The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-08-02

by this cruel act, but during this trial had been
constantly and daily lashed If by scorpions was
daily slandered and yillhed in the most malignant
manner by some Of the witnesses for the defence.
They would come before her and watch the words
she dropped, then hasten TO the witness slaho 70
garble, Inisrepresent, and falsify them she was
denounced not only as the cause OF the prisoner
guilt of the death Of his wife, but II was oreated
also that she was the cause of his deception
He also alluded to the position OF Mrs. WOOD,
standing as she did in the hope OF saving her child
DURING Mr.. w Is remarks upon these two ladies,
many persons, amongst whom we nouced a juror,
were affected deeply, and in tears
He examined the testimony OF Mrs. wood and
the Fridleys concerning the distuT bance at Days
house on the nj ht of the oh of April, and contend
ed that the evidence OF the Fridleys was sustained
by that of Mr.. Wood
He alluded 10 the two points upon which so much
contradictory evidence was given on both sides, as
TO the prisoners whereabouts on Sunday night, and
also on Monday evening about six O'Clock. James
Tucker, Marsoletti, Kuhl, Herbert, Sears, Fra
Ter and others for the Defence differ among them
selves as to the precise place he in about that
hour. They all him. but differ as TO the exact
time. Sessford and the two Clarks swear positive
ly to his being on Four and half street bridge
about six O'clock
This apparent contradiction he thought could be
reconciled without imputng ialsehood to either;
but by means could it be supposed he was not
on the bridge about that time Again, William
Tucker, Ogle, Kirk, and others swear he was at
Coombss and Mr.. Wilson's on Sunday night, be-
tween eight and ten O'Clock; while Mary Fridley,
Miss Creamer, and Roux swear he was at Mr.
Frdley's door, in company with his wife, between
eight and nine O'Clock; and Mr. Downcr saw them
twice walking that night between eight and nine
He reconciled these statements by suPposing that
he left Coombs's earlier than the witnesses sup
posed, and reached Fridley's later than was sup
posed.
As to the conversation at MFs Wilson's, ON sun
day night, he asked why was not Tucker called to
prove it, And to the conversation at Mary Brow
ers's, why not the man who was said 10 nave
been there at the time caledl
MIR. w. then turned to the evidence upon the
death and burial of the child. He considered II al
together improbable that MIR. Day would tell Mrs
Wood that she had destroyed that child by lauda-
mum, when, according TO Mrs. Woods own state
ment, the deceased never let her own mother know
it. He defended, warmly, the Fridleys from any
suspicion of having connived at or having peeh
privy any unnatural death Of the child; and, not
withdrawing impressions that the evidence might
cause, and notwithstanding the declaration OF the
prisoner to Sears, made shortly after the death
of the child, "a declaration made without apparent
cause and never cxpained,) that his 'sou was
damned forever,'' he would fan believe the child's
death was the result OF negligence on the part OF
its parents.
Mr. Bradley disclaimed imputlng the death OF
the child to any person.
The above liz but rapid sketch OF the remarks OIL
Mr. Woodward, who, in conclusion, remarked to
the jury Say, If you can, the prisoner Is iree ana
has not committed this murder! II you believe
that he crazy, say so; that he was under a de-
usion that he shot her by mistake; If these things
you believe, say so! If you have a reasonable
doubt and fully persuaded that he is not guilty
proclaim it! If you believe that he IS guilty,
proclaim it Give US safety in our homes not by
delivering man to death, but by maintenance
of Justice and the laws. The storm may be upon
US, and some of our members may be injured, but
the storm will purify the atmosphere; we Will be
safe at our fresides, or under our g vine and ilg
tree, mono daring to modest make US afraid.
should feel no satisfaction if hair of Days head
be hurt. If could would wipe out the stain upon
it. But cannot do it. And, gentlemen, 1t Is not
your province to look at what is the punishment,
but you must decide the issue now submitted
The law, the country, and might say the whole
world, call upon you to do your duty; your farnl-
lies call upon you to do your duty, and to do It
like men; and can safely say, in the language OF
the clerk of the New England courts, May God
send him safe deliverance."
can give him promise of hope in this cause,
because feel that 'the wages of sin Is death
ask you to do your duty. know you will know
that you have sat quietly, during all the excite
ment of the trial, and listened with attention. You
have my thanks for il; and regret that could not
sooner bring my remarks TO conclusion.
| trust, gentlemen, you may be aided by much
light in the consideration OF this case, and that
when you shall have given your verdict you can
put your hands upon your hearts, and, looking to
wards heaven, feel satisfied that you eperform-
ed your duty; and believe that gentlemen on all
sides will enjoy like approval of their conscience.
The court at half-past six o'clock, adjourned.