Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1870-11-04

military commander, to appoint him May
or of Richmond, and said that if he made
any noise about this Haunstein matter it
would prevent his appointment. He also
requested him to stop all proceedings in
regard to escheating of the same property
to the use of the State. Page told him he
could not do that. but If he would pay him
his commissions he would postpone it as
long as he could. Chahoon did pay him
his commission, some 500, and by this
contract Chahoon confessed his own guilt.
and Page, the sworn officer Of the State,
by taking this hush money stamped him
self dishonest man. The escheat FRO
ceedlngs were postponed and Chahoon was
appointed Mayor. This Haunstein mat
ter was bruited about in this community
until about four months ago it was brought
before the Grand Jury, and the testimony
elicited before them caused indictments to
be found against Chahoon, Sanxay and
Sands. 1t has been said that the trial of
Chahoon was political persecution. It is
not true. First, because there are indict-
ed with him two Virginians-two men who
woro Confederate soldiers, who have hith-
erto borne good characters, and stood we'll
IL this community; and second, because
upon the trial Of Chahoon, the evidence
brought out has stamped him as one of a
set Of conspirators, and the chief one, who
have combined TO swindle the estate of
Haupstein, and fill their own pockets with
dishonest gain. No unpreiudiced mind
can revolve this testimony and not per
ceive that Cbahoon's own acts and con-
fessions declare his guilt.
VERDICT OF THE JURY.
The jury in tho Chahoon case were
doubtless agreed last night, but they dc
sired to examine the multitudinous papers
in the case and therefore asked that they
might be adjourned over until this morn
ing. This morning soon after the court
had opened they came III i'll charge Of the
Sergeant and through their foreman rem
dered verdict of guilty on that count of
the Indictment, which charges that the ac-
cused did knowingly alter the forged note,
and his term of confinement was ascertain
ed at four years in the penitentiary. Cha
hoon bore himself with great composure,
though imagine that he rather expected
different termination of the case, as it
was whispered around that the able and
eloquent speech of Judge Crump had
made great impression upon the jury
and made several of them doubt.
The council for Chahoon intimated that
they would have some motions to submit
to morrow. The prisoner was thereupon
put in charge OF deputy sergeant and
taken out of tho court room. 4 great
number Of his friends thronged around
them and exhibited their sympathy for bis
fate. The Radicals are strong iu their be-
lief that Chahoon was dupe of tn sharp
er ones, and that when he first came in
possession of the note it WAS IN a legiti-
mate way.
THE CASE AGAINST JOHNSON II. SAHDg.
The Common wealth's Attorney, after
Chahoon was disposed Of. moved that
Johnson H. Sands, who was in court, he
committed, as he feared now that the evi-
dence of the prosecution had proved 50
potent that he would break his bond and
escape. This, Judge Guigon refused TO
order, because he said il would look like
prejndging the case. He, however, SAID
that he would give him trial tomorrow
and that until that time he could go 1T
large on his bail. Sanxay and several
other witnesses were then recognized
Col. John 3. Young is counsel for SaLds.
1t is believed that tho counsel for Cna-
hoon will prevent his going o the peuiten
tiary for many months to come, as they
have any number Of bills of exceptions,
&C., and will never rest until the case is
carried up to the Supreme Court of Ap-
peals. The public has manifested the
greatest interest in this case, and this
morning when the verdict was rendered, a
crowd larger than l have ever seen there
before, filed the Court room.