The state rights democrat. [volume] (Albany, Linn County, Oregon) 1865-1900, 1873-05-23
rND1osArlos a1Gr1Iso.
SHERIDAN, Yamhill CO.,
May 9, 1873.

1 Z
s May Q, 1873.
Obedient to call from our promi.
nent citizens here and in the vicinity,
the people assembled at 1 o'clock TO
express their sentiments in relation to
the decision of the jury upon the case
OF Joseph Coxen, tried at the last
term Of the Circuit Court of Yambill
county, held at Lafayette, for tho MUIR
der of Benjamin Hasbrook, on the
eveningpf the 4th Of February last,
near the Willamina river.
Mr.. b. Branson was called to the
chair. Mr.. Branson responded by
stating the object of the meeting, and
expressing his sympathy as a citizen
of Polk county with those who were
demanding justice against a criminal,
whose guilt, il seemed to him, had
been so clearly established.
O. w. Hughes was elected Secre-
tary.
BY motion, tho Chair was author.
lied to appoint committee to draw
up resolutions expressing the senti-
ments of the people, and g. w. Bran
son, II. Orr, VIM. Chapman, DIR.
Fields, j. II, Brown, J. H. Allyn and
Tbos. Graves were appointed such
committee.
While tho committee was absent
Messrs. b. Branson and T. g. Simp.
son made short addresses to the au-
dience.
The committee reported the follow
ing preamble and resolutions:
WHEREAS, Benjamin Hasbrook, a
peaceable, honest and industrious cit
izen. was, on the evening of the 4th
of February last, shamefully assassin
ated. and
WHEREAS, We believe it TO be the
duty of every citizen in the vicinity
where the murder was committed 10
aid in investigating the matter. and,
If possible, bring the guilty TO justice ;
and
WHEREAS, j. Lamson and others
did, at great selfsacrifice, investigate
the matter, procure the arrest and aid
in the prosecution of Joseph CoxeD,
the only one upon whom any trace OF
guilt could be found and
WHEREAS, The prosecution pro-
dnced an amount Of testimony which
was sufficient 10 carry conviction Ia
the minds of all who heard it OF bis
guilt; and
WHEREAS, Jurors TO whom the
case was submitted have expressed
their belief, since the trial, that he did
the killing and yet rendered q verdict
of not guilty; therefore,
Resolved, That this community sus.
tains great loss in the death of Ben
jjamin Hasbrook. and that we sincerely
dcprecate the commission of such a
crime in our midst.
Resoired, That j. Lampson and
others are deserving of great credit
for the promptness, vigilance and per.
severance with which they engaged
in the Investigation and prosecution oi
the case. Believing that they were
actuated by no personal motives, but
simply by desire TO see the laws oi
our land vindicated, and the guilty
party twhoever he might be) brought
10 Justice.
| Resoiced, That while the officers oil
the county and State, who were in
any manner engaged in the case, dis
charged their duties faithfully, it is a
firm belief that the jurors to whom
the case of Joseph Coxen was sub
mitted, either misunderstood the in
structions of the judge, or they die
most shamefully betray the confidence
reposed in them.
Resoircd, That the Secretary be in
structed TO furnish copy of these
resolutions and preamble to some o
the leading State papers, with re
quest that all other State papers, th'
State papers of Iowa, and the cit,
papers of Chicago, Ill, copy.
The audience was next addressed
by Judge Lamson, Rev. A. H. Allyn
Rev. G. w. Branson, DIR. Fields an,
others. The speakers spoke of tn
character of the murder as unparallel
ed treacbery; referred to the civi
proceedings; to the conclusiyeness Q
the evidence against the accused; L
the verdict of the jury, and to th
jeopardy of life if murderers were al
lowed to 60 unpunished. Jndg
Lalnson was very highly commende
tor the active part which he had take
in the prosecution of the case. MI
Handley was ccnsured for harborln
the accused after his trial. The and
ence was attentive aud manifesto
great interest in the meeting. Tn
new church, which was occupied b
the meeting, was well filed. At th
close of the meeting the resolution
were adopted.