The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1870-06-01
GUILTY OR NOT GUILTY.

The garlands juno is twining.
GUILTY OR NOT GUILTY.
In my earlier years studied for ses-
sion at Edinburgh. 1t was in Durke's
year, not that of Edmund Burke, but of
another countryman of the same name,
and not less celebrated. The number,
the atrocity, and the cool speculative
motives of this fiend's misdeeds ap-
preached genius in their way, and in the
excitement of his trial and execution all
other topics were forgotten. shall not
easily forget the singular fever of the
public mind during these few weeks. I
was myself present at the trial, and wit
inal of the century being defended by
the first counsel at the bar of Scotland.
a rumor had gone abroad that no coun-
sci could be found to appear for such o
monster; and as O testimony to tho duty
of counsel under all circumstances, tho
most celebrated advocates of the day,
without fee or reward, defended this
gang of murderers in the face of tor
rent of public prejudice.
The afternoon of the day on which
Burke was executed was distinguished by
q tirst-rate college row. The students at
Edinburgh, like its mob, have, when
reused, always been formidable and
dangerous body; and on this occasion,
the police having intruded into the quad
rangle to preserve order among the crowd
which hurried to the dissecting room, O
battle royal had ensued, attended by
some severe injuries, and resulting in
triumphant and glorious defeat of the
authorities.
To celebrate this propitious event a
supper party assembled that evening in n
tavern called the Rainbow" The chair
was occupied by the bard and satirist of
the college, fellow of infiuite jest, who
made his mark in the world afterwards.
but who at this time was mainly famed
and feared for the sarcastic and biting
power of his humor. Opposite him sat
reckless, flashing with the exuberance of
youthful spirit. and flow of convivial
fancy that I have never known equalled
Among the others were two, who figure
in my story. One was student named
Johnstone. the Thersites of the circle
a disagreeable specimen Of stamp Of
man which is generally to be found in
every circle, without either wit or talent,
excepting the wit or talent to make others
feel uncomfortable. Bold and un-
scrupulons, and quick to see and seize
on the weaknesses Of others, he was
.17ageNun, fy-blister; people feared to
make him their friend, and still more to
make him their enemy, and SO he ex-
torted from hate what he never wonld
have obtained from love, and was nd
mitted to the most select cotcrie Of the
University.
The other was stalwart, handsome
young Irishman, who had done mighty
execution in the middle of the day; car
ing but little, after the temperament Of
his nation, about the merits Of the con-
fiict, but hitting right and left as his
leader told him. He was nm open. browcd,
Spanish-looking son of Erin, half-rollick-
ing, half-snd in expression, who was
winding up happy day with happy
night; he had had fight in the morn
ing, and had frolic in the evening. His
name was Power, q medical student, who
had been but week or two in Edin-
burgh. He was consequently an entire
stranger to the others, and had been in
the strength of his fist.
anccdote had gone round, rose to pro-
pose the toast of the evening-"Con-
fusion to the police, and bad dreams to
Baile Rintoul." I'm those days the town
council ruled over tho college, and the
obnoxious Bailie had given the orders to
the police.) Gas to the first part Of the
toast" he said, sit was snperfiuous, n
pleonasm, for the police were in such
confusion already, that nothing the COM
papy could drink could add to it. AS to
the Bailie, tho sentiment expressed in
the toast was suitable. His normal state
was slumber. He slept on the bench Of
justice, for lie saw him in that state, on