New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1875-05-27
A TRIBUTE TO JUDGE NELSON.
We'll. Gentlemen. | can say no more and Y

wen, CpnrleMeD, can Say HO IlOit yes
am reluctant to part with this case am reluctant 70
part with it, for there are and there always will he to
all of us, pleasant memories connected with it, Painful
s0me pleasant, many. 1t has happened 10 each one Of
us by OF those accidents which occasionally throw
together to meet strangers, and trust 10 part az
lifelong friends You here in the discharge Of
gracious but most responsible duly; and it has been
discharged with fidelity which has arrested the public
attention aud should command the public respect. 10
certainly commands appreciation, earnest graft
tude. think say il for ALL both sides OF this
case, counsel and parties, and all indeed who
have been the witnesses OF your hdel!ty your
patience, your kindness know not, your Honor what
say In acknowledgment OF that kindness with which
have all been treated by you Ordinarily would bs
merely the expression Of that sincere feeling OF gratitude
which is naturally inspired by OngcoAtinued kindness
and consideration but, as 1t happened at the earlier
OF this that ofentimes in the view or his
Honor decisions made from which we felt that we
suffered injustice desire to say at the close that
feel that he Judged wisely and well and that great
issue like this equally due 20 the plaintiff and 70
tho defendant 10 all the public interests Involved.
that the broad door should DO opened for tho
admission Of any evidence ia respect to thu
admissibillty OF which there doubt
His Honor felt and showed that he felt that IL due
to Justice that everything that could he submitted
that would aid you in your deliberations should DO before
YOU and, feeling thus Is matter OF sincere graiihc5
ton that have the opportunity now, that AL may
share the feeling of expressing sense
OF respect for the eminent ability the impa.tay the
integrity the purity OF character OF that eminent
Judgc-most worthy, not quite, Of the honored position
among rst OF that great and eminent kinsman OF hn
who now sleeps by the waters Of Otscgo Lake-a
name which will be honored through All time; and
yet I am not sure that the name Of the jurist who
presdes on this memorable trial will not endure
quite IA long for 1t IL his misfortune and yours that
through which you could not have foreseen
his name and yours down TO posterty together.
always associated with trial which shall be memorable
through all future time, and which Is tn determine the
question whether innocence find shield in cours
and fury against all the devices Of peTured and banded
guilt 1t has said gentlemen, that there fear
that there might be in this jury disagreement. II 10
said by those who have not heard the evidence. and do
not know the truth. think have lived long enough
with each Of you 10 know that there IL NOT ~: man on
that Jury who won't 10 what he knows and feels TO be
right Not that jury who II capable
of giving verdict such demanded by my friend.
Judge Morris, and which he properly characterized as
maledictOn. verdict which should condemn this man,
and at the instance OF these would indeed be NAL
edicton But this will be benedict0n IL there be one
man who, in spirit OF the old Roman centurion, was
capable Of tnruting his spear into the e OF one who
was innocent and likely TO perish, know that though
I may not DO able TO say Amen, though good
men everywhere may shrink from it a. a great
wrong even in respect to such man there will DO
one at least Who in humble emulation of the Redeemer
whom he serves, will be able, even IN that hour
Of agony lift his hands in prayer and say, Father.
forgive him, for he knows not what be does" But no
such verdict Is TO from this jury The verdict Is 70
be one "a firmly believe, which viii gladden. many,
many hearts a verdict which will illuminate Brooklyn
Nights verdict which win send an electric thrill OF JOY
through ChristendOm. lApplause.l