The Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1855-1875, 1865-11-30
GIjIITY-OR-NOT-GUILTf,
OR THE
TJOVCHTIESS HUSBAND.
BY T. 5. ARTHUR

We had not been drawn by the Snerld
were not legally iury-there had been
no formal submission to our decision
But we were a tribunal for all that, and
had a neighbor on trial. lie was not
present, of course; before such tribunals
the accused is never summoned TO ap-
pear either in person or by counsel. he
is tried. and condemned or acquitted,
without hearing.
The case under consideration is serl-
Gus one, involving the crime OF wife
murder. A woman beloved by all that
knew her, had slowly faded and wasted
in our ewes, until like a wlthered autumn
leaf, she dropped to the river of death,
and floated from our sight Her husband
had exhibited almost an unmanly sorrow
at the grave and so drawn toward himself
n more than usual degree of observation.
we were talking sadly of our departed
friend Of her virtues, her sweetness OF
temper. her devotion to all duties, and
patient self-denial, when one referred to
her husband, says
II do not wonder that his heart is
nearly broken. / shall never forget that
burial scene a long IS l live.
To this there was an impatient re
ply
1T was all a sham :!
There followed startled looks and a
rapid exchange of meaning glances.
The last speaker added
ssOr, if the emotion were real, 1t sprang
from remorse, not sorrow.
Immediately the jury was formed invol-
UNFAIRLY and without regard to the legai
number. Witnesses from all quarters
came unsummoned to the stand.
1T was a clear case Of wife murder,
said one, speaking out boldly. II knew
Mary Green we'll We were friends at
school Twas her bridemaid and have
! been intimate with her ever since her
/ marriage, and my testimony is that If
her husband had treated her with con-
4 si,lerate kindness. she would have been
) alive to-day But he was selfish, exact
| inc, mean, unsympathlzing. lie not
only permitted her to take up burdens
/ too heavy for her strength, but cruelty
added to these burdens, and when weary
10 faintness. she stumbled hy the way,
or uttered Il complaint, he gave her
! fronus instead Of smiles. | snow. l
. have seer It all, and | Will bear my testi-
morv against him. For years she has
been fading ali falling: yet ne gave her
no respite She was simply the slave ct
his convenience; and he eNacted services
to the last iota.
=. Mr.. Green Is an RoupIabte anu . iboe
man" spoke out a witness in his favor.
a. h.. predecessor ceased. Il have had
good opportunities OF knowing hin
have repeatedly seen his Integrity put to
the test
Have YOU seen him in his own home ?"
was queried.
No"
1t is his home life we are speaking
of
A pause followed.
~ man. continued the last speaker,
may I've upright in his dealings witA
meu-may be Just to the last farthing-
may not depart from integrity when
sorelv tempted-and yet be miserable
tyrant at home.
Now, l have observed Mr.. Green in
his family. and can testify that he was
not considerate and loving husband
that his conduct toward his wife was
bad"
: I'm what respect" queried one, "was
r he i'll neutrality-suspicious. abusive -
ncclectful? 3? How was his conduct bad =
"He was neglectful for one thing
: answered the other. Now, every true
woman knows that neglect and indifrer-
ence are. in certain eases, as sure to de-
strov life as slow wo-king z poison"
Did he neglect her? Why, L never
imagined that
Not as some men neglect their wives
There was nothing Of that coarse indif
ference that we sometimes see; but still
neglect She was too much cut Of his