The New York herald., 1876-09-21
Sent to the State Prison for
Life.
TWEED'S ANSWER IN THE CITY SUIT
Invoking the United States Courts in 0ppO-
sitiOn to Rapid Transit.
A Wife's Liability for Her Hus-
bands Board.

The trial Of James Dodwe charged with the murder
OF his wife, Mary Dodwel, at the tenement house No.
4l3 East Ninth street. the 27th OF May last, was
yesterday brought TO very sudden and unexpected
close Recorder Hackett took his seat on the bench
promptly NJ eleven o'clock In anticipation OF further
developments In what promised to DO very curious
and Interesting casethc dark deed Itself being buried
my story the denscly crowded aud the
proceedings were awaited with considerable anxiety.
Tho prisoner occupied his accustomed beside his
counsel, Mr. William +. Howe, seemingly Indifferent to
all surroundings No friends near to cheer him,
and indeed he appeared to be deserted by all save his
advocate. Before amy witnesses were called Mr. Howe,
She prisoner and his onnIaw entered into an earnest
conversation, while Assistant District Attorney
BELL who conducted The prosecution on the
part OF the people, intimaed 10 the Recorder
that there was probability OF The case coming 10 an
end he Understood the prisoner was going TO plead
guilty to The charge OF murder in the second degree
Finally Mr.. Howe addressed tho Recorder amid tho
greatest silence He said that when he hisi took
charge Of the hc examined II with great care and
miuutcncss, and accordingly prepared what he con-
sdcred n perfect defence. Since, however, The de-
veopments maue the part OF The prosecution dur
ing tho last lew days he forced frankly TO confess
that he unable TO present satisfactory explanation
oi the unfortunate occurrence Although he was per-
iccy satisfied that the prisoner, Dodwcll had never
displayed any act OF premeditaon in reference TO The
murder OF his wife, yet there were sufficiently cnbar-
Passing surroundings IN the case that might perhaps
induce the jury ind verdict OF guilty o murder in
the hrst degree. Under these circumstances he had
AuVlseu Tue prisoner pleau eullty OI III
second degree ana II now only remained for him to
tender that plea 70 the Court
Assistant District Attorney Bell said that while he was
satisfied that the ceased woman had died from
wounds received the eth of May at the hands Of
her husband ana that the prosecution had produced
sufficient evidence warrant them III going 10 the
Jury aud asking verdict OF guilty in The first de-
gree, he also satisfied that the iltrcatmcn which
the prisoner had tho deceased and the threats he
bad used toward her done while he under the
influence OF liquor. Under sucn circumstances he
might well hesitate before shortening The days Of tho
unfortunate prisoner-a man who had awa s borne a
lar character except in regard TO his relations with
his wie. His lie ut most could not bc prolonged
many years, aud he Mr. Be ielt he did his duty 10
the pubic III accepting The plea OF murder in the sec
oud degree.
Recorder Hackett, addressing the prisoner, then
said:-Thc reasons anu motives which have induced
your counsel 10 offer this plea III your bcnalf meet
with my entire concurrcnce and, having IN v.ew that
the gentleman who appears Tor you Is most earnest aud
most sincere IN the defence oI criminals intrusted to
his charge either assigned by the Court by per-'
hona retainer, and well knowing that he has donc
everything tor that could DC done in the trial Of
this case, my own impress on Is that upon the evil
dcEce producec-and | do not know how lar II would
be embarrassed by the proofs which would be offered
ana by the arguments OF cCunsel-thcre would be sui
Icent Tor this jury TO convict you OF the charge o
murder IN The nrst degree Tn. rcasons assigned by
the District Attorney Tor inducing him. IN uhlnng his
solemn duly 10 the people, 10 accept this plea arc
quite IN accord with own views ana think en,irel'
Justify INN in his The sentence OF the Court is
That you be confined In the State Prison at hard labor
The term Of our natural lie
taplS Nxux i,,n nd