The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1876-03-03
"NOr GUlLIY.v

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City"
[st. Louis Cor. Chicago Tribunel
All interest concentrated on
the Judges forthcoming instructions.
1t was mutually acknowledged that the
issue would depend almost entirely on
the complexion of his language to the
jury. Shortly after 10 o'clock the jury
came in with funeral tread and took their
places in the box. AS soon as their
names had been called, Judge Dillon I'M
folded a formidable supply of manuscript
and began in deep, measured tones to
read his instructions. Profounder at
tention was never paid to the reading of
any document. Every form was bent
forward in an attitude of intent listening.
Even spectators frequently noisy and
sonorous with shutting movements were
as still rs death. As the Judge pro-
ceeded, the favorable nature of his in
structions were unfolded, and the attor-
neys of the prosecution began to show
by their countenances feeling of I'M
easiness which had not been before ex-
hiblted. A contrary effect was visible
with those intimately interested in the
defense. Babcock, especially, frightened
up and put on a hopeful aspect. Dill
Ions charge was quite lengthy, in itself,
making over 1900 words, and, in adj
dition to this, he interpolated many YER
bal sentences. 1t was near | o'clock
when he had finished. The jury retired
at that hour, and the court room was
soon emptied. The court adjourned till
3 p. m. During the recess the streets
in the vicinity of the court room pre-
sented a scene of great animation. I'M
mense crowds of people thronged the
sidewalks and street corners, eagerly
discussing the prospective verdict.
From the favorable instructions of the
Court, there were comparatively few who
anticipated conviction. The almost uni
versal opinion was in favor of tied
jury. Many bets were made, the odds
being largely against conviction and in
favor OF acquittal. No one dreamed the
verdict was to be reached during the
afternoon, and, for that reason, when
the court met at B p. M, not more than
two dozen persons were in attendance.
Judge Dillon took his seat on the bench
at that hour, and was about to entertain
a motion in the Mckee case, when q
message was received from the jury to
the effect that verdict had been agreed
upon. They were Immediately ushered
into the court room and their names
called. Judge Dillon asked if a verdict
had been agreed upon. Mr. fainter,
the foreman, arose and said they were
agreed. Judge Dillon directed the fore
man to read the verdict, whereupon
fainter handed a paper TO Dillon, who
read in firm and distinct tone eve,
the jury, find the defendant not
guilty."
Judge Krum mt once arose and asked
that the defendant be discharged, and it
was SO ordered. The scene was not
very remarkable one during the entry of
the jury and the delivery of their YER
dict. Babcock was carelessly seated i'll
a chair, and looking upon the proceed
lngs III hstless manner. He did not
appear so sanguine as when the recess
was taken. When the "Not guilty !"
was pronounced he started suddenly from
his chair, and his face turned almost
crimson. 1t was apparent that his emo
tions were deep and overwhelming.
The small crowd present gave a slight
applause, and his friends present came
forward to offer their congratulations.
Babcock, however, paid no attention to
them, but, in company with Judge Por
ter, made for the jury, which was pass
ing out, and shook hands with each in
dividual juror, thanking them with tears
in his eyes for their kind and noble vim
dication. He then received the con-
gratulations of his friends present, and,
in company with Storrs and Porter, pro-
ceeded to his hotel. His appearance on
the streets was the signal for repeated
cheers, and he could scarcely elbow his
way through the crowds that pressed
around him. Throngs of people fol-
lowed him along the streets to the Lin
dell Hotel. There he met an assemblage
of friends who had heard the good news,
and who overwhelmed him with their
congratulations.
The excitement upon the streets was
greater than at any time since the begin
ming of the whisky war. He was the
first alleged conspirator who had been
tried and acquitted, and, though there
was no expectation of conviction, nobody
was prepared for such a denouement as
had suddenly flashed upon them. The
general exclamation was that the bottom
had dropped out of the prosecutions at
last, and the charm was broken. Every
body had expected tied jury, new
trial, and final conviction. The acquit-
tai of Babcock was conceded to be not
only signal triumph for Babcock, but
for President Grant, who had almost i'm
perilled his own good name by the devo-
ton shown to his Secretary. The crowds
at the hotels in the early part of the
night were immense. The sole theme
of conversation was Babcock and his ac-
quittal.
In the evening Gen. Babcock was ser.
enaded by the Arsenal Band, and re.
sponded in the following speech
GENTLEMEN AND FELLow-CITIzENs: L,
would be impossible for me to address you to.
night, were l capable of doing 80 under any
circumstances. / can only thank You most
heartily for the kindness and generosity that
have received in this city, and l call upon Mr.
Storrs, who will reply for me.
Speeches were made by Emory A
Storrs, Col. Hatch, an Confederate
officer, and others, congratulating Bah
cock and his friends upon the fortunate
termination of the trial.
From the statement of the jurors i
appears that, Immediately after the jur.
retired, an informal ballot was taken
Al 4. AA,l