Daily American organ. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1856, 1855-01-08
An Exciting Scene in the Cincinnati Crimi-
nal Court.

(says the Cincinnati Commercial of Tuesday } the
last day Of the Criminal Court of Hamilton county,
Ohio, will exist on the record Of incidents memo
rable for their portentous gravity and mpershable
from the remarkable eciat attending the final tri-
umph of judge In conflict with his officers. A
law repeating the Criminal Court, enacted by the
Legislature, said the act was "a to take effect and
be In force from and after the first day Of jan
uary, 1855" Ii appears, some Of the Common
Pleas judges entertained the opinion that the word
ing Of the law had precluded the Criminal Court
from officiating on the first Of January. Judge
Finn, Of the Criminal Court, supposed that the
words from and after the first day in January"
included that day. and proposed TO close up his
business and sign his record yesterday.
He was Of opinion that the law contemplated
transfer Of the Jurisdiction by him to the Court Of
Common Pleas, and that January term began
and ended that day In the Criminal Court. The
Common Pleas supposed the transfer took place
without the action Of the Criminal Court. The
Sheriff took counsel Of the Common Pleas, and re-
fused to open Judge Films Court. A scene of in
describable confusion took place. II the course
suggested by the Common Pleas were enforced,
the criminal business Of the country would be left
in singular position, and the effect on the Arison
case might be serious. the record not being signed.
The court continued through the morning and
afternoon sessions in the most inextricable confn-
sion. The principal difficulty, however lay be-
tween Judge Finn and his clerk, the latter being
in doubt as TO the course he should pursue, and
declining to obey the orders OF the court In the
meantime the clerk McMasters, was committed for
contempt. The court then adjourned TO meet at
eleven o'clock, p. N. The Commercial gives the
following as the finale
Atl1 o'clock, p NJ, the court ressscmbled.
The scene could not have presented a more grave
or sober aspect II the dim light Of Auber' had
been called into requistion. large crowd quick
" gathered H. the Judge, alarge retinne OF sheriff
officers, clerks, deputy clerks, officials, and cx-of-
cals Of all kinds took their places, and the bust
ness commenced anew. The clerk refused 10 make
the entry, committing himself 10 jail.
The court made perehptory order that he
should do so.
Jimmy (stiIl game) refused, stating that the writ
had been returned 10 the court Of common pleas,
and he was not responsible.
The sherif's officers denied that the writ was 20
returned.
The Court said IL the Clerk did not make the
entry he would declare his place vacant, and APP
point some one else.
The Clerk then made the entry.
At this stage Of proceedings, large company of
men, arrayed as Indians, wearing feathers in their
hats, and dressed In the most gaudy uniform,
marched right into the Court, with drums and flies
By order Of the Court, the Deputy Sheriff removed
them, and they marched out In order. AS they
marched out, however, every man seemed TO have
left package Of shooting crackers, and in the
dust and din OF the explosion the Court adjourned
20 the 29th day Of January