The New York herald., 1869-03-09
COURT or eESsaAL sEsslosS
Before Judge Bedford.

Assistant District Attorney Tweed appeared for
the prosecution and disposed Of the calendar with
unusual promptness-
John Spencer pleaded guilty to an Indictment
charging him with obtaining forty-eight dollars by
presenting to the Chemical Bank check purporting
to be drawn by E. 8. Higgins, who kept no account
at the bank. There were mitigating circumstances
presented 10 the Judge, and that being the first
onence OF the prisoner, Judgment was suspended.
DISHONEST SERVANT.
Catherine O'Brien was tried and convicted OF
grand larceny IN stealing diamond ring valued at
Sl2s, on the Sth Of February the property OF Thos.
Shields 55 Pike street. She was employed as do
nestle In the house. His Honor said great many
servant girls were dishonest. ana he was determined
10 make an example In this case He sent her to the
State Prison Tor f1ve years.
FALSE PRETENCES-THE Tribune ASSOCIATION PLEAD
FOR CLEMENCY.
William q. Chambers pleaded guilty TO obtaining
tnirty.one dollars by false pretences, he having
employ Of Peter L0rIllard, 16 Chambers street. on
the 18th OF September that he was connected with
ect bill. The clerk believing the representations
drew him check for SSl rs on the Mechanics Ma
tonal Bank.
wnen the plea was accepted, Mr.. Tweed read tire
following colnmunicauon:-
Hon. JuDaE BEproRp:-
desire that sentence be suspended for she following
!. hoped that suspension Of sentence may serve "a
reform BIN aad make him useful 10 bis family.
claimed by him that The crime was conmied when xery
much under the influence OF liquor,
Publishers OF the Tribune Association.
Judge Bedford said that the case was very clear
against the prisoner but as sucn respectable gem
ternan as Mr.. sinclair wished the court to be lent
ent, Judgment would be suspended and held over
the prisoner for his future go0u conduct. The prls-
oner tnen left the bar but as soon he reached the
door detective Farley gave Chambers TO understand
that ne Waneu Linn upon charge OF felony, said to
have been perpetrated IN New YORK, and brooAlyn
oiiiccr told MN he wanted him upon similar charge
across the river. 1t was not ascertained which Of
the olicers took him Into custouy.
ROBBERY IN THE FIRST DEGREE.
Harry Ames was tried and convicted OF robbery In
the nrst degree. The complainant owen sullivan,
testified tnat on the 24tn OF February ne
Q disreputabse house In Roosevelt street. that as
soon he entered tue room the prisoner made his
appearance, seized nim by the throat, took nrteen
dollars out oil ms pantoloons pocket and thrust him
down s.aIs lhe case Was clear, and the Jury rem
dered verdict oi guilty without leaving their seats
Ine Judge Ia passing sentence spoke Of the way IN
whicn such men as the prisoner were IN completely
Win prostitutes 10 nvelxle men into such dens as
ne iiyed in ana then robbed them. Anes was sent
TO tls state Prison Tor the term Of eight years.
ALLEGED HoMicIDE--ACQufITAL or THE ACCUSED.
tatrlck kerrigan was placed on trial charged with
Der b. settlg lre tv her clothing. which produced
woun1S tnAt resulted ia her death. The testimony
showed tnat The accused lived Win the deceased, as
his vile, IA o room lt IA Mulberry street; mat an
oiiiccr f-unG the woman on the landing with her
Clothes partially burned, ana upon entering the.
roo.n saw hefrean iynS on the ioor OF the bedroom
Ia stuplu cUnntion. The woman wGs taken TO the
hospital, where sue died lne next day. and tue inan
was brought 10 the station house. The only evidence
10 co4nect tile prisoner with the commission any
Ofence was statement made TO two Of the WIT
nesses but The Court ruled. as IL was not In tue form
oi dving deposition, such testimony was mad
nis5iDie. Mr. nutcniugs Said lie presented to the
ur. al. the evidences in hts possession, and lett IL 10
the jury to decde ine under the Charge OF the
tOars judge Bedford gave very clear statement
o the law applicable 10 the facts presented by the
pgUescuion anu minated that as the prosecuting
cheer h-4 virtually Abandoned the case. the jury
snout aeaGit tue accused. 1ne jury rendered yer-
oics oil nOt guilty.