New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1875-06-22
CHARGES THAT THE JURY HAS BEEN
TAMPERED WITH.

The most exciting scene of the latter days OF the
trial occurred at the time Of the adjournment Of the
Court yesterday afternoon. The rumors OF charges
of bribery against certain jurors which have been
aaoat and which were by many deemed to have
been referred to by Mr. Beach just after the begin
ming of his argument, eliminated in an outburst and
reInonstrance from the jury, which the speaker at
once proceeded TO combat. After Mr.. Beach had
concluded his argument for the day. Mr.. Hull,
of the Jurors, arose and proceeded to address the
Court speaking for the jurors collectively in the
strain of one who had been injured and who desired
better treatment He said that Mr.. Beach had taken
occasion to reflect the jury and make insnuatons
against Them 1t was not the first nor the second
time that they had been compelled TO listen to such
Institutions. Mr.. Hull then referred to the jury
mems grievances in being forced 10 follow carefully
the and tedious proceedings in the case In being
Obliged 10 neglect their vOcatiOns and to disregard
the ties of family and of home, with no other com
pensation than the pittance they were receiving.
All these things sufficiently grievous TO them
without their being obliged to listen to damaging
insinuations limiting at their being approached by
influences which were to sway them from an honest
consideration of the case. The only way In which
they had been approached was by having sent to
them in envelopes slips cut from The Sun newspaper
Judge Nelson said that he thought the jury had
misunderstood the uterances of the speaker. Allow
ances should be made for counsel speaking rapidly
and in the heat of debate.
Mr. Reach said that his Honor's explanation might
have been urged by him in excuse, but he would not
offer it, he had good reason TO believe that the jury
had been approached by emssaries Of the defendant
His evidence in the matter was pretty good, and he
nerhans would present il to the consideration of the
Court before the case ended. He would show
that members of the jury had given vent to opinions
~ do on
that they had been approached.
Mr.. Abbott of counsel for the defendant said, adj
dressing the Court for the first time since the open
ING of the trial that such remarks were out OF order
unless made with a sense of professional RESPONSE
bility
Mr.. shearman asked the plaintiffs counsel to pro
duce their evidence Immediately. He said he
slammed the assertions made by counsel as utterly
untrue There was not one dollar of money winch
had been expended in the case which had come from
any source except the pockets OF Henry ward
Beecher and himself He was ready for his Own
part to take the responsibility as TO how the money
had been expended
NJ. Beach in reply suggested that Mr. Sherman
should not make statements Of circumstances and
matters outside of his knowledge. He had made no
charges against the Jury until they were called ont
nv the iury's circumstances. He had been called on
10 produce his proof; he would take his own time
and consult his pleasure as to proving the
charges made to the Court. He should be sorry II
anything he had said would tend TO prejudice the
jury against his client-a thing which he counsel
had no right 10 do
Mr. Hull again addressing the Court, said that the
iurymen had no prejudice in the matter at all, and
he accepted the gentleman's apology.
Mr.. Beach requested Judge Nelson TO appoint a
time for the hearing of the evidence this matter
Judge Nelson in reply suggested that that was not
the proper time to bring the question % the attcn
t;on Of the Court II the PLAINTIFF counsel desired
10 be heard, they could bring the matter before him
bv application made after the close of the tral.
In conversation the plaintiffs counsel refused To
dscose the nature Of the evidence which they claim
is in their possession showing that the jury has been
hammered with. beyond the fact that they have re-
eeiyed letters ON the subject from outside PERSONS
AT the beginning Of these proceedings the audience
had risen and many were on their way 10 the court
room doors. The first utterances, however, ON the
part Of the jryraen Mr.. Hull, chained their atten-
lion and cansed them TO rerace their steps to the
seats they had just quilted. The remarks made by
the iurvmau. counsel and the Court were eagerly
listened TO- The charges of bribery and corruption
NO boldly made by Mr.. Beach were received
with loud demonstrations, and expectation on the
part of the auderc e all alive as TO the slightest
movement on the part of the participants IN the dis
cussion. Mr. Evarts was not present at the time,
having left the courtroom about fifteen minutes
before. Messrs. Abbott and Sherman were the only