The New York herald., 1871-03-24
Before Cunning 5. Bedford, City Judge.

Before Cunning :. Bedford, City Judge.
A SNEAK TBtsF IL NEW ROLE.
Ihe first case tried in this court yesterday was a
charge OF grand larceny made against smart.
well dressed young man. who gave his name as
John GcGunness. The victim was Mary Casey a
poor ir1sh woman, who SAID she lived at No. Rec.
Tor street. On New Years Day the prisoner ga me
10 her apartments 70 see whether she would pur
chase Bible, saying that 1t came from Kelly
IN the Bowery, and giving his name
a. McKeon. she retained tne Bible in
order That she might confer with her
husband as TO ITS purchase, and he returned on
saturday afternoon. Mrs. Casey tod him she did
not want 10 buy his BOOK and furnished MIN with
newspaper and string to wrap IL up IN; he sat
down uninvited ana commenced to read from one
Di the gospels 10 the wemaD and her little girl the
phly persons VINO were ~ the room. fhe poor wo-
man went INTO the bedroom for moment and he
TOOK advantage or her absence TO go 10 cup the
TOD Of the bureau ana steal from II thiry-two dol
lars IN money ana five gold rings valued at fifty
noIdIs. As soon a. MIS- Casey returned 10 The SIT
Ing room her mile girl twho by reason OF her ex-
IRENE youth was Incompetent to be witness
informed her that the man stole Tie money ana the
thgs. sue ran INTO the street. but the 'pious'
ihei had escaped. McGainness was arrested
about two weeks ago.
McGunness was put upon the stand ana
testified III his own behalf. denying, with un-
hlushlng enrontery, the testimony Of Mrs. Casey.
When he charged her with committing perjury ana
was proceeding 10 argue the case, the city Judge
administered . Just re5uke, telling him ii was FOR
denied having stolen the money, or OF having read
tiie Bible 10 Mrs. Casey, and said he never was ar
rested before for any offence
James Jordan, ~ whose employ Inc accused had
heen Tor months. epo Mr.. William J. Vail, gave him
1000 character; also Mr.. Baker. witt, Beecherian
cast oi heaa; bur lhls gertleman's testimony was
.lua'e1 by positive denial Of an Impor-
lhe euect taat when the Court adjourned
ieN days since he BAKER, asked how much money
~ MOnd tke 70 settle tue case OF McGuinness. The
would have TO be settIed by The ooSri % and nd ry
Baker denied having asked snen a question OF t6e
policeman. Tue iury amer nstening 10 a brrr
speech Ifoin MI Fellows, deiheraied for half an
bour and finally returned 4 verdict of guiltr 49,
Judge Bedford Ia passing sentence said. -
aoSuINkgss have very lite respsc for man OF your
character Thoss who gave good character esIdsny
vel as ,hes Under the sgsc Of selling BSes You swat.
yon 9ppSitnay ant when be chance oaers itself yo com.
'Sh' . foeit Three years In the State Prison.
A CONVICT REruRNED 10 MS CAGE.
John WILLIAMS, charged with committing an as
trial. p
Mas serving term al the Penitentiary for petty
taipenf aud that on the 20tp OF January, ghef in
.hIee Oi Kelly who was one OF the keepers he re-
lnse' To work. Kelly requested him 10 stand aside
authorities 10 be punished for INSTRUMENTATION.
NHDams thereafter came fIoD behind and struck
lhe keeper ~ the forehead with a stone, nnctIbR
s seNete Wennd the marks Of which were plainly
.pNple. Nhiiams In bis own defence, contradicted
me eVdeiics oi the Eeeper, Affirming that the CON-
siIaht Struck and Knocked him senseless with his
49, atei winch ~ hit hn blow With his dst, for
Niich act ne was put IN irons ana IN solitary con-
hdemenf Tor o number OF DAYS
suoBe bculoid In hs charge SAID thar there was L
~ HnpOIuihl principle involved In the case, aside l
.ao,h he hnes1Oh Y assault ana battery, viz. The
nghs oi The keeper aud tne privileges aud dutIes OF
Conylcis Lftfg person ia aut thority no matter how
great o. now liinbat their power might be should
S'e'a = hooora1y, honestly 3nd ieafessly, but the