St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1867-08-16
The SurrUft Trial Ended.

from their rooms-he, the Judge, was
satisfied that they could not agree upon
a verdict
Mr.. Middleton, addressing the jury,
said: Gentlemen Of the jury, have you
agreed upon your verdict?
Mr.. Todd-We have not been able to
agree.
The jury were then discharged. They
had been together IS hours, and had by
letter notified the Judge that they could
not agree-in all their ballots they have
stood four for conviction and eight fol-
acquittal. The correspondent of the
Boston Journal in giving an account Of
the matter says:
/ Some of the jurymen state that if Sur
raft had neen indicted as an accessory
before the fact, or as participating in a
conspiracy to murder, instead of direct
principal, charged with being present
and then and there numbering the Presi-
dent, he would have been brought in
guilty at once, but that, under the indict-
ment as given to them. they could not
agree on verdict of guilty.
Surratt was very much depressed at
the result, and remarked to his brother
that he would have preferred any verdict
to going through another trial, with the
consequent long imprisonment and sus-
pense.
Owing to the rumors of impending
troubles, the prisoner was ironed and
taken back to Jail by a heavy guard.
The next trial will take place at the De.
ccmber term of the criminal court-Chiei
Justice Carter presiding.
Judge Fisher rose, after the jury were
discharged, and read the following:
81 have now 4 very unpleasant duty
to discharge, but one which | canno,
forego. On the ID day of July last,
during the progress of the trial OF John
III. Surratt for the murder of Abram Lin
coin. Immediately after the court had
taken recess until the following morn.
ing, as the presiding Justice was descend
ing from the bench Joseph Bradley, Esq.
accOsted him in rude and insulting
manner. charging the Judge with having
offered him (Mr. Bradley series of in
suits from the bench from the commence
ment of the trial. The Judge di>claimed
any intention whatever of passing any
insult, and assured Mr.. Bradley that he
entertained Tor him no other feelings than
those of respect Mr.. Bradley, so fan
from accepting this explanation or dis
claimer. thereupOn threatened the .Tudg,
with personal chastisement, as he under.
stood him No court can administer
justice or live ii its Judges are to b,
threatened with personal violence on all
occasions, whenever the iraScibility o
counsel may he excited by an imaginary
insult. The offense of Mr. Bradley i:
one which even his wears will not palli.
ate. 1t cannot he overlooked or 20 un.
punished as contempt of court. Ii /.
therefore ordered that his name b,
stricken from the roll Of ATTORNEYS prac.
ticing in this court
Mr.. Bradley Immediately rose ant
asked if the court had adjourned.
Judge Fisher-It has not. sir.
. MIR. Bradley-Then, sir. in the pres
ence of the court and the assembly.
hereby pronounce the statement Just
made by the Judge as utterly false il
every particular.
Judge Fisher interrupting-Cricr. ad.
journ the court.
The Crier-This court Is now ad
journed.
Mr.. Bradley-Well. then. l will sa,
Judge Fisher, rising to leave the bencl
--lou can say what you please. sir. anC
make a speech to the crowd. if YOU like
Mr.. Bradley-You have no authorit,
. to dismiss me. That must he the act o
three Judges of the Supreme Court.
Judge Fisher said-Very well. Mr.
Bradley. you can make the proper ap
peal.
Immediately after leaving the cour
= room Judge Fisher proceeded TO TN,
street and entered a car, followed closel,
by MIR, Bradley, who entered the car
, and stepping up to Judge Fisher handed
him note. Fisher took the note, rose.
opened and began to read it. when Mr.
Bradley left the car. around which III
excited crowd had gathered.
1t is understood the note was a chal.
lenge. Several policemen sprang into
the car and officer McIIenry stood beside
Mr.. Bradley while he remained in tn,
car. Leaving the car Mr.. Bradley pass
ed through the crowd and entered hi
r office, followed by several of his friends
belonging to the bar, and large Grove
Immediately gathered on the corner il
, front of his office.
p After remaining in his office few
minutes Mr.. Bradley came out arm-in
arm with his brother and proceeded
down Louisiana avenue, followed by :
crowd of friends and curious persons, whc
excitedly discussed the proceedings jus
p transplred.
p In the meantime Judge Fisher resumed
his seat in the car, which moved off. -
There was a great deal of apprehension
of personal encounter between tn,
Judge and Mr.. Bradley,
1t is SAID by those who have seen tn,
communication handed by Mr. Bradle,
to Judge Fisher to-day that it first refer
/, to the affair in the court room early In
July and quotes an expression attributed
S to Judge Fisher, to the effect that h,
: bradley knew where the Judge livet
: and that the latter would receive com
s munication from him at any time.
t 1t then states that the writer coulc
!, give but one Interpretation to the decla
ration of the Judge, and referring to til,
misunderstanding hotuaer, tbop, ~ c,,o,