious arguments; and the result has
been, that the said jury have found Professor John
White Webster, of Cambridge, guilty of the crime
of having murdered, ON the 23d Of November l549,
DIR. George Parkman, of Boston.
Great praise Is due to the counsel Tor the prose-
cuton for their course, at once efficient and indu-
gent in the management of the case Mr.. Clifford
discharged his ungracious duty with highabiity and
dignity, and in manner 10 increase his reputation
both as sound lawyer and an eloquent advocate;
He spoke in all nearly seven hours. The counsel
for the defence had an arduous and battling duty
to perform; and, although there will be many TO
criticise the mode of their defence, there win be
none to deny them the merit of having made the
most of the slender foundation which they had
to construct it.
The verdict has taken many persons by
prise but we believe that few will question its
Justice We have elsewhere given account of
the in which the jury arrived at their deci
sion. Many persons anticipated disagreement;
and many that the verdict would be manslaughter.
These calculations were based upon the conflicting
outside opinions on the case. BUTT is noteworthy
fact that of those who have been in constant at
tendance the trial, very few anticipateda differ
emit result. II not seen how clear headed and
unbiased jury could arrive at any other conclu-
sion.
The prisoner made an unfavorabe impression in
his brief address TO the court and the jury. He in
cidentally spoke of bis innocence but did not dis
claim the murder in those terms which, il is be-
lipyad nm INN hoU anln
He laid stress upon matters of minor moment, but
did not graphic with the main charge, or explain
away any one damning circumstance His coun-
tenance fell, if he anticipated his doom, while the
Judge giving his charge.
Soon after the jury retired, the prisoner was
taken to an adjoining room to refresh himself just
before eleven O'Clock he came in with his surtout
on His step was brisk. nervously quick. When
the clerk called upon him to rise to receive his
tence, he obeyed with apparent firmness, and held
up his right hand As the foreman uttered the ia
tai word guilty, the prisoners hand dropped heayi-
ly on the rail before him, which he cenchcd for
support for a moment, and then sank gradually
into his chair. With his elbow leaning on the arm
of his chair, he moved his hand trenblingly
act His whole frame shook, and he remained in
that position about minute, during which there
was dead silence in the court, and every eye
turned upon him. His counsel, Mr.. Merrick, went
and whispered few words, seemingly of consola-
ton, in his ear, after which he grew calm !;
although Mr.. Merrick seemed greatly affected, and
was obliged to lean on the rails for support to his
chair.
dience, the foreman Of the jury gave in his
dict. There present many OF our most dis
tinguished citizens. Every face seemed blanched
with awe. Not a murmur broke the solemn still
ness-the august pause. But the word guilty
was passed shudderingly from mouth to mouth,
from those in the gallery to the crowd the stairs
from the crowd on the stairs to the multitude gath
cred at that unreasonable hour in the street. the
rhera IF he nj hro,l oht harL
to the jury and the court and must have fallen
like the knell of hope the of the prisoner.
Handouts were now put upon the prisoner, and
he walked unsupported, with the officer touching
his arm, TO the carriage, which conveyed him back
TO his CELL II is stated that when there he conduct
ed himself with calmness, refreshed himself with
tea, and expressed an anxiety TO know if there
would be continuance Of the meals, which he had
been privileged receive from Parkers restaurant
Early this morning he was brought into court
TO receive his sentence. We have given elsewhere
a full and accurate description Of his demeanor.
As he was entering the carriage, after receiving
his sentence, half staggering under the accumu-
lated horrors Of his situation heartless indi-
viduas in the crowd potential murderers, fear)
cried out, " Good bye, John % He seemed 10
icipate the insults OF the crowd in the dash he made
from the steps 10 reach the carriage.
OF the anguish inflicted upon wide and respected
| circle Of relatives, friends, and acquaintance by
the issue of this tragic business il would be super
fluous to speak. No words adequately describe
their grief, their humiliation. The heart OF the
whole community has been wrung. II is under
stood that the prisoners family wholly unpre
pared for the terrible result They had secured
their own passages and that of Professor Webster
at his direction, for Fayal, for the goth Of this
month. They have all along had the strongest
persuasion Of his innocence, and were completely
prostrated by the overwhelming intelligence of his
conviction.
The Times states that yesterday morning, about
O'Clock, Mrs. Prescott. wife Of Hon. William III.
Prescott, and sister 10 Mrs Webster, aighted from
a carriage at the door Of the Webster family, in
Cambridge, and entered 10 communicate the
speakably dreadful tidings The most heart-renJ-
ing shrieks were heard TO issue Immediately from
the house. But we hasten to drop the veil over the
imaginable sorrows Of that crushed and stricken
group.
The Tines further states that letter Of condo
lence, 70 the unfortunate family IL now in circua
ton in the city Of Cambridge, and already contains
a large number Of names, among which are those
ofthc Hon. Jared Sparks Hon Edward Everett, and
Judge s. p. p. Fay. The character Of the paper is
10 the afflicted family that notwiths landing
the sad fate Of the husband and father, the wife and
daughters will continue ever 10 be esteemed,
spected and beloved by their friends and that all
that can be done will be done 10 comfort and sup.
port them under this terrible burden Of affction.