Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-09-30

Oh InlS COuIiu6nl. 1t Is eAeICiSou wv SS1
for the benefit of Britain, but for the benefit OF
the whole world ; and it accrues to the adVan-
tage, not only of the rulers of India, but, Inn
nitely more, of the ruled. ltsprostratlon would
be one of the greatest calamities that could lall
upon the human family-to India itself it would
be curse such as only that land ever experlen-
ced before.
Mayors Court-Great Excitement III Law
yer's Lane. Ns>
On Wednesday morning last there was gen.
eral rush to the office of the Chief OF Poiice 10
witness the trial of two of our most highly es-
teemed citizens for an alleged violation ofthe no
torious market law. We ran down asfastastwo
tolerably nimble legs could carry us, and upon
our arrival found Alderman Bryson presiding
surrounded by bevy of lawyers sufficient 10
brighten the whole Corporation Court out OF It's
propriety. Our promising young friend 0ohn
Marshall Halifax was upon trial, undera warrant
issued by John Daniel Develem, Esq charged
with the grave offence of setting at defiance ana
trampliug under foot the sacred laws OF the au-
gust Corporation of Staunton. we exarnneu
his countenance carefully, but could draw no IN
ferences as to the probable guilt or innocence OF
the accused. Surrounded by his counsel, ia
cob Humphrey McClinker, George Maiaprops
Colfax and Alexander Revolver Smith, Esqs.'
he seemed to be awaiting his fate with degree
of calmness and fortitude truly remarkable, con-
sidering the tightness of the money market. In
behalf of the Commonwealth, George Washing
ron Inforit was called to the witness stand we
began to tremble for the young disciple Oh
Blackstone, but to our surprise the witness &C.
Quilted him emphatically of any violation OF the
ordinance, so far as his knowledge extended
We looked out for another witness, but TO our
great relief no person was forthcoming, ana we
had the proud satisfaction of seeing John Mar
shall Halifax honorably discharged, with no
stain upon his bright escutcheon.
Another gentleman of equal promise, ana In
whose welfare we were equally interested, was
next arraigned on similar general charge
He was represented by the same multitudinous
and brilliant array of talented counsel, VINO IN
sisted that the warrant was faulty and should
be sssouashed," 1--WE believe that is the technical
term.) inasmuch as no specific charge was set
forth in the instrument. The Justice, however,
entertained different opinion, and proceeaed 10
take the evidence of John Marshall Halifax
During the examination and terrible cross-ex-
animation to which the witness was subjected,
there was scarcely dry eye in the room.-
Cause why-not necessary to say. MT. Hall
fax testified substantially to the following facts
On Wednesday evening he had entered the
office of the Chief of Police where he met MI
Inforit, the accused He came out from the
back room of the Office with few pears IN hS
hand, portion OF which he offered to him. de
met in the office "colored individual. lie
did not see Mr.. Inforit pay the darkey any mo-
ney, but saw him put his hand in his pocket and
then lay something on the mantel-piece. VIII
ness could not say what it was, but saw the
darkey 70 to the mantel-piece and put his hano
at the same spot. Witness could not say what
he picked up.
Question 5y the J,.sties-"Is it your opinion
that Mr.. Inforit paid the negro for the pears"
Mr. MeClinker- "Don't you answer thai
question:"
Justice, with whitening glance at the coun-
sel.)-'I will manage this case for myself, sir
| wish to read the counsel the market ordinance
probably they have never read IT,. Here ths
Justice read the law and repeated his interrog'
atory to the witness.
Witness may be allowed to express an
opinion, would say that he did pay for the
pears"
Counsel, altogether )-"You have no right
to say that!n Witness is confederation know
what he is saying.
Justiee-'It's pretty strong evidence any
howl"
Here the counsel stated four grounds OF de-
Tense. In the first place, they denied that MIR.
Inforit bought the pears at all. In the second
place, if he did buy them he bought them at the
market house and payed for them there. In
the third place. if he did not pay for them there,
be bought them there and paid for them at the
Office of the Chief of Police; and fourth, that
he didn't pay for them at all, because the negro
gave them to him. Each and every one OF these
propositions were self-evident and needed no
argument. The counsel also expressed desire
to introduce testimony as to the character both
of the accused and the witness, but the Justice
thought it unnecessary, and felt it to be his
painful duty to fine Mr.. Inforit 81 and adjourn
the Court An appeal was taken by the coun-
sci, and the case will probably be re-heard at
the next term of the Corporation Court.
Que7e 5y Reporter.-How came the pears in
the back room of the Chief of Police9
A Curious Circumstance.
We are indebted to correspondent at Nor
folk for an account of the arrival there of the