davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1875-03-05
MANSLAUGHTER TRIAL IN JERSEY,

THE RAvNE ROAD PIT--A CONTRACTOR DE-
LIvERED FROM pERILoUs POSITION.
John M. shannon. q contractor, only twenty
three years Of age, was placed on trial yesterday
afternoon in the Court OF Quarter Sessions &C
jersey City on an Indictment for manslaugnter
shannon was awarded the contract by the Board
OF Public WORKS for building the abutments OF tho
Ravine road bridge on Paisade avenue
While the work was In progress music
teacher named Charles s. Krouu was
passing along Palisade avenue to his
home on the night the 22d OF March OF last year.
lay without any safeguard In his path, tumbied
down the precipce and was killed, The Grand
~ me- By aS s sea the Of
Ksoun. II appears tna. OF the time OF the acct
Dent young shannon had snolet the contract 10
his uncle. The witnesses examined Tor tue prose.
cuiion were II. II. NewkrK, clerk OF the Board VI
Public Works (wno testified TO the awarding OF
La Croix, Daniei Ki6oarne, John G. MesEer Que
inspector appointed to superntend the WORK and
others. When the prosecution was closed the
case was brought TO al unexpected termination.
Mr.. Dixon, counsel Tor the defence, asked the
Court to direct the jury to render verdict OF &C
quittal on several grounds. one was that the
defendant, having sublet the contract, his re.
aponsiDillty ceased and he could not be held for
negligence. Another was that snannon's con.
ments and was entirely indie ndent OF the building
OF the wall over which the man tumbed down.
given to man named Gardner. The Court
after o lew minutes elaboration. sustained the
points raised by the defence, and ordered TIE Jury
to find q verdict or mot guilty" which they did
without leaving thor seats. "In any case, "added
Judge Hoffman, ave would have TO discontinue
dItion Of tue Gitn juror. Tue Court is satisfied
that hc Is unaoe TO comprehend the evidence"
shannon was then released from custody. To,
lesson OF the case - that the wrong party wss
nisssis wnsn the nsxi Grand iair nesX
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1875-03-05
THE SHANTY MURDER.

COMMENCEMENT OF THE coRoNEns nvEsT1aA-
TIoN
Yesterday morning Coroner Kessler commenced
his Inquest 10 the case OF James Orr, the man who
was alleged to have been murdered in the shanty
OF Philip dwell sevent ninth street., on or about
the 2lst at, by weapons In the hands OF the lat
ter. as previously published In the HERALD
Onicer Goodenougn, OF the Nineteenth precinct
deLosed that ne was informed OF the death OF MI
orr In 0lwes shanty and going there found de.
ceased lying on the bed with blood on MS head
and lace In an adjoining room found pieces Of y
broken chair and a bloody Ratchet In WOOD
toe room and outside the door; arrested
Owell, and he said, II Killed the man and suppose
shall be hanged LOT n;' he seemed 10 iee very
bad; lie said deceased came there the nigh pre-
10 Duy some whiskey and some meat, ana wneu
lie came back deceased raised the hatcher ana
attempted 10 strike him, out they SERTED their
oIfficulty and sat down; they soon talked about
the Datcnet again. when, as the prisoner states,
orr raised chair TO MIN, when ne tprisoner)
disarmed deceased. and after KNOCKING him Down
prisoner denied using The hatcnet on deceased !;
he lelt sorry Tor wnat ne nau Gone and cfied
about 10.
Onicer Nlven, OF the Twenty-tnird precinct,
deposed that early on the morning OF the 2lst uIt,
prisoner came up TO him on post ana sala, ~
have Killed a man In row;' went TO the shany
and saw q man dead; corr oCorated the testimony
OF unicer Goodenougn, except that prisoner SAID
thought he might well put him out OF his
misery as he was gong ~ die any way.
owing 70 the absence OF two Witnesses, VINO
may know something about the matter tile fur.
tner investigation was adjourned till next Mon
day morning, at eleven O'Clock. Captain Mount
VIII see tnat the delinquent Witnesses WILL be 10
I, Howe appeared on behalf OF the accused, who
man OIL respectaoie appeararce.
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1875-03-05
ABUSES IN THE POLICE COURTS.


To THE EDITOR OF THE HERALD
1t is, indeed, about time that public attention
was directed to the manner in which our police
courts are conducted. With those who like my.
self, are familiar with their workings, 1t has long
since become O question whether persons arrested
on charges OF having committed some OF the petty
offences over which these courts entertain juris.
diction, such as tntoxicatlon, disorderlv conduct
&C., nave any rights which anybody is pound to
respect. And judging from observation, 1t would
seem that they have none. 1t Is not long ago that
the HERALD contained an account Of the amount
OF business transacted In one OF these courts
IN one morning from which It appeared
that over 200 cases had been disposed Of.
And, indeed. 1t Is quite usual to try () fifty and
more cases an nOur. This about gives the ponce
01lcer time to make Q charge, the Justice time 10
pronounce brief Judgment and the prisoner
time to remain silent. How Is 1t possible Tor JUS.
ttce to be done when business Is transacted wltn
sucn rapidly and when the sole object seems 10
be 10 get rid OF the cases IN the smallest possible
time A policeman who has spite against
citizen has every opportunity to gratlfy ir. for the
unfortunate prisoner is not likely 20 be heard lor
more than O moment and least likely to be be-
lieved Thank God the Gays OF the Tammanv
ring, when these courts were used as instruments
OF extortion and hundreds citizens were ar.
rested ON groundless, fabricated charges, have
passed. There is still much 10 he done. however.
before these courts will be practically what they
nominaily-cOurls OF justice.
There are other features about these courts
besides the looseness OF investigation which neea
winch IS presided over by good. humane man
Justice OtterbOurg-has no accommodation what.
ever for prisoners. While waiting for the Black
Maria to carry them to the Tombs tae prisoners
are confined in q small "eox" which Is so exposed
to the temperature that on wintry morning they
shlver like aspens, and the chances OF freezing
to death or OF catching dangerous throat diseasei
are very favorable. And. by the way, tue Blac.
Maria might bear an investigation. The
manner IN which prisoners are hudd ca and
packed In this wagon, without the slightest
regard to sex condition. Is shameful There
IL one case on record OF lunatlc having been put
ia with q number OF won and before thelf
shrleks caused MIN to be taken out one OF them
died from the fright. In fact lesson taught b.
these courts seems to be his:-''If YOU wish to
receive any consideration retain any rights be
to commit one OF the higher grades OF crime.
Intoxicarion makes you forfeit all rgnts.n
A LAWYER.
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1875-03-05
POLICE ABUSES.

NEW ORR, March 4. 1875.
To THE EDITOR OF THE HERALD
You are really dong good WORK In following
up that case OF Mr.. Stockvis. who came to his
death by the grossest carelessness on the part OF
the police authorities, Police Judge and the officers
OF Black Wells Island The usual manner in which
charges OF disorderly conduct, drunken
ness ana vagrancy are tried before the
police judges Of this city Is mos; shame.
Iul and stands badly IN need OF re.
form. What happened to Mr.. Stockvis, man ol
means, happens every day to hundreds OF the poor
and miserable. who cannot complain OF the wrong
done to them. There came to my knowledge last
year the case Of Q respectable working woman,
who had been arrested three times on the above
upiounded charges. committed by two different
police justices without proper lnvestlga-
.ioO, and sentenced each time n to pay ysS 81
where she had been sent in one OF the cases
before her friends could get her of. Now. on the
bottom OF all this abuse was "a conspiracy on the
part OF different police ohcers, who LOOK tnelr re-
venge an innocent woman because her brother
was once the police himself, and had, In his
capacity rs roundsman, made charges against
them. One OF THESE Fellows mas since Deen dis
missed IRON the force on suspicion OF stealing a
p0ckctDOOk from man WAC ieU asleep Oh MS
doorstep. 1t Is most shameu al that our police jus.
tees, VINO paid well Tor tneir services take not
the trouble TO lind ous II charge maze by
an oicer IL founded or notY what's the use of
trying the officer before the Commssoners-poO
trial as 1t lsi You cannot rcacn the police Judge,
who l. Just as guilty az her Indeed, Mr.. Slmonin,
the French tourist. who published lately some arti-
ceS about the United States in the Repue deS DeuL
M0ndeS, IL perfectly right In saying tnat the pro-
ceedings in our police courts find only one parallel
In the world, and that's In Turkey. Very respect
fully, AN EDITOR.
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1875-03-05
A POLICE VICTIM.
NEW YORK, March T. 1875.

To THE EDITOR OF THE HERALD
While glancing over the columns OF your valuable
paper this morning 1 observed an article under
the head OF IA Life Sacrificed" | was thinking
while reading the article how easy person
be arrested by the ignoramuses that
are known police officers. While coming
home from q ball some TWO weeks ago was caught
hold OF by Oncer Haley, Of the Fifteenth precinct,
brought TO tue station mouse as though was
burglar and hustled into q cell Oh the charge OF
drunkenness.
could solemnly swear II were allowed to speak
at the time IA privilege not often grantedl That
the officer must have been crazy or intoxicated
addicted to drink. Hoping that you may insert
this IN your paper Tor the Deneat Of our autnorl.
ties, am, with respect, yours, TEMPERANCE.
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1875-03-05


general disposition, attitude and conouct and
action OF the parties as showing their relation 10
one another. such was the force oil the testimony
for the plaintiff, and sucn We understand TO DO the
proper mode.
Tie Judge-Let the answer stand.
MRS. TILToS's WORD.
Witness-I never had the slightest hesitation In
relying on Mrs, Tiltons word IN anything except
In one direction; don't think she was always
truthlul In reference to her nusoands fauits sne
sometimes made statements TO me that thought
were not true. endeavoring to cover her husbands
faults.
The Judge That Will do, madame.
Mr.. Shearman-Was that the only exception
that you are aware or A. relied on MRS. Tllton
perfectly the ordinary aairs OF HE; belonged
when la Brooklyn to the cnurch or Rev. Dr. RICH
ard storrs; Mr.. 1Ilton used 10 speak OF MI.
Bsecher one OF the great men OF the world, one
OF the most Inspiring men and she used TO
sell; Me- 11ton appeared 10 me then q religious
man; the rrst tim was ever Impressed Win q
lear that Mr. Tiiion was departing from his old
religious latin as on the occasion OF q tea taking
at his house In oxford street. think IN 1852; /
am not quite sure he told me ne
DID NOT GO TO CHURCH
as often as be used to- that he was throwing OF
tne trsmmels oil the Church; mat ne never wanted
MS chldren trammeIled by an education that re.
CURED them TO go TO church, and that they would
never have the religious trammes that ne had
/ mad he thought It vas unwnolesome ana not
/ good Tor the soul; that our religious views were
largely the result oil education. ana that he b al
sunered from them.
GOING TO THE PLAY.
Mr.. Tilton sent me an invitation two or three
/ times TO 90 to tue theatre with MN weeks
after my nusoand's DEAN; ne SAID he wanted 70
way ana he ad not Know Of ans other n wan DE-.
ciined tnougnt perhaps my reply was too curt,
aud wen: around 70 explain myself and 70 say 10
him that thanked nm for his kindness. but as
had never been 10 a theatre In my life did not
want 10 make my debut In widows weed he
said tnat was Just the time 70 60 Y was 10 aifc-
ton; tnat no invited me Tor the sake OF entertain
a sa sso.. '' q. r:.vs Co. merits n' .S.: H:
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1875-03-05

Fifty.fourth street. The Rev. Mr.. Rubin read the
prayer. and In n few remarks warmly eWoSZeu
Tue line moral traits OF the deceased.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1875-06-10

touched upon by Judge Porter we're gone over in de-
tail. Mr.. Beecher asserted to have been party
to the policy Of silence" The anticipations
of triumph which were INDUCED by the defendants
counsel, called out severe denunciation from Mr..
Beach. He asserted that he knew what means they
had Of forecasting verdict, and what power the
party of the defendant possessed. Mr.. Evarts, he
said, had more than the hundred eyes of Argus,
which he had wished for more than the hundred
arms of Brareus and also the gold Of Midas, which
had been placed where it would have the best effect.
Mr. Evarts seemed to be much amused at these
assertions and whispered laughngly to his fellow
counsel.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1875-06-10
THE PROCEEDLNGS-VERBA7TM

MR.. BEACH'S ARGUMENT FOR THE PLAIN
TIFF.
journment
Judge Neison-Gentlemen viii perceive that we must
have perfect quiet, and have no doubt We shall be
obliged tomorrow morning to lessen the number of per-
in attendance And gentlemen in the gallery will
find quite necessary to be quiet otherwise the gallery
will be closed tomorrow morning 1t is very desirable
that citizens should hear the discussion in this case
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1875-06-10

regarded for the purpose OF opening justification foS
the vieness Of the assault made upon the case OF me
plaintiff.
THE ALLEGED sHREwDNESS IN SELECT.
ING DATES.
Mr.. Porter alluded TO the complaint in this case,
and to the fact that the place or places OF this adultery
were very artfully and carefully selected Well, oil
course gentlemen the plaintiff in this case knew nothing
Of It, We had evidence Of actual observation OF tho
offense, aud pleader drawing . complaint In an ac
ton of this kind could have verified the places where
he might suppose probable, under the evidence thas
the ofeuse could have been committed. Mr.. Morris, In
drawing this complaint, says
The plaintiff, complaining OF the defendant, alleges
that on the ID day OF October, $780, In the CITY or
Brooklyn the plaintiff iniermarried, &c; that the de-
PENDANT contrvins and wiilfaly Intending &C. hereto.
divers other days and times after that day and before
f SSs% I q ST.. city and az
house OF the plaintiff Livingston CITY OF BROOK
lyn wrongfuy and wicketly, &c, carnally knew, &C.
II Is drawn In the ordinary form. Well It Ia thought
by Mr.. Porter exceedingly surprising that VIC should
charge in this complaint seduction and adultery at the
house Of Henry Ward Beecher and thinks too that 1t was
very adroit have laid the venue npon the 10Th and
upon tho 18th Of october. because no abb could bs
proved and Mr.. Porter with felicity and skll pc
cullary his own, has taken tho occasion to draw
an attractive picture OF Mr.. Henry Ward
Beecher at his house surrounded by his
wife and his children and his grandchildren
The description Of the feictes and the sanctites Of
home life which at touch the eommonest nature and
has appealed you and TO your natural emotions, To dis
credit idea that Henry Ward Bcechcr surrounded by
these aHectonato and holy influences could have been
guilty In his house, to his heart In the holy OF holes
Of such ofense- Why gentlemen, We didn't charge
ordinary form Of pleading ignorant OF the places
where the alleged seduction was obtained; We give, 10
the general language Of ordinary pleading de-
scription Of place and circumstances, making II
as definite o. can, but, nevertheless, making
1t comprehensive as possible 80 that there
should be destructive variance as between the ae-
CATION and the proof do not know, gentlemen whether
in the house OF Mr. Beeche in the house OF Mr. Tton
or where this seduction II there be seduction was &C
cOmplished. There Is no right or contrvancc upon
the part the plaintiff in these peangs. or In this evil
dence with view location OF the oGense that would
be probable place TO time OF character which
would interfere with excupaory proof on the part OF
the defendant These places alleged from an alleged
communication from Mr. Beecher and Mrs. Ton 10 Mr..
Tlton when he led to make inquiries In regard to the
time and place OF the occurrence, and upon that tho
simple claim Is whether Mr.. Tilton or Mr.. Beecher,
strengthened either may be By the other evidence and
the cireums, ances Of this case, Is to be credited.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1875-06-10
PROMINENT PASSAGES IN Mr.. BEACH's AD-
DRESS.

PROMINENT PASSAGES IN MR. BEACHS AL
DRESS.
The address of Mr.. Beach was eagerly listened to,
and several times he applauded, but these out
breaks of feeling were promptly suppressed Twice
during the day Judge Nelson found occasion TO re-
buke the audience for this kind OF disorder Mr.
Beach felt somewhat unwell all day, and ne was IN
able to bear the least draught of air upon the back
of his head SO that the windows behind him had to
be closed He was suffering from neuralgia, and he
sometimes stopped at the end of sentence as II 10
conouer pain He was also slightly hoarse, but
most of the time his utterance was distinct.
Mr. Beach's manner is very vigorous lie speaks
loudly and in rotund and sonorous voice. which
fills the ROOM His words are uttered more rapidly
than those of either Mr.. Evarts or Judge Porter
and his gestures very powerful ana expressive
His features and manner are stern, While MS piercing
gray eyes give great severity to his LOOK when speak
ing very earnestly. During the morning session.
when the air was close and warm in the courtroom,
the orators exertions threw him into profuse
perspiration, and his eyeds looked red and swollen
The oratory of Mr.. Tiltons senior counsel is full
of stirring passages which delivered in manner
that seldom fails to stir enthusiastic interest among
his hearers His notes appear to be very BRIEF, al
though numerous, and his address IS evidently
largely extemporaneous. He often throws down his
notes and seems to speak on the inspiration OF the
moment.
One of the most interesting portions OF yesterdays
address was an eloquent description of the feelings
of husband whose wifes honor has been stolen
away This was of course applied to Mr.. T1ton.
The manner of the orator, who seemed to concen-
trate all his powers In this effort, was so effective
that the audience clapped their bands loudly, and
the bewildered court officers had difficulty in re-
storing order.
There was also stir among the spectators when.
IN describing the support which Mr.. Bee has re-
ceiyed from his friends during the trial. the orator
cried out in an earnest manner, II have seen the
sealots and the parasites gathering around Henry
Ward Beecher in this trial, and shedding their nnu
ence both in and out Of this Court in his favor"
The opening words of the argument were remark
able. Addressing the foreman Of the jury, MI
Carpenter Mr. Beach referred to personal appeals
which he said had been made to him 1.-THE foreman
BY the counsel for the defendant he then spoke OF
Mr. Carpenters having stated that he entertained
opinions favorable to the defendant at the time
when he was examined for place on the jury. An
appeal to the jury to decide this case according to
their oaths followed.
The argument proper was mostly confined 70 an
swering Judge Porters summing up for Mr. Beecher.
Mr. Tton was praised, but the orator said ne should
not indulge in denunciation Of Mr.. Beecher Inc
publication of Mrs Tiltons letters was explained IN
wy favorable 70 the plaintiff and various poin'S
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1875-06-10
THE TILTON-BEECHER TRIAL.

SUMMING UP FOR THE PLAINTIFF BEGUN.
MR. BEACH ENTERS UPON THE CLOSING ARGUMENT
FOR Mr.. TILToN-THE COURTROOM CROWDED
TO ITS UTMOST CAPAcIrY-INTKREsT AND AP-
pIAUsE ATTENDING THE ORATORS EFFORTS
MR. BEACu's oRAToRY-Ils NOTES BRIEF BUT
MISUNDERSTANDING PASSAGES ABUNDANT
THE OPENING APPEAL TO THE JURY-INFLUENCE
IN BEHALF OF THE DEFENDANT DENOUNCED
STATEMENT THAT MONEY HAS BEEN EN-
PLoYED WHERE 1T WOULD HAVE TIE BEST EF-
FECT-PoINTs IN JUDGE PoRrER's ARGUMENT
ANswERED-ALLEGED MISREPRESENTATION IN
BEHALF OF TUE PLAINTIFF TAKEN UP.
William A. Beach, the senior counsel for Mr. Ill
ton, began to sum up for his client yesterday An
immense audience filed the Brooklyn City Court
room Mr. Beachs address was of preliminary
character He confined himself to answering some
Of the statements and arguments made in the sum-
ming up of the defendants counsel. On the bench,
with Judge Nelson, sat Judge Fernald Of Santa
Barbara, Cal. the Hon. NJ c. Smith of NewYork, the
Hon. S. C. Maine of Boston, the Hon. Ii. B. Stepley
of Worcester, Mass, the Hon. Z. II. Hallock and
tne Rev. E' y. Niues ~ ", Ohi'ou o'"eoS SoiinS'
sioner to the International Congress at Rome. Mrs.
Harriet Beecher Stowe, Col. II. b. Beecher, Col.
Langdon L. S. A., the Rev. Mr.. Everest, Mayor
Hunter of Brooklyn, District-Attorney De Witt of
Brooklyn Capt Eldridge, U. s. N, the Rev. Thomas
Crowthe Irving NJ. Avery, and Severn d. Moulton,
Francis d. Moulton's father were among the visit
ors seated in the audience room. Capt. Charles c.
Duncan, who left Plymouth Church on account of
the scandal, occupied seat with Mr.. Tilton's coun
eel.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1875-06-10
INTEREST OF AUDIENCE, LAWYERS, AND
JI1RY

The beginning of the summing up for Mr.. Tilton
bv his senior counsel, Mr.. Beach, drew together
Yesterday in the court room of the largest audi
ences that has been since the trial began. Every
part of the room was filed long before IL o'clock
and hundreds could not obtain admission. Some of
the spectators seized upon the seats reserved for
reporters and declined to give them up until obliged
by the court officers TO do remarkable
feature of the audience was the great number
of strange faces in it. The plaintiff or at
least counsel apparently did not lack friends in
the courtroom, and Mr.. Beach and Mr.. Fullerton
were loudly applauded when they entered. Mr.. Full
lerton has not been present before since the sum-
ming up began. He sat facing Mr. Beach, and
hardly allowed his attention to the orators words to
flag for a moment during the day. Several times he
handed Mr.. Beach marked passages of the evidence.
The Plymouth party did not appear to be as large
a. usual. Mr.. and Mrs. Beecher came in few min
ues after the orator began speaking, pushing their
way through the crowded aises with some difficulty.
Mr.. Bcecher appeared thoughtful as he listened TO
the argument, seldom smiling whispering to those
around him, as it is his frequent custom to do. Mrs.
Beecher watched the orator very intently, some
times smiling derisvely, when he spoke with more
than ordinary emphasis of manner and statements
md Mrs Stowe, who seemed to be amused as well
A. Interested whispered to Mrs. Beecher and others
OF the plymouth party.
Mr. Tilton sat back of Mr.. Beach, and listened to
the presentation of his with absorbing. and
seemingly anxious, interest. His face was generally
pale but at times it flushed red. He appeared to be
unusually idle, having notes to take, and very
little occasion to search books of testimony. Once
Mr. Beach asked him to turn to the Bacon letter,
and he complied with promptness that showed per
feet familiarity with the order of the evidence.
Mr. Evarts and the junior counsel for the defend
mt, frequently smiled while Mr.. Beach was speak
ing and whispered to one another.
The Jury gave their almost undivided attention to
the orator, but some of them frequently glanced
toward the counsel for the defendant when the lat
ter were consulting in whispers There was con-
siderable comment, among the spectators. upon the
remarks of Mr.. Thayer. of the urymen, on Tues
day. to MI Carpenter, the foreman, in reference to
adjournment. Many thought that these remarks
indicated strong division of sentiment among the
Jurors which lag deep enough to affect the question
of their agreeing upon a verdict. This appears to
have been the only occurrence, however, which
could give rise to the idea that the jurymen enter
tanned any decided differences OF opinion Their
general conduct has seemed to point to unanimity
Of good feeling, al least.