The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1877-01-27
wr, Lawrence Jerome DazEacs the
Grand Jury with u Burst of Elo-

The New York World says that Mr.. Law
renee 4. Jerome was yesterday secured TOT
the grand jury at q great expense OF seo-
noena and watchfulness. Several gentle
men from the District Attorneys made him
swear, and then the grand jury, through
its foreman, Dir. Cortland De P. Field, In
tinated that if he knew anything about the
alleged May-Bennett duel, and was willing
to criminatc himself, there was his oppor-
tunity. "Me?" said Dir. jerome, recoy-
ering his temper in his surprise. Then he
collected himself, and is rumored to have
made the following address: "God
bless you, my dear boys, 1 don't
know anything about it. There
Pm glad to return for once to
the paths OF truthfuIness. Were you
ever interviewed, Mr. Foreman? Yes.
Well, then, you know how it feels. Once
fainting sinner may endure it; twlce-a
bounding saint may survive it; three
times-the silent grave opens before you
as blessed haven. But I, Mr.. Foreman
and gentlemen, have been interviewed
more than 1870 times-before this time
about this May Bennett duel, as they
call it. I tell you on nay sacred honor,
gentlemen, I never knew thing about
it. The reporters Of the evening pa
pers walked me up in my moruing
nap and the fellows from the morning g
papers kept me u:, to heather hours.
TAey followed nfe in the streets, and
when took a cocktail, gentlemen,
they telegraphed it. 1t was q persecution.
I wished | lived in sheepskins and goat
skins and in dens and caves OF the earth.
But. then, Mr.. Foreman, it was partly my
own fault. I really knew nothing about
the affair, but kept furnishing the report
ers with most OF the news that faed the pa
pers relating 70 the duel. They persisted
that had something to do with arranging
the preliminaraes for the fight, and know
inc that it was bread and butter to
the reporters, and that they were
paid by the yard for al such ex-
citing Information, / furnished them
with prime pals and seconds on every
occasion when asked. ] did this.
I repeat, for the benefit OF the reporters
mainly. knew it was sin, but am not
sufficiently punished? Be merciful to me,
Mr.. Foreman, for / assure you / didn't
know. the first thing about the duel, but
they would insist upon it that / knew all
about it. ] am glad the affair is brought
to close. I am glad to be here to relieve
my mind and the public On this very excit-
ing subject. I am a man of peace; l am a
respecter of the laws of the land; would
not counsel the shedding of blood in any
other wsy except according to law and the
doctors. There are some bloody-mind-
ed men in the community, but
am not one OF them. I hope, Mr..
Foreman, you are satisfied that I am a
law-abiaing citizen, and opposed to the use
of firearms, except in case Of defence and
invasion. II you have done with me, Mr..
Foreman, / would like'to retire and dresume
my pleasant occupation in Wall street,
where twill be most happy to see any
member Of the Grand inquest, and to at
tend 1oany business in my line to the en-
tire satisfaction of all parties"
Mr.. Jerome's remarks were received with
laughter and applause, and he was imme-
diately let.go.