Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1872-03-11
A DEMOCRATIC APPARITION.

| One of the greatest surprises experienced
in New York, was occasioned by the appear
ance in court, the other day, of a Tammany
robber, to testify to what he knew of the rob-
berries perpetrated upon the city treasury
1t was no less q person than Andrew j.
Garvey, the plssterer, who fed last fall to
Switzerland, and was supposed by all except
few, up to the moment of his entering
court as a witness, to be still in Europe. II
was very unpleasant surprise to Mayor Hall
and his counsel. The Tribune describes the
scene as follows:
No more dramatic incident ever occurred
in . New York courtroom. If Judge DAILY
had read his own death-warrant from the
bench, q more profound sensation of aston
ishment could not have agitated the court
room than when Carney took the witness
stand.
| A short whispered consultation was held
between the counsel for the people, not a
word of which could be gathered or overheard.
But it resulted in Mr.. Peckham's calling out
in a loud voice the name "Andrew J. Gar
vey"
1t was instantly concluded by the crowd
that the Acting Attorney General had made
an error, a mere slip Of the tongue, and a
slight laugh, half scornful, half incredulous,
followed. But when the lawyer turned and
fixed his eye upon the closed door which
leads to the Judges private room, all turned
and gazed inquiringly in the same direction,
while smiles expressed the iRcredulty of the
crowd. A court official suddenly darted int
the private room, and while the name of
Garvey sounded q second time on Mr.. Peck
hams lips, the veritable Andy Garvey walked
rapidly through the door, up the steps lead
ing TO the Bench, disappearing for moment
behind the broad aounding- board in the rear
OF the Judges seat, reappeared beside the
witness-stand, and grasped the Bible, as he
waited, with head uncovered, to receive the
oath.
The effect of this coup on the part of the
prosecution may be imagined it cannot be
described. A buzz of astonishment filed the
room. Many persons involuntary rose in
their seats and stared at the new conner as if
he were ghost come from the grave to fright
them. Those who were not familiar with his
features turned inquiringly to others, some of
whom said, sit is his brother" A number
of gentlemen, prominent in matters pertain
ing TO the City Hall and the new Court house,
were sitting inside the bar and standing about
the clerks desk, and they were as greatly
surprised as others. A large number Of
prominent lawyers were also present, inter-
ested spectators Of the exciting scene. The
surprise was complete and undoubted, and
during the moment that Garvey stood quietly.
waiting for the oath, the room was Babel Of
whispers.
The faces Of the different counsel were
studies Of character never to be forgotten.
Mr.. Peckham's imperturbable features be.
trayed no tokens of the satisfaction he must
have felt at the success of his difficult task.
Mr.. Tremain and Mr.. Clinton made no ef.
forts to hide their complacency, and evidently
enjoyed the discontinue which this thunder
bolt out OF clear sky had occasioned. The
faces Of tho half dozen counsel grouped about
the Mayor were even more instructive, and
exhibited a. greater variety OF expression.
Ira Shafer and Mr.. Smith were decidedly
demoralized, and showed it. Mr.. Burriil
stepped about with nervous quickness, and
laughed contemporary, but with a forced
and hollow laugh. Mr. Stoughton. dignifed
and imposing, appeared indignant, and like a
man who, driven into q corner, is bound to
fight the harder; while Mr.. Vanderpoel simp-
ly smiled.
AZ to Mayor Hall, his countenance, while
tolerably composed, nevertheless bore a look
of chagrin and serious disappointment, and
he was livid-with rage or fear. The blow,
n its very unexpectedness, was hard to bear,