The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1865-08-16
GUILTY, OR NOT GUILTY,
The ThoughtleSS S Husband.
BY T. S. ARTHUR.

we were not legally, aJury-there had
been no formal submission to our decision.
But we were tribunal for all that, and
had neighbor on trial. He was not pres
ent, of course; before such tribunals the
accused is never summoned to appear Ell
ther in person or by counsel. He is tried
and condemned or acquitted without a
hearing.
The case under consideration was Sc
rieus one, involving the crime Of wife
murder. A woman beloved by all who
knew her, had slowly faded and wasted in
our eyes, until like withered autumn
leaf, she dropped to the river of death,
and foated from our sight. Her husband
had exhibited an almost unmanly sorrow
at the grave; and SO drawn toward him
self a more than usual degree of observa-
ton. We were talking sadly of our de-
parted friend; of her virtues, her graces,
her sweetness of temper, her devotion to
all duties, and patient self denial, when
one referred to her husband saying:
"I do not wonder that his heart is near
| ly broken. [ shall never forget that bu-
rial scene as long as 1 live
To this there came an impatient reply.
| at was all shamI'
There followed startled looks and a
rapid exchange of meaning glances. The
last speaker added:
Cor, if the emotion were real,i sprang
| from remorse, not sorrow"
Immediately the jury was formed in
voluntarily and without regard to the le-
gal number. Witnesses from all quarters
| came unsummoned to the stand.
''It was clear case of wife murder" "
said one speaking out boldly 81 knew
Mary Green WE'LL We were friends at
school. 1 was her bridemaid, and have
been intimate with her ever since her mar
riage, and my testimony is that if her
husband had treated her with considerate
kindness, she would have been alive to
day. But he was selfish, exacting, mean,
unsympathizing. He not only permitted
her to take up burdens too heavy for her
strength, but cruelty added to these bur
dens, and when, weary to faintness, she
stumbled by the way, or uttered a COM
plant, he gave ber frowns instead OF
smiles. know I have seen it alll-and
will bear my testimony against him.
For years she has been fading and failing;
yet he gave her no respite. She was sim
ply the slave of his convenience; and he
exacted service to the last iota."
ssMr. Green is an honorable and just
man," spoke out witness in his favor ,as
this accuser ceased. "I have good oppor
tunities of knowing him-have repeated
ly seen his integrity put to the test"
"Have you seen him in his own homer
was oueried.
sNo."
"lt is of his home life we are speak
ing"
A pause followed.
ga man." continued the last speaker
'smay be upright in his dealings with men
may be just to the last farthing; may no
part from integrity when sorely tempted
and yet be miserable tyrant at home
"Now, I have observed Mr.. Green in his
family, and can testify that he was not ;
considerate and loving husband-that hi
conduct toward his wife was bad
"In what respect?" queried one; eva
he ll-natured--passion
neglectful? How was his conduct bad?'
"He was neglectful for one thing" an
swered the other. "Now, every true wo
man knows that neglect and indifference
are, in certain cases, as sure to destro,
life as slow working poison"
"Did he neglect her? Why, | neve
imagined that"
"Not as some men neglect their wives
9 There was nothing of that coarse indif
ference that we sometimes see; but still
neglect. She was too much out of hi
thoughts. He treated her as if she wer
not of any account beyond the sphere o
household and maternal duty; as if sh
were only useful piece of machinery
working for his comfort, feeling nothin
and desiring nothing. Did you ever Sc
: them together at place of public amuse
3 ment2"
None answered in the affirmative.
''I have seen him very often at the thea
/, ter and opera, but seldom in compan
= with his wife,
''[ can speak to the point on that head
a remarked another, coming in with he
: testimony, and manifesting considerabl
i warmth of feeling. II have spent day
> at a time with Mrs. Green We wer
: friends of long standing, and I loved he
j dearly. 1t was just as you have heard.-
If Mr.. Greer never seemed to imagine tn;
e his wife needed change, recreation, an
amusement like other people. Once whi
; I was in the family, the wife of Mr.. Green
cousin, who resided in Cincinnati, mao
them visit She was handsome, livel
: companionable woman, who had thrc
children and husband at home to the cal
of domestics, while she enjoyed herself
few weeks at the East. Mr.. Green gay
= up all his leisure to her entertainment
y drove her out to see all the notable plac,
in and around the city, took her to tt
81 Academy of Music, or to the theater,
am sure as often as two or three times
week."
"Won't Mrs. Green go with us?'' il
quired the cousin, when the first dri'
out was being proposed.
ooh! no, you need not ask her. ST
never goes anywhere" )" replied Mr.. Gree
before his wife had time to answer.
ST looked at Mrs Grcen She smile