The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1875-05-13
Selert Snrr.
WHO MURDERED HIM.


after dinner, and talking in the leisurely,
disconnected way which, together with
their attitudes, showed that they both
were taking mental as well as bodily rest
after the labors of the day, They were
representatives of two of the learned
professions, each a man of mark in his
calling, the one tall, strongly built, with
a massive head and thoughtful and be-
nevolent aspect; the other much smaller,
wiry, agile, with keen, marked features
man evidently profound as well as as
tute, and though not handsome, one cal
culated to arrest attention, wherever en-
countered,
The first was distinguished physi-
clan, the other an equally distinguished
lawyer. The physicians investigation
and testimony as an expert had been
arduous, and neither was ayerse to the
rest and quietude which the close of the
trial made possible to them. They were,
and had long been warmpersonal friends,
and were now dining together at the law
yer's rooms, and indulging in the easy
converse, broken by long siences which
their familiar friendliness warranted.
The case had been decided against the
prosecution, the jury, after not more than
half an hours absence, bringing ina YER
dict of not guilty, which had been receiy-
ed with cheers and other expressions Of
appreciation by the closely crowded audi
ence which had listened to the closing
scenes of the trial. and many Of the per-
sons composing which had attended day
after day through its entire continuance
: 81 did not look to see you so little an
noyed by the result Of this trial, said
the physician to Ills friend. "Iou SEEM
ed flushed and weary, but there was an
expression of relief upon your features,
if one may judge from the few signs be-
trayed by a countenance so closely guard
ed when the verdict was announced"
"You judged rightly, doctor" was the
answer. 81 might tell you, as friend,
that was relieved. Facts had come to
my knowledge, in the course of the in
yestigation, which made me believe the
accused innocent. was morally certain
of it, though the evidence was strong
against him, and / trembled lest the jury
should bring in a verdict of guilty, as
they might very well have done, had
they alone considered the facts sworn to,
and left out of account the mans previous
good character and the slight provoca-
ton, distant in time and apparently for
gotten, which only could be adduHed as
motive "0f course, you will not mention
this. The man is acquitted, and trust
the whole affair will soon be forgotten
save by the actors in it,"
81 certainly shall not mention it, since
YOU desire me not, said the doctor; but
your statement accounts to me for what |
have been looking at as lack of your
usual spirit in concluding the prosecution.
|, myself had no doubt Of the mans
guilt until the very last; but | had no
means of knowing the circumstances
which have changed your opinion"
"Nether had Others" replied the law
yer, "WhO have accused me with much
bitterness, of not seeking with sufficient
zeal the ends Of justice 1t Is sometimes
difficult, in my profession, to reconcile
conscience and desire for popular ap-
,..,a,,,l prt 500 var, ara louuhiup Dt my
unWonted strain" he continued, Per
haps it strikes you as out OF character
from the lips of public prosecutor, and |
it may be. ] will stop moralizing, and, II |
YOU are disposed to listen, tell you story, |
an incident of my profession, as it really |
occurred, and which is quite in point"
"Bravo" cried the doctor, rousing up |
from half doze at his proposition.
"Push that bottle nearer-there, that
will do-this is capital. Heidsick, can !
YOU get me some of the same? All! now |
give me a cigar, and Pm ready"
"You have not forgotten, suppose"
began the lawyer. "the case of Roberts.
who. in the year 1856, was tried for muir
der on circumstantial evidence, of the |
strongest character, and acquitted too? |
You doctors never take much interest III |
such matters, know, unless you have a
hand in them, and fat fees for medical
examinations and testimony. Well, the |
case was this:
"A man named Hamilton, a boarder in
house in Perry street, was found dead |
in his room one morning. There were
several wounds upon his person, some of
which he might have inflicted pom him
self. But there were two at least, which !
1t was impossible could have been made |
by a weapon held in his own hand, as
their situation and direction made evil
dent
"At first it had been supposed that he
had committed suicide, as he was man
of Incorporate habits, addicted to gam
ing and low company, and had Of late
been much depressed in consequence Of
losing his business situation, and by a |
long run of i'll luck. He was a morose, !
c,,lInn ,,n, and boJ no frianJ amonU his |