The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1872-01-22
MRS. WHARTON.
Review Of the KetchnM Murder
Prosecution Case.
Anticipation Of an Acquittal-W What May Come
Afterwards-The Van Ness Indictment
The Prisoner and Her Enemies.

ANNAPoLls, No., Jan. Fl, 1872
There are so many peculiar features surrounding
the trial OF Mrs. Wharton that hardly know where
to begin and where to leave on recounting them
80 many that cannot be reconcled by sound and
legitimate reasoning that 1t seems vain to attempt
to discuss them. But In the quiet OF this day. when
naught OF the unpleasant surroundings which have
gathered around this quiet city Tor SO many long
weeks are about me, have cause to think aud time
to indte something that may be Of interest.
THE CASE IN ITS INCEPTION AND PROGRESS.
1t Is now nearly eight weeks since the trial first
began, and II we may nave any belief in human
actions 1t Is fast approaching speedy and happy
termination.
The whole proceedings have been draped with
such strange and dramatic surroundings that every
step has been full of deep and abiding interest No
life trial was ever more So The fearful game has
been played with o desperation rarely II ever be-
fore, known. and while 1t has been going on the
world has looked In GREATNESS suspense for the
suit
THE ISSUE CLOSE AT HAND.
In less than forty eight hours from the present
writing the end VIII have undoubtedly come.
The result can be no longer matter OF doubt.
WHAT MAY FOLLOW. EVEN AFTER AN ACQUITTAL.
1t is safe to assert that the prisoner will be pro-
nounced wholly guiltless but whether that verdict
OF the jury Of her countrymen will send ner forth
from the prison house to her once happy, but now
desolate, home is a matter>whIch depends upon the
action Of those who have so bitterly pursued hef
during the long and tedious investigation which Is
now fast drawing TO close.
TIE VAN NESS MURDER INDICTMENT.
There Is another indictment pending against this
unfortunate lazy for an attempt to murder by pol
son Mr.. Eugene Van Ness who was al one time her
confidential business agent. That case remains to
be disposed OF as soon as this Is DECIDED either oy
nolle proseQui trial or continuance to the spring
term OF the court.
What course will be pursued may be inferred
from the vindictlve manner In which the case low
almost closed has been prosecuted. 1t IL safe to
predict that 1t viii be continued until the April
term Of court, and that Mrs. Wharton will be sub
jected 10 tue fate Of remaining in Jail until mat
time-a piece OF unjust per6ecuu0n-n she Is
unable TO give the necessary ball. which will De ex.
orbitant, II one may judge from the unjust acts OF
cuti0n.
II such is the case there Is much that may be said
In relation 10 this Van Ness case which Is now under
the strict bann Of secrecy but which Will be OF deep
interest to the public mind ana upon which shall
have occasion 70 speak In future letter.
TIE FINAL SCENE IN COURT.
It's expected that with the meeting Of the Court
tomorrow there will be on immense crowd Of
people from the different surrounding cities TO wit
ness the closing scenes, which Will be pregnant
with On interest such as has never before attached
to . criminal prosecution In this country. But
acqultIal, as she undoubtedly should, IN an imme-
diate and unconditional release remains In the
hands OF those VINO have treated her with little
mercy or even exact justice.