The Evansville daily journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ia. [i.e. Ind.]) 1848-1862, 1854-12-28

until that time in considering the Argument
and testimony submitted by the counsel for
defense.
The COURTROOM was denselys crowded,
outside the bar by Actizsns, and within by
members of the-bur, reportersf for the press
and officers of the Court. I4
The prisoner was brought in and placed
on the criminals bench. aud appeared alb
sorbed in conversation with his brother, who
alone occupied the seat with hun. 4
Judge Finn having taken his seat, refer.
red to the argument presented by the counsel
for the defense on its three several points:
/. That new testimony could be produced in
relation to the identity, as further set forth
in, the affidavit OF Mr.. Garrooie, the, turnkey
OF the Jail. 2. That the Jury had returned
verdict contrary to the ruling of Court.
3. That the verdict was contrary to the evil
dence. s-ts,s, a. s<Islis ryaors p
( His honor, in reviewing the case and the
argument for new trial, spoke Of the fair
ness and full opportunities presented for
/ full and impartial Investigation, offered by
the State, and OF the time at all TOO much;
and concluded by remarking that he had, in
face OF pupuiar feeling, twice admitted error
in the finding of a Jury impannsled to try
cases o. murder in the first degree, and over
ruled verdicts. His conscience and his heart
fortified by his understanding Of the law, had
sustained him; and now, perhaps procuring
the last decision called from him in his pres
ent official capacity, he was still surrounded
and sustained by the same honest convic-
tions and judgment that had heretofore been
his guide. 7Ll'Ae IS - ~
The Court declared its belief, thour h for
the first time during the trial placed in the
position of judge not only of the law but of
the testimony, that the finding OF the Jury
was reconcilable to the facts adduced as
bearing upon the crime charged and that
therefore the application of counsel for de-
tense for new trial must be overruled.
Mr.. Dickson gave notice that exceptions
would be made to the ruling of the Court.
Judge Finn said that, until Monday loo
clock, the Court would be in readiness TO en-
terrain the exceptions made by counsel, and
hoped they ould make them as full and per-
feet as possible. OBJ =" -, = ...,.,
Vim. Arrison, the defendant, was then
placed in front of the bar and comm nded TO
stand up.
Judge Finn then proceeded TO address the
| prisoner as follows:
William Arrison, you were indicated BY
the Grand Jury, under the first section Of the
Crimes Act, for the murder oil Isaac A llison.
The case wus submitted to Jury OF your
countrymen, and after patien; deliberations
this verdict was rendered. The Clerk then
read the verdict Have you anything to
say why the Court should not now proceed TO
sentence you! -i
The prisoner replied:
There are some things feel need to be
said, but whether they would avail me now
canno say. fondly hoped 10 get new
trial, in order TO have time TO prove my iDno-
ccDce. presume it is not the intention in
this, Hamilton county to put man to death
without giving him time to prove his inno-
cence, although it is almost the same thing
as death TO be confin in the Jail. Fine TO
the guilty only goes to confirm their guilt.
| am confident that if had tine, there are
things that could be brought to light that
would prove my innocence, n twit. standing
the beautiful net work of testimony that sur.
rounds me. ] did not think until after the
! trial that il would be of use 10 me to prove
where Twas on the Sunday and Monday
before the explosion. II had time, | think
| could prove where was. There is another
circumstances: When Mccullough came to
the Jail TO identity me, he says was stand
ING near the stove. will state here that
never ATTEMPTED to keep myself from being
seen by any person who was brought to the
Jail. was on the platform when Mccullough
visited the Jail. But this may be of no i'm
portance in the case. There are other things
| hatter myself that could substantate. !
could prove that never gave the box to the
boys; but whether this would be important
or not, cannot say; but it would prove that
Que link in this beautiful chain was broken.
There are other things | could prove, but, as
] be fore said, have not had time. have
nothing more 10 say.
/ The Judge said II at he had fondly hoped
that some showing would be made by which
he would be relieved of the solemn duties lie
had to perform, but such was not the case.
The trial had been approached by slow steps
and with tearfll eyes, but the result left but
one course for the Court to pursue. And in
view OF this being probably his last judicial
act, he would say that, if any legal oppor-
tunity had been presented him OF setting
aside the verdict and granting new trial,
he won have been proud to do so. The
taking OF life of fellow man was the
saddest of all duties, but the stern dictates of
the law must be obeyed. But no good reason
having been advanced, the Court must pro-
coed to it's painful dSty "a duty as painful as
the fhrobs of death itself.
William Arrson, il is the sentance of the
Court that you be taken from hence to the
Jail of Hamilton couny, by the Sheriff, and
therein confined until the ELEVENTH DAY
!! OF MAY, 1855, and upon that day, between
the hours Of ten o'clock in the morning and
. four O'Clock in the afternoon you be taken
to the place OF execution by the Sheriff, and
be then and there HANGED BY THE
NECK UNTIL YOU ARE DEAD .e9
The prisoner remained firm and composed
while being sentenced. and remained unds
turbed and apparently Indifferent. His
brother, who stood by his side, trembled
from head to foot snd burst into tears. az =