The Wichita city eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1872-1883, 1876-03-02
Gen Babcock's Acquital.

Gen. Babcock, Private Secretary of
Gen. Grant, who was charged with
completely in the ST. Louis crooked
whisky business, after long and ex-
haustive trial was acquitted unanimous
ly. The jury which consisted of two
ex-rebels, one northern Democrat, one
Independent and the balance Republi-
cans, in taking the first ballot were
unanimous for acquital. His acquital
seems to give general satisfaction
throughout the entire country-Dem-
ocrats and Republicans alike declaring
that the evidence was insufficient to
even cast suspicion upon Mr.. Bah
cock.
From the associate dispatches we
gather the following interesting de-
tails:
Judge Dillon, who read the charge,
said two main questions arose-one as
to the existence of a conspiracy, the
other the connection Of the defendant
with it. The first question required
but little attention, as the counsel on
both sides seemed to accept that as a
fact. The jury were cautioned to be
guarded against public clamor. They
were also reminded that the Govern
ment owed duty to its citizens as
well as its revenue, and it lay in its
province to acquit as well as convict.
The prosecution presented no evidence
to show that the defendant had ever
declared his connection with the con-
spiracy or written direct admission
of it. The law, however, did not re-
quire this, as it was a case of circum-
stantial evidence. The evidence of
which he thought he saw Joyce put a
$500 bill, and the evidence of Magill,
who took a similar letter from the let
ter box and gave it to Joyce, were con-
sidered, and its credibility left to the
jury. No definite idea of the charge
can be given in this brief synopsis.
The jury retired about one O'Clock.
AT twenty-five minutes past three
the jury sent word they had found
verdict, and they were Immediately
ushered into court.
On taking their seats the foreman
handed the clerk the verdict, who read
it as follows:
1--WE the jury find the defendant not
guilty."
Some demonstrations in favor of the
defendant were made. but it was quick
ly stopped. There was general hand
shaking, however. and Gen. Babcock
crossed over to the jury, and most
heartily and feelingly shook the hand
of each juryman and thanked them for
their verdict. The General and his
friends then left the court and started
for their hotel. On reaching the street
the parry was heartily cheered by the
great crowd congregateG in front of
the custom house, and almost every
body seemed well pleased at the re-
suit.
Gen. Babcock received an ovation
since his acquital. His rooms at the
Lindell hotel were crowded with call
ers for several hours after his discharge
by the court, some of the most distin-
guished citizens being among those
who dropped in and offered their con-
gratulations on the result. Among
those present were Gen. Sherman, G en-.
Harvey, Judge Treat, Col. Hatch, Post
master Filley, and number of ex-
Federal officers, the jury and most of
the army officers stationed here.
About 9 O'Clock the officers from the
arsenal, accompanied by the arsenal
band, called and gave the General
serenade. About II o'clock Chas, II.
Tandy, somewhat noted as a colorcd
politician, al the head Of some thirty
or forty coored citizens called and paid
their respects TO the General and con-
graduated him on his acquital.
There is a strong and apparently
sincere and kindly feeling towards Gen.
Babcock among nearly all classes Of
citizens, irrespective of political sem
timent, and nearly every one you meet
expresses pleasure at the acquiaal.