Millheim Journal. [volume] (Millheim, Pa.) 1876-1984, 1877-03-15


max on Saturday, and gave rise to n
ecene such SO was never before wit
messed in the little PENNSYLVANIA
town. at half past eight O'Clock
Hon. r. w. Hughes resumed his
powerful closing speech for the
Commonwealth, which had been in
terrupted by the adjournment of the
Court on Friday evening. The pris-
oners, Hester and Tully, were ac-
eompanied by their wives, but Nc
Hugh was alone, with no friend to
share his anxiety. The courtroom
WAS packed, the fair sex being pre-
sent in large numbers, and in this
respect the concluding scene WAS in
strong contrast TO the opening,
when not a lady was 10 be seen in
court except Hester's wife and
daughters, who have been constant
ly beside him during the terrible or
deal. The address of Mr.. Hughes
was listened 20 with eager interest.
He reviewed the testimony closely,
and showed that in its main features
the evidence of Kelly ''the Bum"
relating to the plot and deed remain
cd unshaken despite the vigorous
cross examination to which be had
been subjected. Mr.. Hughes detail
ed the scene of the killing of Rea
with q weird, passionate eloquence
that called forth frequent express
sions of subdued horror from the
packed audience, and during this
part of the speech Mrs. Rea and her
daughters were so overcome that
they were compelled to retire from
the room. The firing Of the fatal
bullet into the expiring mans brain,
the bringing of t he body to the be-
reaved home, the agony Of the grief
stricken family-all were depicted
in touching terms that melted many
an eye to tears. After this, however,
came a surge OF indignation when
the speaker laid the crime to the So
ciety of the Molly Maguires, which
he characterized rs a "hellborn or
ganization," and turning to Hester,
Tull aud McHugh, he pointed them
cut as its votarieS and the men
whose hands were dyed red IN the
blood Of Alexander Rea. The ad-
dress of Mr.. Hughes, which occupied
nine hours in all, closed with an ear
nest appeal for a verdict against the
prisoners in accordance with the
testimony. At the close of the
speech Col. Freeze, Of the counsel
for the defence, moved for the dis
charge of the jury on the ground
that Mr.. Hughes had misrepresented
the proofs, and argued upon matters
outside of the testimony in the case
Intended to excite the fears and pre-
iuilice the Jurors to procure a ver-
dict. The motion was ordered to
be filed. Judge Eiwell proceeded to
change the jury. He gave All ex-
hanstive review of the testimony,
explaining the different legal points
Involved, and abstaining from in
6alging in single sensational phrase
fr opinion, thst might help to over
turn the most dispassionate mind.
His Charge took an hour in its delive-
". At one o'clock the case was com
rnitted to the jury, and the court ad-
journed to await the verdict. The
town was very much excited in an
ticipation of the result, which it was
thought woGld be made known
about eight O'Clock Saturday even
ing. Bets were freely made on the
verdict, and just when every one
was busy guessing what it would be
the solemn tones Of the court house
hell were heard, startling all with
ihe announcement that the jury had
arrived at decision. Instantly
there was rush from all parts of
the town to the court room. The
PEOPLE poured, pell-mell, wildly
through the doors, crushing and
knocking each other down in their
eagerness to obtain admission. Pre-
eisely at three o'clock the jurors
came into court, aud the prisoners,
looking pale and restless, were
marched into the room. the observed
Of every eye. The suddenness of
The verdict forbode them no good.
IIester's wife and two daughters sat
beside him very much agitated, and
every heart was throbbing feEerish-
ly for the first word to be spoken.
The courthouse bell tolled its last,
and the words, ssThat's their death
knell - were whispered from one
TO another. Judge Elwell admon-
ished those present not to indulge in
any demonstrations, no matter VIII, &
the verdict might bo. TO the query,
s'Gentiemen of the jury, have you
agreed on your verdict in the case
of Patrick Hester ?" the foreman