The New York herald., 1871-01-11
COURT Of GENERAL SESSIONS.

Before Cunning S. Bedford, City Judge.
A pEsEaTER FROM THE ARMY RoBs 4 GUEST AT
HorEi-JupaE BEDFORD BOUND TO PROTECT HOTEL
PRoPRIEfoRS.
There was an important conviction obtained yes
terday in this court, man named Michael Cum
ningham, alias Brown, having been tried and found
guilty OF stealing gold watch and chain and three
coats on Chris tmas Day from room In Smith b
McNells Hotel No. 100 washington street. The pro-
perty belonged to Mr. John O. Kaiser, who was guest
at this establishments and stated that he valued tho
watch and chain at 500 ana the clothing ct sSs
From information which he received the complain.
ant, accompanied by the clerk OF the hotel and
detective proceeded to the residence OF Mr.. Coombs
at Ravenswood, 1. l.. upon the Tuesday following,
and found TWO OF the coats in Cunuingham's pos
session, which were positively Identified by Mr..
Mr. Gcnlyre. the clerk Of the hotel, testified that
the prisoner came there on SATURDAY night and regis
tsrea ns MS nan name sy a. M was e. ~
Of the loss OF his property ne proceeded to his room
and found wash list on the floor signed BY Brown,
the register corresponded exactly to IT, An over.
coat was also found under the bed, which gentle
man who travelled from Bu(lalo with the prisoner
stated looked like the one ne wore on the cars. The
accused was brought back to New York on the Har-
lem boat, aud during the passage w3s seen TO drop
key under the seat which the o11cer picked up
Cunningham alias Brown, had SO weak memory
as forget TO 20 to the oce Of the hotel previous
ns and Also sd
keep hls promise that he would return that niaht
Qi1cer Freeman, who made the arrest SAID that
an CAMS mo % bSssSssioS I ih9 coats. ss -" ~
Michael Cunningham went upon the stand and
gave roundabout story OF hls ile, voluntarily stat
Ing that be was volunteer In New Jersey cavalry
regiment, and having served hls term in that posi-.
tlon enlisted in the regular army; but upon the
Hea the ae Of lis ousde Dc
bounds OF civilization anu deserted the nag: That
was the reason he assigned for entering his name
= "A Brown.
explain how he came in possession OF Mr. Kaisers
coats he said ne bought them az , second hand
twcnty-eight dollars for them.
Edward Coonbs, sou OF the former employer OF
Cunningham, testified that before ne enlisted he
used to work for his father, and he lwtness) never
knew OF his taking anything that did not belong to
mitted that few years ago his father lost watch
ana Cunningham was suspected Of stealing It.
Tue jury without leaving their seats, rendered
Tne CLERK asked the prisoner the usua, questions
previous to the Judge passing sentence, and,
trial that he did not commit the larceny he expressed
the hope that his Honor would oe mercnul, as that
was his first offence
Judge Bedford, IN passing sentence said:-I con-
cur in every sense OF the word with the gentlemen
who, without leaving their seats rendered verdict
OF guilty. You are stranger In this city, but
believe from your conduct that yoH are profes-
siona hotel thief Hotel keepers aud the thousands
nave the power, shall be protected: AS q warning
10 the hotel thieves OF this city shall send you 70
the State Prison for the full term-hve years.
CARRYING A SLUN0SH0T.
A young foreigner named Vincent Tuchl, Yves
tried for carrying slungsnot; but the feonlous
possession OF tins instrument not being saisfac-
rorly proven, Mr. Sullivan abandoned tue case aud
the Jury rendered a verdict OF "Not guilty. He
was remanded for trial upon charge Of grand
larceny.
SUSPENSION OF JUDGMENT
Judge Bedford suspended Judgment In two cases,
the compartments and other witnesses having
clearly satisfied MIN that the accusedswers persons
OF previous good character and had never been
guilty Of crime before HIS Honor warned them
however that II the clenency OF the Court was
abused they would be sent to the State Prison with
out trial, they having interposed plea which gives
the Judge power TO punish them for two years aud
six months ut Sing Slig.
The following Is the calendar for to-day 1.-THE
People Vs. James Gaeland, robbery; Same vs: Peter
McGarrick, robbery; Same vs.. Christopher Smith,
ROBBERY; Same vs. Thomas Murphy and John Far.
rel. robbery; Same vs.. James Christie, burglary
same vs.. Michael Canary, burglary; Same vs. Maui
rice Golden, burglary; Same vs.: James Mcbride,
vs. Henry McDermott, reoni0us assault and battery;
Same VS.. David Oahill fel0ni0us assault and bat
tcry; Same vs. Samuel Whitten grand larceny;
Same VS.. John Welsh, grand larceny; Same ys.
Mary Convill, grand larceny; Same vs. Leander
Baker, receiving stolen goods.