Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1866-01-30
LOCAL NEWS.
THE TRIAL OF GENERAL BAKER
The Pardon Brokerage Case.
CRIMINAL &c

CRIMINAL Court, JUDGE FISHER
The trial of Lafayette c. Baker was resumed
this morning in the Criminal Court, when there
was fully as large a number Of spectators
present as on any previous day.
On the opening of the Court, Mr. Stanton
proceeded with his argument on the prayers
offered by the defense, quoting Archibald and
other authorities in support of his position.
Mr.. Stanton prayed the following instruc-
tons as additional TO the sixth proposition,
viz:
1.-THE prosecutrix claims to have influence
by the use of money in procuring pardons, she
was engaged in a business which was Immoral
and against public policy, and any contract
made In pursuance OF such business was ille-
gal and void. The money received in such a
contract was obtained by an act of turpitude,
and ought not to be retained. The defendant
had no right to take the money by force from
the prosecprix; but if she gave 1t up yolun-
tarily, without restraint. no crime has been com
mitted.
He also, At the close Of some remarks by Mr..
Riddle, submitted the following prayer
If the defendant sent the money to Mrs. Cobb
for the purpose Of expressing her mode of pros
ecuting and obtaining pardons, the same being
immoral and against public policy, then the
defendant is not equally criminal with the said
Mrs. Cobb, and would have right to recover
the money.
Mr.. Bradley, Jr., argued against the instruc-
tons prayed by the defense.
Mr.. Bradley, ST., followed, and the argument
was closed by Mr. Stanton for the defense
Mr.. Stanton was proceeding to argue the
point OF extortion. when Mr.. Darlington stated
that the accused was not indicted for extortion:
but that reference was made to extortiou
SIMPLY as an aggraHahon OF the charge of false
imprisonment
ton 10 extortion was stricken out, and case
rester upoc lie indictment for false imprison-
ment, aggravated by the attending circum-
stances.
The argument to the jury was, at Las d. m q,
commenced, MT Hughes opening. He stated
that the largest latitude had been given TO both
sides. The instructions which would be given
would be such as TO entitle il to the greatest
respect. He Noticed the fact Of the prosecution
being aided by others than the District Attor-
aey, and stated that the prosecuting witness At
first had not been so well supplied. When this
witness first applied to him he referred her to
the District Attorney, supposing that then his
functions as counsel for her would cease. She
returned to him, and stated that under the view
OF the District Attorney, that he was not called
on to send her TO the Grand Jury, he advised
her to go before justice of the peace He then
ielt to be his duty to bring the case before the
Grand Jury, and the indictments were found
He mentioned this to explain why he was in
the case. Y
There are some persons who hold that law
yers should not aid in the prosecution of cases,
but he did not belong to such school OF mo-
rality. He would never hesitate to assist in
any prosecution where he thought there was
guilt. This was charge OF assault and bat
terry and false Imprisonment. Personal rights
were too well understood, and were guaran.
teed by the Constitution when it says no per.
sOns sndIi dIicS'cu cxccpt Dy WArrdut or due
process OF law. 1t matters not Whist may be the
character Of a person-if the party is a thief
murderer or prostitute-these persons were lust
as sacred under the laws rs that Of the person
Of the most unblemished character So strict
are the laws TINT IL q murderer be indicted'
sentenced to death by hanging. and is put to
death by any other way, the party SO doing is
guilty OF murder; u ne takes the life in any
other manner than that named in the sentence
he Is subject himself for the death penalty
The jury would agree with him in saving that
the course OF the counsel on the other side, IN
9ftAcking the character Of the pro- s~utrix, was
adding insult to injury. II Gen. baker, wear
ing the uniform Of the United States army,
% chief Of bureau uAknown TO ths laws cAl