Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1870-02-21
TERMS OF ADVERTISING.

THRILLING SCENE IN CoURT-STRUCK In.
SANE ON THE WITNESS STAND. From the
Chiiiicothe (O.) Register, Feb. - l-One of
the most exciting and startling scenes that ever
occurred in court in this city took place late in
the afternoon of yesterday week, just as VIC
were going to press. The particulars arc about
as follows:
At the time mentioned the case in progress
was that of Catharine Miller, who sued by her
next friend, g. W. Gilmore, vs.. John s. Mace
and others, the suit being brought to recover
household goods levied on as belonging to
Thomas Miller (Mrs Miller's hustand), and
which the plaintiff claims as hers.
MIR. Mier-Was on the stand nearly all day
Thursday. and subjected to rigid ezamina.
Iion, in the course of which lie testified, in
effect, that he was not possessed OF any prop
crty at the time or since his marrlage-that
the capital and property used and occupied by
him was his wiie's.
On Friday afternoon Mr. Miller was again
called to the stand to undergo cross cxamina
tion by NJ. l.. Clarke, esq. in the course Of
which the latter gentleman, in endeav0rlng to
show discrepancy between MIR. Millcr's pres.
cnt statements and those made some time
since, asked if he had not, several years ago.
stated to Mr.. ". II. Reed that he was then
worth quite large sum OF mooey. Tho an
swcr to this was rather indetinitc--that he
might or might not have so stated bur if he
did the meaning was that he was worth said
sum outside Of his indebtedness to his family.
MIR. Clarke then asked il, since his marriage,
he had not become surety on the bond OF
certain Government official. Alter little hes
tancy 40 affirmative answer was given where
upon counsel wished to know if the witness
did not at that time swear that he was worth
SIC, 900.
10 this query no reply was made, and for a
few moments a deep andsudden silence ensued.
Finally, Mr. Marshall Of counsel ior plaintiff,
broke the oppressive silence by rising to address
the Court and at that moment Mr.. Miller wh 0
was standing Just in front of the jury.room
door, turned to the Judge and said, MAY 1t
please your Honor, | wish to make few re.
marks and Immediately after clapped his
hands TO his head and exclaimed, 81 fee las it
| was getting-paralysis Of the brain!' and
commenced sinking to the floor, uttcring such
prayertul ejaculation as lord, have mercy on
my soul. OIIord, bless me and pardon my
sins! !" &C., or words to that effect.
Before reaching the floor re was caught in the
arms of persons near by, and carried back into
the iury.room. On reaching there he espied
4 gent Icman approaching who he said had en-
,tavored to ruin him, and he made an effort to
get hold of the person, but was prevented.
The excitement in the court room at the time
was intense, every one starting to his feetto get
= better view OF the strange scene and its au'
thor [n another moment, however, Mr. Mil
Ter having broken lose from those having him
in charge in the jury.room, with palid face,
dishcveIcd hair, rolling eyes, and undistingulsha'
be muttcrings rushed. with long strides, into ths
courtroom pressing his elbows to his sides. and
putting the wind in gusts from his mouth. Tbi;
sudden and terrifying irruption, as we'll itmight
startled Judge, bar and audience. and general
stampede ensucd Neither tho lawyers nor tho
audience stood upon the order of their going,
but went at once.
Alter getting out to point in front of the
Judge, Mr.. Miller was caught by Sheriff Mace
who, unaded, carried him into the clerk 5
room, and from thence had him conveyed tt
his hotel.
This sudden removal Of the witness, and tht
disturbed condition in which it left the nerves
Of the bench and bar, made an adjournmcn
necessary; which was had
We have not attempted to depict the absolute
lrightIulncss Of the scene, Tor that would b
impossible.