The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1859-04-27

- Tie adversity out Of ~u.Ou .-oy nave come 80
we'll
The Warrington Tragedy--vers1et OF 40
quastai.
Yesterday at two O'Clock the case of Daniel r.
SickIes, tried for the murder of the late Mr. Key,
at Washington, went to the jury, who, after re-
firing for an hour, brought in verdict OF not
guilty. This is just what we predicted nearly
two months ago, In the first article we published
on the subject, when the homicide occurred.
But looking back over the course pursued by
counsel on both sides during this judicial ipvesti-
gation-their gladiatorial exhibitions their long
winded legal dissertations their subtle, hair
splitting mystifcations, their observation-disclosures
and ridiculous fooleries, which, spun out for
twenty-three days, with all sorts Of variations,
were sufficient to confuse and bewilder any
twelve honest, unsophisticated men-we have had
our doubts as to the result during the progress
of the trial, and we now regard 1t as really won
derful that the strong common sense Of the jury
triumphed over such difficulties, and, looming out
of the fog with which they were surrounded, not
only came to definite conclusion, but rendered,
after 90 short consultation, q verdict in full
accordance with public opinion. No hanks to
the counsel for this da,ouen,ent Of the edy, for
never was a trial 80 botched and bungled be-
fore. It is to the sound understanding and firm
ness of the jury, and not to the wisdom of the
lawyers, that this verdict Of substantial justice is
due, and there can be little doubt that these
twelve sensible men had made up their minds at
an early stage of the trial, which might as well
have been despatched in three days, as forced to
drag its slow length along for three weeks.
The accused has reason to thank some lucky
star that the result is what it is. There was ex-
treme risk of its being far otherwise. Let him,
therefore, rejoice; but let him be cautious, and
let him keep quiet. Let no indiscreet friends
induce him to accept any foolish ovations. His
best friends will advise him to withdraw from
public view, and avoid all notoriety for the pre-
sent. 1t will take some years for this matter to
wear out Of the public mind. 1t has been
lamentable and disastrous affair all through.
Let him, therefore, retire quietly and modestly
from the popular gaze till it is forgotten. Let
him take the opportunity of beginning fresh
career. Let him be born again, and lead new
life for the future. In order to carry out this
idea, his best and wisest course will be to start
in some other State than this-to remove from
former scenes and associations that he may
again carve his way to professional and even
political distinction. He is not too old yet to
begin Few career. There is q life of honor and
happy old age still before him If he will only
now pursue the right course.
The following is the article which we pub
lished on the subject at the time of the homicide,
and to which we have referred In the beginning
Of this
THE RECENT TERRIBLE AFFAIR IN WASHINGTON.
from the NEW YORK HERALD, March IL
On last Sunday afternoon, in the most arisocratc
square Of the federal capital and under the very drop
pings of the Executive mansion Of the most disn-
gushed members Of the lower house Of Congress
tered and killed the law officer Of the government for the
District Of Columbia. Both Mr. stckies and Mr. Key were
Of high attachments, good social position and extend
ed popularityboth in the prime Of eboth in the out
set Of distinguished Careers One deliberately violated
honor the deepest possible STAIN The young wife Of Mr.
Sces had forgotten her marriage hor duty 10 her
human nature the polished, highly bred, isoucark
Of the world changed In moment 70 the savage seek
ing the life OF his enemy who was sent to bis Maker
| pentart, unannealed.
As matter Of course, such an affair." with such cir
ate the most intense excitement Wherever the swim wings
Of the telegraph conveyed it, particulars In all its
poets the affair 10 most lamentabe one Here are two
families desoated at one blow-one life sacrificed and
others made forever miserable Public opinion will
apprehend, be almost unanimous in favor Of Mr. 5ckes
the society Of his vito and chidreno that magic circle
where the man. weafied and bated in political discus
sons could seek and find the only rcpose he might know
the face Of the earth The circumstances 60 To show
that this peaceful and happy existence deliberately
invaded and then desecYaed by the seduccr II cannot
be denied that such circumstances will go far 70
the head Of Mr. Key, answering his hand offered In tho
disguise Of friendship, at tho mnzzle Of the pistol Dis
melted out 70 Mr. Sickles, who has deliberately violated
the laws Of his country, which be was especially bound
WIN DC ~ 1s ana mat ms
the most Ingenious nquistors could ever have invented
No jury in Washington will convict Me- sickles Of
the murder Of Mr.. Key. The punishment preceded the
crime and long the assailant shall live long will
tho memory Of that terrible Sabbath be present In his
waking hours and disturb his deepest slumbers II the
aim otho law entirely exemplary its action is entirely
unnecessary in such cases a. this. No judicial action
could point moral with more severity than do tho cir
cumsssnoes attendant upon the killing Of Mr. Key BY MI
| Sickes.
The effect Of this melancholy affair upon the public life
Of the survivor Will be temporarily disastrous. The PEG
pie Of New York. whatever may be said 10 the contrary
have deep seated respect for the law, and, under any
circumstances, will view its abrogat,on with repug
They may excuse the s but win hesitate =
like Mr. Scses will not be altogether lost TO the country
which il wide enough for all In OF the border Terri
tories, where from the axAy Of society and the weakness
Of infant governments the theory Of voNt remedies fo
violent social evils necessarily recognized be may com
mence new career, unstained by social ban we hopt
and trust be ~ill do Few young in PuSc ie hat
more promise than Mr. Sckles previous to this adar az
the recognized leader, he the clevereSN man
in tho delegation from the commercial metropolis ~ tn,
country An eloquent orator keen tcbaer, and Lart
woI King man in committee and, witha not losing sig u
Of those social amenities which adorn the life Of the pub
man lac had all the prerequisites tor nrst class states
There will DO those who will be glad return him
again at Washington after time shall have in degree
eoteped the bitterness OF the cup which has been pre-
| sented 10 his lips.
WAsHEGToN HEIGHTs--TuE DuTY OF THE
PROPERTY OwNERs.--Now that the lobby jobbers
bsve been defeated at Albany in their scheme
about the region of Washington Heights, in the
Twelfth ward Of this city, extending from
Manhattanville TO Spuyten Duyvil Creek, the
Co. g. H., . ~