The workingman's advocate. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1864-1877, 1874-09-19
CHAPTER XIN.
N TRIAL



Robert Parton the young mechanic arose
in his scat in the prisoners dock Of the
court house at Paterson, and confronted
the Judge who had Just called his name
He looked about the COURTROOM casually
and noticed not only a large number Of
his companions in the work shop, but also
Mr. Tremayne and Edwin Amory, both Of
whom sat near the lroSecuting attorney,
within the railing, surrounding the court
desks
He had come 70 the courtroom that
morning, pursuant to his promise given to
the village constable upon the evening
preceding when he had been liberated.
He faced the Judge boldly, and with look
which indicated his entire innocence.
Robert Parton, again spoke the judge,
you are charged with the crime Of in
cendiarism Are you guilty ornot guilty.
The reply rang out boldly and fearlessly,
''Not guilty -
There followed the ordinary formula
necessary to court-trial, the Judge and
jury and prosecuting attorney arranging
all the prehmlnarles, when the trial pro-
ceeded.
" Prisoner at the bar said the jude,
g You are charged with the commission Of
a crime against the laws Of this State, and
punishable as an 0tle.lse within the limit
Of long servitude at hard labor in the
penitentiary. While the charge-arson
alone, the surrounding circumstances in
volve riot and threats. You will have an
impartial trial and upon your acknowledge
ment of the crime, if you are guilty, will
depend much the exercise Of any judicial
leniency hereafter.
e | am not guilty"
Robert Parton's voice rang out full and
clear Bold and fearless he was not to be
convicted or punished without a determined
opposition to his revengeful enemy
Edwin Amory, who sat regarding him with
naughty stare Of defiance and contempt.
The prosecuting attorney then arose.
He had not much to say-he only wish
ed to present the case in its real light
and true merits. He claimed an array of
evidence Of the most damaging character
against the prisoner, and he arrayed the
first Of his witnesses by calling upon
" Mr. Edwin Amory.
The book-keeper Of the firm Of Tremayne
a. Adams, arose to his feet
Take the witness stand.
He did so, directly facing Robert Par
ton and the judge and the jury
:" You know the prisoner ii
"I do"
For how long /"
d" For less than a month.
81 AS a workingman at the corks.
Yes, sir.
Have you ever had any communica-
ton or conversation with him except in
his capacity as a workingman "
"Once or twice.
"Where =
At Tremayne Villa.
The jury whispered among themselves,
and slight wave Of commOtlOn spread
through the court room at this answer,
and the reply which had recalled the heroic
conduct Of the prisoner when he had saved
the life Of Ethel Tremayne.
Have you ever had any quarrel with
the prisoner at the bar Y
Mr. Amory answered negatively.
Have you ever suspected any malice
in him toward you :"
IN t,prevlous TO ths present rial r
Then state to the court what you
know Of the case in hand.
AAO hOb AAC
very volubly detailed the occurrence Of the
strike, and the attitude Of the strikers.
Here the prosecuting attorney again
questioned him.
Did the prisoner of the bar appear in
that strike ~
"He did"
Prominently T.
Eyes, sir He was leader in the en-
tire affair, from its beginning to the end.
He was the chief instigator of the
strike"
The attorney for the prosecution seemed
determined to bring out every pointagainst
the prisoner. He led The examination tC
the mass-meetlng Of the workinQmen a
the town-hall, and then said
upon that occasion did you hear the
prisoner make any remarks of an incend-
iary or riotous character 2"
" / did"
What we're they III
He said that they tooWLd kape Heii
rights, and that they lVotEld burn the shops
A loud murmur ran through the as
sembled throng swelling to a yell Of rag
from the workingmen in the main body o
the hall
"Tt's lie r
"He never said any such words"
"Order II rang out the voice of tn,
clerk of the court
Order was finally obtained. and the ex
animation went on.
Did he use those words n
"He did"
" In substance, do not remember hi
exact words, bus he certainly boldly ane
openly threatened to burn the shops"
"That will do for the present Mr.
Tremayne."
Mr.. Tramayne took the stand with I