The Ashland union. [volume] (Ashland, Ashland County, Ohio) 1854-1868, 1854-12-27
Arrison d. Torpedo Monater.

Arrison tbs Torpedo Monster.
The Cincinnati Times gives the scene
in the court room upon the rendition of
the verdict against the Internal mashine
man. 1t says
A little after six o'clock in the eve
ming the court room was again openedto
spectators, a large crowd of whom were
in waiting. Even the seats reserved for
the benefit of the fair sex We're soon FL
lid with ladies. Inside tho bar it was
soon known that a verdict had been
agreed upon. What it was, was not
known, but it was easily guessed at
" Early verdicts are always against the
prisoner, " was whispered in more than
one ear, and the general expectation
vas against the accused. A solemn
anxiety was depicted on overy countc
nance, a dread wish to hear the few
words upon which the life of a fell W
being depended.
With the jury, the prisoner, was
during his trial, was placed upon the
prisoners bench. He folded his hands
and turned his eyes to the jury. We
had a fair view of his countenance. It
was %sorrowful, deeply traced with care,
yet fixed. An occasional deep drawn
sigh, and q nervous twitching of the
fingers, were the only signs of emotion.
Yet his appearance seemed pitifal. He
seemed to feel his fate !
Utter silence prevailed as theGTeman
arose and passed the sealed yFdict to
the Court. It was opened and lead:
We, the Jury fnd the dsssndant,
William Arrison GUILTY 07fMUR-
DER IN THE FIRST DEGREE, as
charged in the Indictment
When it was read there. was Il move
among the spectators, as if dispSSedto
applaud One man said rather loudly,
" That is right - but the prompt call
of the Deputy-Shorif for order was in
stantly obeyed. The anouncementmade
no change In the prisoners co~untenanoe ;
a deep drawn sigh was his only reponse
A young lady sitting by the -side of
Judge Finn burst into tears and even
sirous of sparing the prisoners feelings
as much as possible, Deputy Sheriff
Higdon gave him a seat behind the
Sherif's desk, where he was free from
the gaze of the spectators, which was
fixed upon him.
We have mentioned that when the
verdict was rendered, a young lady
burst into tears. Soon aftor, she seat
ed herself beside the prisoner, and en-
gagged in close conversation with him,
during which tears flowed freely down
her cheeks. We understand that during
his residence here last summer he paid
his addresses to this young lady. She
was subpened by the State to testify
against the prisoner but took the sum
mons so much to heart that Mr.. Pruden,
the ProsecutingAttorney agreed not to
call her as a witness. We are not a.
ware what the prosecution expected to
prove by her, but suppose it was moth
ing of great moment. She had been
in constant attendance during the trial,
manifesting a great interest in the pro-
ceedings. She continued in close con-
versation with the prisoner until he was
taken from the Court room.
The prisoner was escorted back to
Jail about 7 o'clock. Instead of con-
Quoting him to his old quarters, Jailor
Mclean took him to what is known as
the Fatal or Murderers's room from the
fact that persons covieted of murder in
the first degree have always been confn.
ed in that apartment, and the Fatal
Room, from the fact, that every inmate
of the apartment so convicted, has suf-
fered the full penalty of the law.
The prisoner had but little to say
As soon as he was taken into the room,
Tailor Mclean informed him that he
had an unpleasant duty to perform, that
he must strip him and examine his
clothing. The prisoner made no objeo-
ton, but Immediately changed every
article of clothing, putting on those fur
nished by the Jailor. Those he took
off we're taken possession by Mr.. Mclean
who searched them. The prisoner re-
uuested the Jailor to burn some papers
in his pocket-book, which was done in
his presence. At an early Hour he
threw himself upon his bed, and over
come, was soon asleep.