The New York herald., 1869-06-06
COURT OF SPECIAL SESSIONS.

A Noted Pal of Bristol Bill Relieves n vir-
ginia Lady of her POcketbook-He Tries to
Pass Himself as One Of the Smith Family,
but Fails, aud il Astonished aI Hearing a
Biographical Record Of misunderstanding
for Woflkmen to go 20 Blackwelps Island.
Before Judges Dowing and Kelly.
The calendar was unusually lengthy yesterday, con-
ssting Of fortyslx cases, Of which twentysix were
charges Of assault and battery, eighteen Of petit
larceny, one OF mischievous mischief and one Of
keeping disorderly house. A large crowd Of spec
tators filed the court room, whose interest in the
triweekR exhibitions given here Of life's criminal
vagares does evidently abate with the advancing
hot weather.
NOTED OFFENDER.
Petty Offenders, those having picayune conceptions
Of crime, make up the bulk Of the prisoners ar
ralgned at this court. 1t is not unlikely, and, In
deed to throw aside all doubt it is fact that very
many putting in their first appearance here gradu
ate at higher courts and thence reap all the honors
OF Sing Sing and that highest criminal goal-the gal
lows. noted offender, however, was among
the batch Of prisoners, as his speedy arraignment
and the facts developed In his trial and the marks
OF Judge Bowling upon sentencing him abun-
dainty revealed Mrs. DHenrietta Bennett. fne
looking lady OF matronly years, was the
was at present on visit to this city, She was pass
ing through the street few days ago, when her
s s
called her attention to 1t, and they two, calling
policeman, had the man arrested. This policeman,
officer Crook, OF the Twenty fifth precinct at once
arrested the man. He had passed the money to a
confederate and dropped the empty pocKetbo0k on
the sidewalk. Such was the story.
"What have you got to say to this charge ~ Judge
Dowling asked the prisoner.
nSs IS ne Sass
civilian Smith"
"That's a good name, and you look like an honest
mo ,uui
al am an honest man. hard-working man, your
Honor" pleaded the prisoner.
'My appearance does not deceive you"
'No. they do not but you think they do" spoke
up the Judge, loudly and firmly and contracting his
brows in way showing there was a storm brewing.
81 don't understand" /" said the prisoner.
Il let you understand tpugdsred edo out the judge
before me. don't forget easily Old faces. Your
disguise is iimsy, and won't do It is true you are
little fatter than you used to be- but tnat peculiar
expression OF your face and those eyes cannot be
forgotten. Your name appears on the papers as
William smith; you gave g,,, that to me as your name.
aliases. Youf right name is william Cline. Three
years ago you were arrested for stealing watch at
escaped punishment through the complainant
leaving the city. short time after this you were
IN t s m aae
trial the oflcer making the arrest found 1t conve-
nient to resign and not appear against you, and you
were discharged. The air OF New York not agreeing
with your constitution you went 10 Pittsburg and,
with William Darlington alias Bristol Bill, accom-
pished bank robbery OF $40 o00 and with the pro
ceeds ied TO Canada, Through compounding the
case you escaped punishment IL Is unnecessary to
90 on with your record. 1t is full Of stirring criminal
adventures IL has been your good fortune to go
whipped OF justice. Lately you have been playing
the part OF the bludgeon.' nnd you guilty OF this
cnarge What have you to say why sentence should
al have nothing to say" meeky replied the priso-
ner Hes saw that be was known and that it was all
"if it were in the power OF these ladies' to remain
heren continued the Judge, 81 would have this
sent to the Court OF General Sessions, which would
insure you ut least Ave years In state Prison. As It
s shall innict the severest penalty in my power
six months in the Pententiary and fine OF 500, 10
stand committed until paid.n
DRUMMING UP MUNICIPAL LABoRERs
They are evidently lacking in laborers on Black
| wells Island A case came up OF complaint for
| Keeping dlsorderly house on Crosby street. The
evidence sustained the complaint, ana the accused
was gvea four months IN the Penitentlary. In the
course OF the evidence it shown that about the
corners of the lower portion OF this street are at
| nearly all hours OF the day and night, assembled
| gangs OF young men whose business is robbery
| when they get chance and insulting respectable
| people when they think they can 40 1t with i'm
| punity.
ii am going to clear OF these corner gangs If I
can" said Judge bowling and can only get the CO.
operation OF the police. Next week shall be sitting
officers present, who, hope VIII extend the notice
| 10 those who are absent, whose beats are on this
| street, that want all such persons arrested, aud
| that on being brought before me that WIN send
| them as vagrants for six months to Blackwels =
Island there to be put at useful employment for the
cty.n
| MISCELLANEOUS CASES.
There was q good variety OF miscellaneous cases.
but none possessing any features OF interest Mary
O'Bren was sent three months TO the Penltentiary
| for stealing clothing from Mary 0Sullivan. Thomas
Grant and Thomas O'Bren, two boys we're caught
stealing clothes from clothes line Tney were sent
| TO the House OF Refuge. John ]. williamson was
found guilty OF an assault on ofiicer Coleman. he
was remanded forsentence. Elizabeth Gordon was
found guilty OF picking the pocket OF Mrs. Cara H.
Barton on broadway. She was sent four months to
| the Penitentlary.