Bristol news. [volume] (Bristol, Va. & Tenn.) 1867-189?, 1872-09-17

! uHeCtiJ In FAVOR OF the prisoner, anu
there was hardly any doubt when the
| jury retired what the verdict would
be. From full report of the closing
incidents Of the trial in the Baltimore
papers we copy the following interes-
ting account:
| .f.-s-r REMARKABLE SCENE.
After an absence of ten minutes
the jury returned. and for minute or
more all was silence, broken only b.
the firm voice of the presiding judge
as he directed the clerk to take the
verdict. DR., Schoeppc was at this
moment still calm, but his face was
somewhat flushed, and it required but
a glance to tell that he was CONTROL.
ing himself with an effort. The clerk
arose at the bidding OF. the judge and
said: Gentlemen of the jury, have
you agreed upon your verdict 70 { Z o.
The answer, 1--WE have" was Civ
en- by the foreman, Mr. Henry Miller
The clerk next said, What have you
to say?" Is Paul Schoeppe, the pris>
oner at the bar, guilty or not guilty"
Ere the foreman had risen in bis seat
several jurors exclaimed with evident
Impotence, "Not guilty. and the
eldest among them. Mr.. Peter Zim,
was conspicuous for the fervor with
which he pronounced the words which
gave life and liberty to the prisoner
Next followed a scene which was
even more significant than the eager,
ness with which the words mot gull.
ty"" had been uttered. and one which
perhaps had never before been wit
messed In a cout- house in America
The foreman arose and said: ''llay
it please the court, the jury most de-
sires that DIR. Schoeppe win now come
forward and shake hands with each of
US"
The request of the jury was receiv-
ed by DR.. Schoeppe with evident sur
prise and qualification. He advanced
at once, and when within reach the
nearest juror eagerly grasped his hand,
and at the same time others were eX-
tended. DIR. Schoeppe now appeared
unnerved, and shed tears freely as he
shook the hand of each of the jurors.
In answer to the Court, the States
Attorney said he had no further
charge against DR.. Schoeppe, and in
minute more the presiding jurge or
dered his discharge.
AN INTERVIEW WITH DIR. sCHoEPPE.
After the verdict of mot guilty
had been rendered, the cOrrespon-
dents of the press held an interview
with DIR. Shoeppe, and the following
conversation occurred:
DR.. Schoeppc, now that you have
been at last acquitte d, you must
feel deeply the change in your posi-
ton?
Yes, and can hardly realize how
great has been the change, and in so
brief time, too. [ cannot convey
an idea of what | have suffered men
tally, and my mind to-day, even
though l feel exultant at my complete
vindication and prompt acquittal,
fails to serve me as before the fearful
charge of murder was brought against
me.
How long since your arrest?
For nearly four years / have been q
prisoner, and my experiences have
been enough to sadden- lifetime. For
more than three years the terrible SEN
tence of an ignominious death hung
over me, and my mind goes back to-
day to those days of anguish which
seem now like some frightful night
mare of the brain. .e@A'
Did the Germans of this country es-
pOuse your case?n ~
In a large measure; they seconded
the ren1onstrane of the medical pro-
fessi0n, and showed deep sympathy
for me.
You have certainly been near your
grave.
TWO INCHES FOR THE STRETCHING OF
r.fs YOUR NECK.
Yes, within two days of death on The
gallows. The 23d of December, 1869,
had been appointed as the day for my
execution, but on the 21st respite
came from Governor Geary. Baron |
Gerolt, the then Prussian Minister at
Washington, had seen him three days
before in my behalf, and finally pre-
vailed upon him to save me. On the
18th of December, five days before the |
appointed time, the measure for my |
coffin was taken. and one of the car
penters in leaving me, jOcularly re-
marked, "Well, We'll allow two inch |
es for the stretchen of your neck" L
made no reply. but felt keenly the
poignancy of the words. I knew moth |
ing of Baron Gerolt's visit to Governor |
Geary until / received the respite, and |
L had made up my mind to submit to |
my fate. / had burned all rhy private I
papers, and had fully prepared my |
mind for death.
What are your views of your first
trial?
A PREJUDICED, JUDGE.
At my first trial the presiding judge,
James II. Graham, Was violently pref |
udiced against me. and was in law |
partnership with the prosecuting ofh-
Ger. Before him [ had no fair chance. |
Public sentiment had been strongly |
manufactured and greatly embittered |
against me, and my life was demand
ed. The jury was made to feel the
force of the prejudice which had been
raised, and EVhi4eI sat before my accu-
sers | heard repeatedly cries from the I
StLCSSIOt a Lang liC W OutNiii4dAt-t
What have you to say of your sec
ond trial? 4,.. .t,--.., asl'
/ truly believe that Presiding Judge T
Junkih is an impartial and able Judge.
! have seen, however, in the private,
prosecutors, proof Of the old prejudi
ces remaining IN the minds of some,
but happily it has awaited nothing this
time.
How do you regard the medical and
chemical testimony offered in your
behalf?
/ feel that have been completely.
Iinntad l,1fDr, l.r-o,..r r,.,r,-.i,, I'D