Delaware State journal and statesman., 1865-07-21
The Aoquittal of Miss Harris.

The trial of Aliss Mary Harris, charged with
the murder Of A. j. Burroughs, Clerk in one
Of the Departments, at Washington which has
been in progress for upwards Of u week termna-
ted on Wednesday The plea of insanity on the
part Of the prisoner, WIS set up which was
sustained by the evidence, and yhe was acquitted
We give below the closing scenes of the trial -
Hon. b. W. Voorhees, made the closing speech
in behalf Of the accused contendng that from
all the affecting circumstances aud wrongs
inflicted upon her by the deceased, the homicide
was an act of insane impulse.
District Attorney Darlington delivered the
concluding argument for the prosecution. He
said appeals had been made 10 the sympathes
Of the jury, nothing else, and he could prove it.
"Great God, lie exclaimed. "WbAt an array of
counsel. Joseph II. Bradley, the great and
eminent lawyer
Before he bad finished the sentence Marshal
Gooding interrupted the speaker, telling the
audience they must cease laughing or he would
arrest them
Mr.. Darlington said "Let them laugh, Judge,
they have the right to laugh or cry"
Marsh0 Gooding responded; ''Alr Darlington
will regulate that matter"
Mr.. Darlington resuming, snid, avery we'll, /
submit, nnd continuing his remarks snid 'sIT
the jury acqut this woman on the ground Of
insanity, they put upon the records OF the Court
tact that would make them Look ridiculous.
The scene is laid in Chicago We find Mary
Harris meets Mary Devlin, who keeps millinery
establishment. What kind of an establishment
/ was that ?n
Judge Hughes here called the attention of the
| court to the misrepresentation Of the evidence
| by the District Attorney.
Judge Wyie informed the District Attorney
that he should not retalate upon Miss Deylin as
TO the character OF her house, because the counsel
Tor the defence had attacked DR. Burrourhs
Z ,JuQWO WVlte puih
| evidence against the character of the house of
MISS Devlln, and he would not permit him to
make an attack upon the house, though he might
comment as much aa he pleased on the testimony
| oi those ladies, but he should not nssal her
house, against which there was no evidence.
Mr.. Darlington said, "NO man shall say that
was ever seen to cover. ! discharge my duty
in the fear Of God, and without fear OF man"
Judge WyUe-fou shall not 90 on in that
manner. wall have no discussion between YOU
anu myself to be determined by the Jury.
Judge Hughes said he did not desire TO inter
rupt the District Attorney, and ho therefore
hoped he would confne himself to the evidence
and within bounds
Judge WJlie said it was unpleasant for him to
interrupt the counsel but in tie closing argument
the counsel must limit themselves TO the recop-
Di2ed bounds.
Mr. Darlington resumed his plea, and again
! denounced Miss Deylin
MIR. Brailey said such conduct was unbecom-
ing gentleman, and no gentleman would use
such language. lie would not SIT quietly and
suner this unprotected Indy to be insuted by
MIR. Carrington or any one else.
! MIR. Darlington said ho would do his dutv
Mr' Bradley rejoined-'No gentleman would
use such language"
Mr.. Darlington said he would return that in
suit, the gentleman having used such language
against Dir. Burroughs
MIR. Bradley said that Miss Deyin was brought
mere by him, aud he would protect her. An
a.'aok upon her was an attack upon him, aud
he would resent it.
The Court ordered Marshal Goolir. ~, for
the quarrelling between the lawyers, and in
formed MIR. Darlington that he was going be-
yond bounds in using such language against the
lady, against whom there was nothing in the
evidence.
After MIR. Carrington had concluded his nlea
Judge Wylle snid to the jury that tile law had
been laid down by the Court feeling satisfied
That they understOol it., AMI be now submitted
the case without furthee charge. lie boneI
they had madc up their minds aud would soon
render their verdict. The jury retired. and in
ABOUT ten minutes returned with verdict of nat
guilty. ''''
The announcement was. received with loud
applause, and some of the women cried with inv
Handkerchiets were waved and hats thrown mn
large number of the spectators rushed toward
MISS Harris to congratulate her on her acouittn
but she had tainted, and was carried out of tbe
Court room iu the arms Of Mr.. Bradley. her
senior counsel - -''