The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-12-19

Wilson, the burglar, Attempts to Escape
the Way 10 Courf-Tries His Own Case
CrOss.Exnmines Witnesses and Addresses the
from the Hartford Times. Dec. III

Jury.
from the Hartford Times, Dec. IT.
The trial OF the burglars Wilson and Reichton be-
fore the superior Court put down for this morn
ing, and long before the hour appointed the court
room was crowded.
Wilson was brought from the jan shortly before
ten O'Clock and on leaving the jailyard he made an
attempt TO escape. In consequence OF the injury to
his feet Mr.. Fem, the jaler, has had him conveyed
to and from the jail to tine court room In a buggy.
depny sher IN and Mr. Fenn was py %
Relchtoh. Wilson jumped into the buggy the horse
being hitched to posi-. while Mr.. Parsons pro-
sons turned to enter the buggy Wilson seized
the reins and started the horse. He was
from behind and called for help. At the same time
some boys stopped the horse and Wilson was
cured. He was then taken to the court room.
Hereafter he will be handcuffed when he Is taken
through the streets though 1t Is likely that his next
trip win be to the State Prison.
Shortly after ten O'Clock the court was opened and
after some preliminary business the burglars were
called up. The complaint Of horsestealing which
was filed against them on Tuesday was changed to
burglary in breaking into the barn OF Mr.. Frederick
Tyler and to this charge both pleaded not guilty.
They then released from the prisoners box and
allowed seats at the counsel table. After the jury
had been empaneled Wilson, who conducted the
for the defence, challenged the jurymen saying
that he did not desire any one on the jury who had
formed an opinion OF his or his companions guilt or
innocence. No one answering to the challenge the
case proceeded.
ness. He testified to having arrested the two men
and finding the stolen property OF Mr. Tyler in the
shed Of MT; =. R. Buffers house IN Meriden:
having seen two men Jump over fence In their yard
early one morning, with heavy carpet bag In their
possession. The horse and wagon were afterwards
found in the shed and taken care Of by Mr.. Beach.
Mrs. Fish as well as Mr.. Beach was crOss-eXam-
ined BY Wilson, who told MI; Beach at the close that
and finish his chores" The Judge told him not to be
insulting to the witnesses.
to the nature Of the stolen property how the barn
was broken open and TO the recovery Of the property
at Meriden. Wilson thought he would not cross-ex-
Mr. Frederick Tyler was the next witness. He
testified to the loss OF his property and to CONVEX
that "the man who kept such id old plug as that
ought to 20 to State Prison for five years" During
his examination Wilson asked Mr. Tyler II he
kept good horses. Mr.. Tyler replied, "Y0u can Judge
OF one.n
$. o. Church corroborated the testimony Of Mr..
W. P. Champerlin, Chiefof Police was next called.
He said that all he knew about the matter was OBJ
tanned in 2 confidential conversation with Wilson,
and that these confessions were made under pro-
mise OF secrecy, and that all the benefit OF should
go to the young men. The State Attorney appealed,
but the Judge would not allow the Chief to testify.
This closed the case for the prosecution and VIII
said, ''The testimony OF the prosecution is our
testimony The jury will receive my word as soon
Judge Pardee informed them that II ne had any
facts in the case he could only present them under
ingenuity could conceive on the facts already pre-
scented.
wilson then desired 70 uf put unuer Oatn anu 10
testify. lie said he visited NJ ylcr's barn. took the
horse and buggy, but only for temporary use: that
he used it, left 1t where II was In plain sight, and
never had an idea OF stealing the property.
He was cross-examlned by Mr. llamcrsley and cor
his story. On being asked what he had in
to answer. The Court said he must answer
"Musts" he asked Indignantly. IAN supposed to
answer that which will crininate myself?" The
Judge said he must reply TO the questions, and Mr.
Harnersley asked IL he took the robes found around
the silks stolen from Brown, Thomson Co.'s. He
replied that he didn't know; couldn't tell, as they
made those things alike ~ eggs, and II was
dicut to tell one from another: he recognized only
not tell how many ne took from Tyler's barn; only
took what he wanted for his own use; had guam
tlty OF silks in the wagon and two vases when he
started, but made deposit In Berlin wrapping the
had slight idea OF returning them. This closed his
story.
Mr. Hammersley then summed up for the prosecu-
ton. He was followed by Wilson. who addressed
AMY learned brother" He sand that he had commit
ted no cri me-only a trespass, and that he could
only be prosecuted for the wear ana tear OF the horse
which, ne said, was considerable under the circun-
stances the evidence, whatever It was. was only
against him, and not against the young man. HIS
friend, and he asked for an acqutta OF him on the
ground Of right, and not as q favor. lie then re-
ferred TO the Cole -Iscock jury at Albany; that he
sail, was learned and well paid Jury; II their
supposition that no sane man could commit crime:
IL was SHINING against ourselves. our fellow men and
our Creator, and therefore o triple crime. and no
sane man would do this. ] expect you, gentlemen
OF the Jury, to decide this case on its rights All
wants IL q little common sense, and believe you
have share OF that: therefore leave 1t with you.
The Judge then. at noon delivered his charge to
the jury who retired and alter an absence OF about
hour returned for further instructions having dis
agreed. They retired again at one O'Clock.