Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1858-12-21
A QUEER TRIAL

The arraignment of the Oberlin slave res
cuers at Cleveland, was an unusual and anus
ing scene for a courtroom. A correspondent
Of the Boston Journal describes it,
The Marshal went down in open day and
gulse-teathers down, and feeling, he said,
somewhat meanly. He was quietly and kind
ly met-warrants served by passing call, and
the whole business left with Prof Peck, one of
the United States criminals in voluntary Gus
tody for a State prison offence. Prof. Peck
was to gather the other criminals and appear
before his honor Judge Wilson, next day at two
o'clock T. M, the Marshal supplying funds to
Prot Peck for railroad fare, and, | suppose for
the hotel expenses. met them at the Bennett
House; all seemed in good spirits citizens of
OberGn-men of Character and Standing
were with them, but no marshal or other Off
GERS. Even deputy marshal Dayton, who had
left Oberlin for good reasons, and who was
boarding at this house, failed to appear at the
dinner table. After dinner these criminals
and few friends walked up to the United
States court room, and reported themselves to
his honor the court. By the way, marshal
johnson did the pretty thing, and accompanied
Mrs. Prof. Peck to his own house, in his own
carriage, where she dined in state
1.-The roll was called-three names were quite
wrong, but the telons were there, and stood up,
saying, 1--WE suppose that means us, and we are
here y The district attorney of the United
States said they might avail themselves of the
errors; but no! when the roll was through,
there were those whose names had not been
called, and it was announced-"f there are
any persons present against whom it is known
that indictments are pending, but upon whom
no warrant has been served, please stand up
ana give your names" And so they did AS
the names were read, Judge Spadng, of this
CITY, attorney for the criminals, said to the
court, "They all plead not guilty." At the
conclusion Judge S. arose and addressed the
court in behalf of his numerous clients. 1t
was short and telling speech. 1--WE are ready
Tor trial, and demand it forthwith "Why,"
sad the U. ). attorney, 1--WE are not ready
cannot be for two weeks; some of my witnesses
are In Kentucky or TENNESSEE Judge Snail
ding quietly remarked, at would be very hard
for so many citizens of Ohio to lie in iail,
awaiting the pleasure of some gentlemen of
kentucky or TENNESSEE The court replied
1T viii not be necessary for them to do that
they can give bail" Judge S. replied CHAT
remains to be provedp The u. S. attorney
was evidently in fix. "Why," said he, "why
this hastei do not see the necessity of press
ing this case. You will not be unreasonably
persistent and crowdingP awe only ask for
trial at once-now-this very hour" replied
Judge s., very coolly.
nv No'i0 phcu ~ was Impossible 10 pro-
coed at once-that he would put the bail at
5000, half the usual amount. 81 will consult
my clients, said Judge s., retiring with
the criminals to another room-without guard
black and white. The United States mar
sinai again paid his respects to Mrs. Professor
Peck. Lawyers and spectators quietly in con
versation judge and attorneys in conference
at times. "Send those men to Jail WHY.
there are not iails enough on the Western Re,
serve to hold them" But here they come
The criminalsl And what about the $500 bail
Why, not a word Of it No, sir, not A dollar
mot dime from one of them Wei. what
is to be done This was done They all an.
swered 70 their names and stepped forward in