River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1872-12-27

whether the parties had gone into Thomp-
sons room. As if, however, to throw still
deeper mystery over thus extraordinary
transaction, the witness persisted in adding
new feature to his former statement
that after the persons had returned with
the light into Smiths room, and before it
was extinguished, he had twice perceived
SEINE dark obietc to intervene between the
light and the window, almost as large as
the surface of the window itself, and which
he described by saying it appeared as If
door had been placed before the light.
Now, in Smiths room there was nothing
which could account for this appearance ;
his bed was.i2. ferent part, and there
room, a, but for the bed, was entirely
emps 4e room in which he dressed be-
ing. aSa distance beyond.
lie would state only one fact more,
said the learned counsel, and having done
his duty, it would be for the jury to do
their $. Within a few days there had been
found in the prisoners house the stopper
of small bottle Of very singular APP
pearance; it was apparently not Of Eng
lish manufacture, and VAS described by
the medical men as being used by chemists
to preserve those liquids which are most
likely to lose their virtue by exposure to
the air.
Such was the address Of the counsel for
the prosecution; and during its delivery |
had earnestly watched the countenance OF
the prisoner, who had listened to it with
deep attention. Twice only did | perceive
the slightest emotion. When the disap.
pearance of the housekeeper was mention
ed, a smile, as of scorn, passed over his lip;
and the notice of the discovery of the
stopper obviously excited an interest, and
thought an apprehension but it quickly
subsidized. | need not detail the evidence
that was given for to rosecution it
amounted in substance. hat which the
counsel stated, nor was it varied in any
particular. The stopper was produced
and proved TO have been found in the
house; but no attempt was made 10 trace
1t to the prisoners possession, or even
knowledge.
4 When the case was closed, the learned
Judge, addressing the counsel for the pros.
ecution, said be thought there was hardly,
sufficient evidence to call upon the prison.
er for defence; and if the jury were OF
/ opinion they would at once stop in the
case. Upon this observation os the Judge,
the jury turned round for moment and
then intimated their acquiesence in his
/ lordships' views Of the evidence. The
counsel folded up their briefs, and a ver-
dict OF acquittal was about to be taken
when the prisoner addressed the court.
lie urged the judge to permit him to state
his case to the Jury, and to call his house
/ keeper, with much earnestness, and was
seconded 40 strongly by his counsel, that
Lord Mansfield though very much
+ against his inclination, and contrary tn his
usual habit, gave way, and yielded to
their request
The prisoner then addressed the jury,
and entreated their patience for short
time. lie repeated to them that he never
could feel satisfied to be acquitted merely
/ because the evidence was not conclusive,
and pledged himselfin a very short time,
by the few observations he should make,
to obtain their verdict on much higher
grounds-upon the impOssibility of his
being guilty.
0tthe stopper which had been found.
he disowned all knowledge; declared
most solemnly that he had never seen it
before it was produced in court: and he
asked, could the fact Of its being in his
house only a few days ago, when hundreds
of people had been there, produce upon an
impartial mind even a. momentary preiu-
dice against him ? One fact, and only one
has been proved, to which it was possible
tor him to give an answer-the fact of his
having gone to the bedroom of his house
keeper on the night in question.
He had been subject for many years of
his life 70 sudden fits Of illness he had
been sliced sitb one on that occasion, and
had gone to her to proc are her assistance
in lighting fire. She had returned with
hin. to his room for that purpose, he hav.
ing waited in the passage while she put
on her clothes, which would account for
tho momentary disappearance OF the light
and alter she had rem aimed in the room
for few moments. finding himself better,
be had dismissed her, and retired again
to bed, from which he had not risen when
be was informed OF the death of his guest
Ii had been said that after his commital
TO prison, his housekeeper had disappear.
ed. lie ayowed that, finding his enemies
determined, if possible, to accomplish his
ruin, he had thought it proboble they
might tamper with his servant he had
therefore, kept her ont Of the way; but for
what purpose ? Not to prevent her testi-
inony being given, for she was now under
the care Of his solicuor, and would instant.
~ appear for the purpose Of confirming
as far as she was concerned, the state.
ment he had just made.
Such was the prisoners address, which
produced powerful effect. Ii was deliv.
cred in firm and impressive manner,
and its simplicity gave it an appearance
of truth. The housekceper was then put
in the box and examined " the counsel