New-York tribune., 1872-11-05
LOCAL NEWS.

WOODHUIL AND CLAFLIN STILL IN JAIL.
INDICTMENTS FOUND AGAINST THEM-STEPIiEN
PEARL ANDREWS ARRESTED.
Victoria C. Wo0dhull and Tennie G. Clafn,
charged with seuding obscene Literature through the
mails, appeared yesterday, before Commissioner Os
born and stated through their counsel. Mcssrs. Reymer
and Howe that they ready 10 20 on with the eI-
animation. Assistant United States DistrictAtOrney
Davies said that the accused had recently been IN
diced for the alleged crime for which they been ar
sed and as bench warrants bad been issued against
them the matter had been taken out Of the Commission
ers hands ana placed exclusively within the jurisdiction
vt ti.e Upited states Circuit Court.
Mr. Howe-This il a very singular proceeding, Hnd ~
was doubtless, nsgated by the malice aud revenge OF
certain persons who dare not come forward and face
public opinion and who have been instrumental in tae
andng of this indictment the hope Of shielding them
selves behind IT, We here in lehalf Of these perse
cuted ladies Il that tenn adysedly) prepared win
pcrlect defense 10 the accusations made against
them. We prepared TO show that the newspaper
which the prosecution, for reasons best known
TO itself aims suppress, has not an obscene word IN
in the true meaning OF that term. II It does contain
such word then the transmission through the mails Of
the Holy Bible, Lord ByrOns Poems, and shakespcares
works should be stopped for they are open To the same
objection urged against the newspaper published Oy
these defendants This il blow at the freedom OF the
press hch allowed TO pass unnotoed, will strike with
n force beyond contemplation We are ready 10 answer
now have the indictment. but have read the
newspaper through, and can't find au obscene word
in H. la fact there IS nothing contrary to the acts OF
Congress In IT, All can say ~ that these pcrsecuted
ladies have perfect defense aud that they desire TO eH
press 10 the aud the public that they are the vic
tins OF cruel persecution iustigated by private malice
from source which dsres not come into Court and eX
pose the magnitI which bas set this Court In motion TO
hide it, We have perfect defense aud, ~ we are to he
prosecuted the Bible and the Society for the Dfsion
OF Evangelical knowledge should DO dealt with on like
Cen Davies-It is not usual for to discuss dnes-
not relevant to the matter before the Court The
counsel has spoken elOqueutly, but after What
have said, reply ls required. Will say, however
that have explanation 10 offer Of the action OF the
Mr. Keyrert-I am surprised to learn that these ladies
here have been indicted. We ready to go on with
the examination and prepared TO clear ourselves OF
tho charge made against us ana INVOKE the protection
Court confident that have neither offended its
majesty nor violated good order OF society On the
contrary these ladies are convinced that they have done
of the higher law aud that they have been actuaed by
a higher power TO carry out their high designs
Gen. Davies Caughingl-What are these higher laws
and powers and what have they to do with the matter
Commissioner osborn-As the case presents itself
oreme IT Will DO unnecessary 0 go on with tue ekanina
ton, the object OF which would be 70 get SUFFICIENT points
to hold the defendants for trial. The Grand Jury,
which Is higher tribunal than the commissioners
Court having found indictments against the defend
ants, bound to take notice OF such action when
officially Informed OF II by the Dlsrict-Au0rney An
examination would now be OF no the defendants
must dismiss this case.
Mr. Howe asked for n speedy trial, and Gen. Davies
SAID that he would endea'or to have the case called for
trial In u few days.
The accused were then arrested on the bench war
rants and taken from the Courtroom through
to avoid the crush Of the dense crowd
winch bad assembled They were recOmmitted 10 jail.
writ OF habeas corpus was applied ior before justice
Fancher In the Supreme Court Chambers yesterday for
the production OF James Blood inpleaded with Mrs We.
toria Woodruff and Miss Tennie G. Clain on charge Of
criminal libel, and now held In Jefferson Market Prison
on a issued by Justice Fowler. The plea OF the
prisoner raises the question Of the Jurisdiction OF the
Police Court In Of that character. The writ
granted and made returnable Tomorrow morning. Col
ferson Market yesterday, IN, counsel prefering
the efficacy OF the writ OF habess corpus The prisoner
him. and said that he wOuld make effort 10 obtain
ball. as he perfectly willing to remain In prison
Ill his ua release. He said that they had not into
the affair without fully comprehendng It's possible effect
upon themselves and preparing themselves TO pay the
About noon yesterday officer Carrnan entered the |
courtroom with stephen Pearl Andrews In custody
Justice Fowler on the complaint OF Luther {. Chas
for gross and malicious libel The complaint and the |
warrant are IN all essential particulars similar to those
against Blood the Objectionable article Itself being
cOrpOaod in eacb. MIR Andrews sent letters to friends
whose seryieeb he expected 10 obtain as hOndsmen
lie claimed that he only wanted fair hearing, he
he would not he committed, for he had had |
nothing 10 do with WoOdhuH Cidts Weekly for about
year; he had never heard Ot the plaintiff had he
known thing OF the matter charged until he
print. Al about $50 r. Justice Fowler wished To |
leave the court trO0n, and consigned Mr. Andrews the
of the Police Sergeant for the night SAYING that
was anxious. IL possible 10 avoid cOnslgning man Of
Mr. Andfew5s 10 cell, and that N bOndsmen should
arrive AT any time during the evening night they
might bo brought TO his house Tue bail was fixed
slJOO.
In proceedings In conversation with TRIBUNE
reporter he expressed determination TO push the suits
with the utmost yigOr II determined, lac said. 'to
punish person who was In any way concerned In
this slander. will run every man and woman OF them
earth II IL hour of life and every dol
lar OF my fOrtuDeW Mr.. Chas intimated to The re-
psor .s .@~', go" "s-es s1.y roi'".-' AO' yo' at