The Rutland daily globe. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1873-1877, 1877-04-28
THE PHAIR CASE.
The Prospects Of a Ropriovo.

The Prospects Of a Repriove.
A dispatch to the Boston Globe dated at
81. Johnsbury, Thursday, says
Public sentiment in the Phair case has
undoubtedly grown strongly In his favor in
this vicinity within the last few DAYS. II
a vote could now be taken by tho Jury at
large OF the state, Phair unquestionably
would be granted n new trial. 1t is the
common topic OF conversation here to the
exclusion of other subjects and appears to
elicit nearly as warm a discussion as the
late political campaign. Many of the most
prominent and wealthy citizens here, and
indeed of tho whole state have, as they have
become more conversant with the case,
formed favorable opinions Of Phair's irno.
cence. Among those interviewed were
Colonel A. b. Jewett, superintendent of the
Portland & Ogdensburg railroad, the Hon.
$. s. Thompson, senator from this district,
Ex-Governor Hendee, George May, cashier
of the First national bank, and other influ-
entail citizens having intimate business re-
lations with the governor. These gentle
men now express the opinion that since
Phair has been once reprieved, matters
should be sifted to the bottom and the evil
dence pronounced on by the courts. Some
are DESTROYS of having a petition circulated,
but this is considered unnecessary, as the
Governor will know individual sentiments
without it.
Many are found who think Phair entire
ly innocent. The governor returned from
New York to-day and will give the case
his immediate attention. There is some
question as to the Interpretation of the stat
utes regarding the time within which the
court has Jurisdiction to grant n new trial.
It's the opinion of some eminent lawyers
that the Limitation of two years after the
final judgment applies to civil cases alone.
Probably a petition will soon be made to
the supreme court for a new trial to test
this question. The beginning Of the end
approaches, and in all probability within
two days it will be finally decided whether
or not Phair will be hung May 4.
1t is certainly known that the testimony
of Downing and the Rutland and Provi-
dence evidence are receiving the most care
full attention of the governor and his id
visers. If the decision is against Phair it
will be because the evidence at the trial SO
outweighs the newly discovered evidence
that granting the truth of the latter the
result would not be different. The prob
ability is in favor of Phair. The report of
Veazey and Ormsbee. which by some error
is delayed, was telegraphed for tonight.
Every new fact in connection with the case
will then be before the governor IN a proper
Gamer. Notwithstanding the expressed
fears of parties who from the start have
used every pretext against Phsir and crili-
else the methods employed by those fairly
investigating his case.
The most correct view tonight is that
there is q probability that a I~eprieve will
now be granted until after the assembling
of the Legislature. A stronger probability
yet is that q sufficient reprieve will be
granted to enable the question of law as to
jurisdiction to be tested by the court. If
the latter should prove to be correct and
the court should decide that it had no ju-
risdiction the case would then stand as
now If they decide that they have juris.
diction, the matter would be decided soon
er on a new trial or a motion therefor, and
Phair executed or set at liberty.