New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1856-12-27

II il trite remark, but one that tho readers OF
newspapers have frequent occasion to repeat, that
truth is stranger than fiction. Not that newspapers
are made up wholly Of truth Newspapers can but
repeat things as they hear them; and what human
ssqacify can suffice always to distinguish between
the false and the true Still, among the uuques.
tionable matters Of fact which we are called upon
daily to record are great many things which, had
they been introduced into one of Dickenss novels,
would have been set down as utterly extravagant,
or rather a. palpaby absurd.
Take, for instance, the evidence given on the
Huntington trial, and Of which, during the week
past, daily installments have appeared in all the
city journals. If Huntington did not stand there
prisoner in custody sworn to and identified beyond
all possibility of mistake as being the one individual
believe that the Huntington known to the greater
number of the witnesses who have testified on the
trial could have been the same Huntington who
kept an Office, and who lent and borrowed money
90 extensively in Wall street The progress of the
trial may, perhaps, DO something toward roll
ing into one these at present apparently
distinct and totally diverse and incongru-
Gus individuals; but to judge upon the
testimony - il stands Ut this moment, ono might
almost be disposed to wonder why the ingenious
counsel for the defense did not set up an albi or
mistake a. to identity, instead of putting the prs
oners case, a. they have done, upon his alleged in
sanity. Let Us not be understood, however, as
presenting to express any premature opinion on
that latter point. We wait with due Difference the
medical testimony which, it is stated is to be pat
IT, the arguments of the learned counsel the charge
of the Judge and verdict of the Jury; after which,
we presume, il will be in order for ourselves and tho
public TO form and express an opinion.
To revert, however, to the point Of identity. Az
the case stands at present on the testimony, it il
extremely difficult to understand how the Hunting
ton, into whose life, history, modes Of living, and
method of managing his domestic and personal
affairs, and even his earlier business affairs, the
witnesses have gone so infinitely, can possibly be
the same Huntington who, for the six months or
more previous to his arrest, borrowed and lent so
much money in Wall street. His Wall-street buii.
Tess, especially considering the sort of securities
upon which a large part Of his advances
were obtained, would seem to have been Of
q kind requiring Inc greatest order, system,
precision and exactness. 1t is difficult to
imagine how it went on for q month or
even week without the exercise Of
talents aid of forethought watchfllness and care
Of which the Huntington Of Twenty-second street
would not appear to have possessed particle.
This is a part Of the Gaze upon which it is to be
hoped that the progress of the trial may throw
seme further light. How Huntington spent his
money; how bis house or houses were furnished:
how many be had and who lived in them; how
many horses, carriages and servants he kept; what
Bis bill for carriage hire amounted to- how he cut
holes in his btots. gave good dinners, bought hair
bushes for bis servants in an mpetuous and alarm
ing us,per; Whist dresses and jewels be sent bis
vie, AID Row be had q brass baud 70 play f,r .
ow. private sttertsrnen.-al this, however it