New-York tribune., 1873-12-25
THE EX-MAYOR ACQUITTED.

NOT GUILTY OF WILLFUL NEGLECr.
,HF DEFENSE PRESENT NO ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
OF NrssRs srorcuroS AND TREMAIN-CHARGE
OF JUDGE DANIELS.
The trial of Mayor Hall was cohciudeo yesterday
and the case was left with the jury at O'CLOCK IN
the evening All day long there was repetitioh OF
,ba scenes and incidents which have characterized
,b. trial of Ring culprts, and late into
the night the unusual glimmer OF lights
:, the windows of the courtroom of the
Over and Tennner attracted the wondering notice
of pedestrians in the City Hall Park, and drew many
q, ,he scene of interest and anxiety, where groups
ofIawyers and those of commercial callings, inter
cstsd in the result of this latest trial. waited impa-
,ienty for the coming of the IL men upon whom the
fate Of the ex-Mayor depended.
The proceedings of the day weredivided into three
great acts-the summing up of Mr.. StOughton. the
address of Mr.. Tremain, and Judge Danielss charge
20 the Jury The first speech that Of Mr. StoughtOn
was begun at 10 o'clock in the morning and finished
at 1880 Those present who had been IA
mIliar with Mr. Stoughton's style of delivery,
and the eloqucnce which characterizes his efforts
imagined they noticed in his manner confidence
which pleaded against unnecessary effort and
WEAKNESS Certainly his speech lacked much of
the length which characterized the one delivered
ou She other trial. which resulted IN disagree
ment. Some were surprised when he took
his seat expecting as thev did the customary burst
of feeling. and there not wanting those who
thought tat the speaker should have said much
more on such doubtful issue When Mr.. Tremain
concluded his speech it was evident that he had
shared no pains 10 put before the jury every possible
rgun,cnt ikcly to affect in favor of the people, the
silent listeners before linn One of the most pointed
sentences he uttered was that in reference to the
motive OF the eSsMayOr in allowing these fraudu-
-rcnt bills 10 pass ms scrutiny, revivng as IT dld
IN, Old piece of gossip about his aspirations
for ihe Goyernorship. which was the grand in
duccmcnt in seeking the support of TammaDy.
Although Mr Tremaus reference was ambiguous
in is character il was apparently understood very
generally. The speaker closed at - minutes past
: g. having spoken over three hours
Judge Dauicls charged the jury for over an hour,
reviewing closely the evidence in the case SO far as
tn show its connection with aud bearing upon the
,l,e aud impressed his views of the meaning OF the
law cuphatIcally and carefully upon their
minds lie practically told them TO throw
aside All consideration Of the meaning OF the
NOW famous word audit advising them that
the statute was plain enough to convince all reason
able men that 10 meant to examine and pass upon.
This lcft the only question for the jury whether
,hs cv- Mayor neglected willfuy to audit. The jury
returned from their room at o'clock to ln-
qure whether they must ind willful neglect,
when they could find simple neglect. Judge
Daniel, informed them that it must be "willful,"
aud they again retired, with intimatiOn from the
Judgc that if they did not find vrdict in an hour
or W they would be locked up for the night. AT
10:D they returned with verdict OF not guilty
aud the spectators almost universally testified their
appreciation by repeated and unrestrained cheers.