The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1870-04-23
THE MCFARLAND TRIAL.
THE INTERREGNUM ~ THE TRIBUNE
FREE-LOTE MURDER TRIAL.

Exciting Rumors-Reported Collision be-
tween Bunlle, Mrs. Calhoun's Husband
and the Hon. Charley Spcncer-Franiic
Efforts Of the Free-Lovcrs to Hedge-The
Free Love Clique Writhing under Public
0b,oauy.
The ciiy was full Of rumoTs yesterday in rela-
ton TO this trial. and some of the side issues which
have arisen since its commencement. One Of the
mOst interesting Of these rumors was that Mr..
Bunkc. the rrestnt husband Of Mrs. Calhoun, had
assaulted the Hon. Charles $. Spencer, who opened
the defence for the prisoner and had been souudly
tiirashed by that great criminal lawyer.
1t is needless to ray that this rumor is wholly un-
founded, and that up TO late hour last eyenng'no
physical contest had occurred between these two
distinguished gentlemen. What renders such con-
test exceedingly improbable is the fact that though
light weight Mr.. Spencer is equal to Billy Edwards
in fstic science he also goes armed with two Of
Cots navy reyolvers, and has cartridges in his
pocket 20 load them
The trial Of Mcfarland, with Its accompanying
revelations, seems to bave frightened the whole Free
Love coteric Of New York to their very marrow,
and they are assiuously trying TO hedge, by send.
ing untruthul letters and mendacious kilograms to
Tue country press but their efforts to misiead pub
hc opinion and rescue themselves from general OBJ
loquy have thus far been futile The truth II, the
great heart Of the country is sound on all vital dues
lions. Tle people OF the United states believe In
y.
the marriage tie and the bold attempt to sNnctify
seduction and canonize seduccrs. and the sacri.
legiOus invocation Of the blessing of God upon adul-
terry and aduiterers, by the Free Love clique and
their representatives have outraged the religious
sentiments OF the community that no efforts " Aich
the members OF that pinable circle can make will
ever rescue item from the olium under which they
are writing
IL is great pity that the measly morality Of the
neeovers had not been relieved with SUFFICIENT die
erection TO keep them quescent until the trial OF Nc
Farland had terminated II is never desirable TO
allow the stream OF justice 10 be porturbet by pas
sion or dscOlored by prejudice. But In tie present
case the Offensive behavior Of the free lovers has
excited the indignation OF the multitude and dis
gusted the religious community, that, as MIR. Ora.
ham said at an early stage Of the trial. II has come
TO be believed that the counsel Tor the prisoner are
the champions Of law and order wae the District
Attorney is IN effect placed In the anomalous and
painful position Of the defender Of the violators
OF domestic purity.
The counsel for the prosecution. Judge Gaivln
and Judge Davis. are able, honorable and eovcien-
tlous lawyers, who have thought except 20 do
their duty 10 the best OF their ability. They have
conducted the prosecution 10 a hightoned manner
aud II 10 pity that thew should nave been embar-
referred. We do not wish to have It understood
that we arc lnimcal 10 the prisoner; we would not
Willingly print one word that would even seem TO
tell against that unfortunate but feel called
upon rs impartiH> journalists to state the truth,
no matter whom 10 may lep OF hurt
We are glad TO learn that Judge Hackett Las re-
covered IRON bis intisposition. and VIII he able to
go on with the trial on Monday morning al II
o'clock.