The Belmont chronicle, and farmers, mechanics and manufacturers advocate. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1848-1855, 1853-10-14
TRIAL OF KIsSAyE,

The CLOSING ScESE-The famous forgery
case, which has so largely engrossed public
attention for the last two weeks, has finally
closed. The trial at Lebanon, it is generally
limited, has been ably and impartially con-
Quoted. Judge Rogers has received deserved
commentator for the ability, moderation and
strong sense OF justice he has displayed. He
has proved himself competent, a learned
and an impartial Judge. The Jury was com.
posed of sound and sterling men, unprejr.
diced in their opinions, and determined to
perform what 10 them was a sad and solemn
duty. The case has been energetically and
ably conducted both by the counsel for the
State and the defence No ef1rt NOR honor
able means have been spared to give William
Kissane fair and impartial trial, and we be-
lieve, as far as nature can be infa,lible, he
has received what were his just deserts.
The verdict was returned by the jurors af-
ter retirement Of three hours, and its an
nouncement was most solemn and effective.
The general impression in and about Lebanon
was that kissane would be acquitted or that
the jury would disagree. Their decision of
"Guilty" caused general surprise, accompani.
ed by saddening influence, as large share
of sympathy had been awakened in behalf of
the unfortunate man, who, whatever his sins,
has suffered greatly, and whose position can
not but be calculated to arouse pity even in
the sternest bosoms. Klssane's late stand
ing in society, his previous reputation, his
youth and his sudden fall from high position
into dishonor and probable crime, have link
ed to his name species ofromance and mys-
terry, and strange curiosity, that have beeii
felt throughout the land.
We know not when we have witnessed a
singularly impressive and mournful scene
than that which attended the reading of the
verdict.
The Court room was dmly lighted, the
night without was dark and stormy, as if in
Unison with the fate OF The prisoner, when he
was brought in to hear the decision of those
, twelve men upon whom his future destiny
hung, and with whom his every worldly ex.
pectaton rested.
Kissane looked full Of hope, as he stood up
before those jurymeh, and gazed fxedly al
them, as if he would read their sentence ere
it was uttered. The awful word "guilly'
fell not upon his ear, as much as upon his
soul, which seemed to shriyel be fore that fear.
ful sound. Every ray of hope died in his
countenance; he started and gared wildly a.
round as il to seek for protection, add sanl,
overpowered beneath the unanticipated blow.
| He grasped nervously the arm oe his counsel
Judge Walker, who had struggled so nobly in
his defense, and who had fought so bravely
[ fh,nrh IN tho 4, ~,
/ ing fate which awaited him, and exclaming
in trembling and appalling tone: That i,
Wrong, Judge! As Heapen is my pitness, /
did not do i!" burst into an agony of tears.
Each spectator in the Court room felt a
thrill of woe. in that painful and awful scene
dead as the hope OF the unfortunate who wepl
weeping like child before them.
Justice, perhaps, had been done; but justice
Is stern and terrible; it softens not its rigol
though human nature is its victim. Justice
thou art fearless and stony, and dreadful. wher
meek-eyed Mercy folds thee not beneath he
snowy wings!
That scene will be long burned upon ou
memory. Near Kissane sat his young brother
bathed in :ears, and sobbing as if his hear
would break-helpless then he seemed an,
deserted: The elder brother, to whom h,
had looked up as to a father, plunged il
despair and affliction, was near him, a con
sicted feon. The mother of these tw'
young men, thank Heaven, was not there
She had MT yet learned that fearful intelli
gence which will slope the darkened descen
to her no distant tomb. She was awaiting
with breathless suspense and anxious m ind
and high, beating heart, the return to hi
home of the cherished son. A mothers Low
had neveraccused HMM her sight he wa
as innocent as when he lay. smiling infan
upon her BOSOM The hour approache
: Vhss sAs swai.ea bic coming ,hs dec,sstio