New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1871-08-29
TIE BUFFENBARGER TRIAL.
CLOSE OF THE CASE-ACQUITTAL OF MRS. COL
BURN-THE SCENE IN COURT.

CLOSE OF THE CASE-ACQUITTAL OF MRS. COL
BURN-THE SCENE IN COURT.
Notwithstanding the strong current of Opln-
ion favor Of Mrs. COburn the abrupt termination OF
the a surprise to every interested in the
curious affair The speech of Mr.. Harrison, senior coun
Mrs COlburn following the close OF the prosecu
tons testimony complete surprise, even to the
friends Of the accused. In a businesslike way, he
deemed it neither necessary proper to occupy
time in arguing the matter, as that would give
dignity to the prosecution which simply frivolous
and malicious. The motion 10 discharge he based on
grounds First the defense thought that the prose
ouon had utterly failed to prove that Peter Buenbarger
came 10 his death by violence Every presumption
law and fact 5sf % e9e dsd
| natural death. The evidence OF the pros
exist had in the opinion OF the defense established
fact Bufenbarger had had nearly fatal of sick
mess ne @ aG of aa @ had Exhibited the
toms of bronchial disease expectorang copiousy, and
age and disease Second. DR.; yanderventer failed to
show the testimony Of Dr. wormly and the other wit
it was at the hands of his wife Dr. vandeyenter had
had no means OF judging OF yandeventer a medical
expert. except by appearance death was approaching
him through door, and Vandevener through another.
he would beckon death hasten to his relief Mrs.
Buffenbarger's conduct toward her 1rst husband
putaon that she caused his death He would not stand
one moment longer 10 combat mere shadows
delivered in the West for years Judge Rankin the
sci for the prosecution expressed amazement such
conduct on the part OF his opponent and raversng the
evidence he claimed that the testimony would amply
suffice to crninate prisoner, where public opinion had
Rot Oe Sot conned in the Interest felt to the
County of Madison, the town Of London or this
mon the proceedings and whatever might be the inu-
brought to bear TO take such shape was strange
that gentlemen who were accustomed to night as though
their lives were stake in defense OF their clients on
ordinary occasions could get up there and with sweep
OF the hand suffer case Of this magnitude with the
an
The prosecution did not claim 10 have proven rom me
lips OF any living man or woman that they saw THIS
sary that they should produce, such proof. Muir .
derers and murderesses did not call 10 the act
another way to prove the highest the lowest crime
than from the mouth OF some one VINO saw IT, Inc ue
Tense only claimed that the case was made OUT ana rested
OF the crimes throughout the world were proven IN
courts of justice by eircumstanIia evidence dh
Rankin said secret poisoning had become almost fash
onable pastime. There scarcely paper that did
contain the terrible intelligence that some woman,
who in this respect had the lives OF men In her hands,
and administered poison in tea or cone Ibs had got
To be wonderful fundamentally for taking away the
life OF the man. who for any purpose, or for motve
may desire TO get out Of her way To his mind
this prosecution had not only made case that demanded
that Mrs COburn should he higher tribunal for
trial, but that the impartial mind would indOrse him
when he said this woman should be tried by IL Impartial
Mrs. Coburn's counsel. waving further proceedings,
made formal reply simply the prosecution, and JUS
plain words the decision The facts did not warrant the
case being carried To higher court, and the motion 10
| discharge the accused was sustained
IA curious phase OF surprise and delight fOllOwed-a
perfect dead silence fell upon the crowded place which
Changed suddenly into rapturous shout OF hearty Joy
| and sympathy. There official adjournment OF
3h Court heard the people rushed I'm an eager bronC
lation cordial sympathy upon the husband and wife
The people fell into such good nature at the four hands
of the Coburns going far enough they shook hands
among themselves and got up little admiration societies
pay court TO the justice and attorneys Tor The accused