Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1876-03-01
BabcOck Acquitted.

ST. LOUIS, February 24.-At open
ing of the court this afternoon, the
motion for new trial in McKee's case
was taken up, and argument began.
At 3:25 o'clock the jury in the Bah
cock case sent word that they had
found verdict, and they were imme-
diatelv ushered into court. On taking
their seats, the foreman handed the
! verdict to the clerk, who read it as fol-
lows: I'VE, the jury, find the defend
dant not guilty"
Some demonstrations In favor of
the defendant were made, but were
quickly stopped. There was a gen
eral ndsbaklng, however, and Gen.
Babcoch crossed over to the jury and
most heartily aud ieelingly shook the
hands Of each jurymen, and thanked
them Kindly for their verdict.
When the jury entered the Court
room to deliver their verdict, Babcock
was carelessly seated in chair, watch
ing the proceedings iD llstless man
ner. When the mot guilty." was
r.: unced he started suddenly from
his chair and his face turned almost
crimson 1t was apparent that his
emo IONS were deep and overwhelm
ing. TIE small crowd slightly ap-
plauded, and his friends present came
forward to offer their congratulations.
Babcock, however, paid no attention
to them, but, in company with Judge
Porter, made for the jury. which was
passing out, and shook hands with
each individual juror, thanking them
with tears in his eyes for their kind
and noble vindication.
In the evening at about 10 O'Clock,
delegation of fifty colored citizens
marched 10 the hotel, where c. H.
Tandy, prominent ST. Louis colored
politician, offered the congratulatiosn
of his people.
When Babcock arrived at the Lin
dell House, most interesting assem-
blage was awaiting him in his apart
nent up stairs. Among those present
were General Sherman, Judge Treat,
Judge Dillon; Gen. Harney, Gen
Simpson, Levi ?. Luokey. w. o.
Avery. the II jurors, and several
prominent citizens of St. Louis Bah
cock was showered with congratula-
tions. By this time the kind words
by telegraph began TO pour in upon
the late aefen iant. Every few min
utes messenger from the telegraph
office tapped at the door with mes.
sage for General Babcock. Among
the first was one from President Grant
and the Cabinet officers. Many
friends in Washington City and Chi
cage sent congratulations. Boss
Shepard sent long message.
The news of Gen Babccck's $ acquit-
tai reached Washington at 4:3O
o'clock, and was received with delight
by number of the Generals friends
who was at the telegraph office wait
ing Tor the verdict. Boss Shepherd
Immediately jumped into his carriage
and carried the news to the President,
who, from the beginning, announced
himself confident of the acquittal.
The news was received early by Mrs.
Babcock, who Immediately tainted and
remained for long time in Mysteries
from excitement. Her house has
been bcsieged this evening by friends
who come to tender congratulations.
/ According to Colonel Broadhead the
evidence in the case covers 5000
pag,s. The cost to Babcock for law
yers' fees and all, amounts to about
$32 80. The cost to the government
for legal and witnesses fees and court
expenses will be little over $4,000.
About 9 o'clock yesterday evening
the jurors gathered at the Lindell,
and walked up to General Babcock'.
room, where they were received by the
late defendant and his brother. The
meeting was rather awk ward one un-
til seedy old granger blurted out,
General, we had to do it, cause you
see we couldn't do anything else"
The BEECHER ScANDAL.-It ap-
pears that the Advisory Council, in the
case of plymouth Church, propose to
make thorough work of the investiga-
ton. 1t passed resolution, to the
effect. that, inasmuch as Mr.. Beecher
and Plymouth church were anxious for
further investigation Of the charges
against the former. such further inves-
tigatlon should be had. Ex-Governor
DINGHY, of Maine, and Judge Withey,
CT Michigan, were two of the commit
tee appointed to select an investigating
committee, who are to hear all possible