The Hillsdale standard. [volume] (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1851-1909, 1855-01-09
ARR1soN THE TORPEDO MONSTER.

Tho incinnai TIMES gives the scono "
the court room upon tho rendition of the YER
diet against the informal machine man. II
says:
A little after six o'clock in tho evening the
court room was ugain opened to spectators, Q
large crowd OF whom wero in waiting. Even
tho seits reserved for tho benefit of the fair sex
were soon filed wiihlades. Inside the bar il
was soon known that verdict had been agreed
upon. What it was, was not known, but il
was easily guessed at. 'Esrly verdicts arc al
ways against tho prisoner was whispered in
more than one ear, and tho general expecta'
tion was against tn accused. A solemn ankle
ty was depicted on every countenance, dread
wish to hear the few words upon which the
life ofa fellow being depended. gqa ~
With the jury, tho prisoner was brought in
TO Court, and for the first timo during his trial
was placed upon the prisoners bench. Iic
folded his hands and turned his eyes to the ju-
ry. We had a fair view of his countenance.
| ID was sorrowful deeply traced with care, yet
7 liked. An occasiunai deep drawn sigh, and q
nervous twitching of the fingers, were the only
signs of emotion. Yet his appearance seemed
pitiful He seemed 10 feel his fate!
Utter silence prevailed as the foreman arose
and passed tho sealed verdict 10 the Court. II
was opened and read:
"We, the jury find tho defendant. William
Amison GUILTY OF MURDER IN THE
FIRST DEGREE, as charged in tho indict-
meni' fT
When it was read there was a move among
tho spectators, as if disposed to applaud. One
man said rather loudly, That is rightr but
the prompt call of tho Deputy Sheriff for order
was Instantly obeyed. Tho announcement
made no change in The prisoners countcnance;
deep drawn sigh was tho only response. A
young lady sitting by the side of Judge Finn
burst into tears, ond even his honor was much
affected. DESTROYS of sparirg the prisoners
feelings as much as possible, Deputy-Sheritf
Higdon gave him seat behind tho Sheriff S
desk, whcro he was free from the gaze of the
spectators, which was fixed upon him
We have mentioned that when tho verdict
was rendered, young lady burst into tears
Soon after. she seated herself beside tho pris-
oner, and engaged in close conversation with
him, during which tears flowed freely down her
checks. We understand that during his resi-
dcncc here last summer he paid his addresses
10 this young lady. She was subpened by
the State to testify against the prisoner. hut
took the summons so much to heart that Mr..
Prudcn. the Prosecuting Attorney, agreed not
To call her rs n witness. Wo are not aware
what tie prosecution expected to prove by her
but suppose it was nothing of great moment
She had been in constant attendance during
the trial, rnanfesling great interest in the pro-
cccdings. Shc continued in close convcrsa-
tion with the prisoner until he was taken from
the Court room.
Tho prisoner was escorted back to Jail about
I o'clock. Iosioad of conducting him to his
old quarters. Jailor Mclean took him to what
is known as the Fatal or Murdercrs ROOM
II is called the Murderer's Room from the fact
that persons convicted of murder in the first
degree have nlw Us been confined in that apart
mcnt, and the Fatal Room. from The fact, that
every inmate of he apartment so convicted,
has suffered the full penalty Of the law.
The prisoner had bnt li,tle to say. As soon
as he was takou into Tho room. Jailor Mclean
informed him that ho had an unpleasant duiy
10 perform that he must strip him and examine
his clothing. The prisoner made no objection
but Immediately changed every article of clio
thing putting OF those furnished by the Jalor.
Those be took off were taken possession OF. by
Mr.. Mclean who searched them. Tho pris-
onor requested tho Jailor to burn some papers
in his pocket book. which was done in his pros
ence. AT an early hour he threw himself upon
his toi, and overcome, was soon asleep.