The Nevada Democrat., 1860-03-21
THE CORRUPTION CASE.


In cur columns Today will be found the evil
dence taken in the District Court on Saturday
last, in which two Of she jurors in an important
sut were charged with having received money
from one Of the parties interested, while the
trial was pending. The case tried was an issue
relating to the estate Of VIM. James Cady, who
died over year ago, leaving considerable pro-
perty. Henry Cady, bis brother, had taken
out letters Of administration; but Mrs. Gerhart,
(tben known as Madam Letters,) set up claim
that she was the wife Of James Cady and en-
titled to half bis property. This claim was re-
sisted by Henry Cady, and an application was
made in the Probate Court to have some other
person appointed to administer on the estate
It was claimed that Henry and James Cady
were partners when the latter died, and that
consequently Henry Cady was not entitled TO
administer upon the estate of his brother. The
question as to whether they were partners was
made up in the Probate Court and sent to the
District Court for trial. The question as to
whether Mrs. Gerhart was entitled 10 half the
estate was net directly involved In this suit.
but she was indirectly interested, ane employed
counsel to carry 1t on. The issue was tried by
jury, among whom were Martin and Green.
the testimony was closed on Wednesday even
ing, and the next day being set for the argu-
ment, the jurors we're permitted TO dsperse,
having previously been enjoined not to con-
verse with outside parties in regard to the case.
1t was during Wednesday night that the cir
cumstances happened as detailed by the evil
Injunction OF the Court two Of the jurors volun-
tarily called on the party most deeply interest
ed in the suit, spent the most Of the night In
her room, drank her wine, conversed about the
case, and according to her testimony che paid
one of them forty aud the other eighty dollars
--Gsyuy fee. The jurors deny having received
any money, but admit that she made indirect
overtures to pay them thousand dollars to
have the suit decided in her favor. Tho case
was argued on Thursday morning and submit
ted 10 the jury. On retiring the jury stood ten
TO two--Martin and Green holding out FIVE
hours, ION point of law" in favor OF Mrs.
Gerhart; the Judge was then called, and hav-
ing instructed the jury against the point taken
by Martin and Green, they were compelled to
give verdict in favor of Cady. This is bad
king feature of the case. 1t is not uncom-
mon for jurys to stand ten to two for many
hours, but when 1t Is shown that the two have
been tampered with. the public will be very apt
to come to the conclusion that their opinion
has been influenced by evidence not produced
in open Court.
This is the first case that ever occurred in
Nevada county, in which the integrity Of jurors
has been called in question, and we trust 1t may
bo the last. As the case was decided against
Mrs. Gsrhart no reason could be urged for SET
ting aside the verdict.
There were two men named Martin on the
jury. One OF them, Seth Martin, requests us to
state that he Is not the Martin implicated in this
affair. The Martin implicated was foreman Of
the jury, nd bis first name was not called dur
ing the proceedings.