New-York tribune., 1874-11-23
THE ELECTION DAY MURDER.
ARGUMENT On THE MOTION TO ADMIT CoRoNEI
CROKER TO BAIL

AaAI MINI On LbE MOlAON ~ AOh4A SOhO-NLA
CROKER TO BAIL
Coroner Richard Croker was the center of a
greet deal OF attraction in the Court oyer and Ter
miner on Saturday attentivey listening to the
arguments for the propriety Of admitting
him 10 bfi under the charging him with the
murder Of McKenDa durlnS the brawl with James
OBrlen at the polls His political associates could be
seen III AL parts OF the great r0om absorbed In the
events OF the moment, while host OF
lawyers and spectators crowded around the tables.
Around the black haired. carkcOmpexiOned smooth
shavcn man, whom people were pointing out to one
another as Coroner Croker, his counsel, Henry L.
Clinton John K Fellows, and George VI. Wingate. In
front OF them was Distrct-AttOrney, generally on
his feet and nouchalantly leaning upon the table. wait
iug for moments OF reply, for the drst
portion Of the proceedings characterized by per-
s0nsl nterchauges of sharp and, to the spectators
amusing nature.
There Was preliminary notion for the production OF
the minutes Of the Grand Jury, together list Of
tie witnesses before them the time OF finding the
Indictment. Mr Clinton, in making this motion said
BE- was not aware what the minutes Nil ght disclose
they might be uniDpOrtani, and the names OF the Wit
be enough for their purposes But it was
Important tnat they should have that list in order to
ascertain certain omissions OF testimony before the
Grand Jlry the method in which the indictment was
found or any irregularities attending IT, to be used in
argument upon the man notion
THIS led to debate Of length, Mr. Phelps holding
20 be neither necessary proper that the minutes
OF the Grand Jury should be made public for any pur
pose finally ended by Judge Barretts saying that
hs present Impression that the prisoner entitled
10 copy OF the minutes The Court might, of course
Of its motion, inspect the records Of the Grand
Jury and IN the exercise OF It's discretion, proper
cause shown, furnish a copy the prisoner But
whether 1t a matter OF absolute right IN al cases
demand, have copy Of these minutes. he should
prefer 10 look INFO before deciding II counsel for the
prisoner would prefer TO adjourn the argument until
preferred = 90 be would hear them, and II he
deemed necessary inspect the minutes OF Grand
Jury before redering decision he should do
The then concluded with their motion.
ana at argument between Messr 2 Pleps and Clinton,
Judge Barrett told the DistTct-AttOrney II he wanted
time for examination adjournment could be had, but
The District .tOruey said he willing 20 submit the
testimony Court. Judge Barrett then adjourned
the case, rcmarkng In conclusion: % may state my
views this generally that II on the testimony Of
those witnesses who claim to have the shooting by
tne Prisoner The Court should be OF opinion that
higher crime tlan that OF manslauGnteF committed
W admit 10 bail but, II there appears 10 De pOssi-
oilty OF cOnvictcB OF higher crime, the motion to
Dali wil be denied. The Court will undertake 10
determine what testimony The jury should believe
osDeneve nor does u think proper 10 PREJUDICE the
on ths motion. The weight OF the testimony OF that
cloud OF witnesses VINO they did see the prisoner
snoot VIII be matter more proper for the consideration
Of the Jury the tr1a.@
Croker was renanded to the Tombs.