Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1877-12-21
nr. r. Clay Maddux Acquitted.

Tho trial OF Dr. i. clay hlaouaA VI lnI
charge of causing az abortion 10 the case OF
Mrs. Mary a. Lawless occupied lhs eoI'tG
session of the Clinical Court yesterday: a.
Leo Knott, assisted by VIM: Ga@poen, up
peared for the State. aud +. 5. Hobllizell anu
W. Hoingsworth Whyte tor the aelep &C.
Besides full attendance OF members OF the
bar, there was the crowd OF spectators VINO arc
generally attracted by a prurient curiosity ~
such examinations There were alSo preseuii
a number of prominent members OF the meolcal
facutv of the city, some dozen or more OF whom
were summoned as witnesses Mu1h time was
spent at the beginning of the proceedings 10 a
discussion BY counsel 10 regard to demurrer
to tho Indictment. This was filed, it was un-
derstcod, against the wishes OF the DEFENDANT
who stated that he should insist upon the ease
bcng determined not upon any legal ;echnlcali'
ties, but upon its merits solely" Finally, the
Court oyerruled the demurrer, and the defence
filed exceptions.
Mr.. Knott then OF cned for the State, de.
scribiug the nature Of the offence cha'gcd. and
saving that as it was contrary to the Law OF God,
and most Injurious to good morals. the State had
wisely enacted laws declaring it crime aod pro-
yldine penalties for its commission. lie con-
Guided with brief recital of the evidence he
proposed to bring before the jury. The coun
sci for the defence reserved their statement.
When Mary a. L1wlcss, tho principal Wit
ness, was put on the stand, she denied hat an
abortion had been produced upon hcl. She
said that DR.. Maddux had attended hr pro,
fessionally, but she asserted that there had
been no malpractice. and at the time OF the
alleged offence she was not encente ibis ties
timony took the States Attorney by surprise,
and he made an attempt to lmpeaeh the witness
by interrogating her as to what she mad tcsti'
fed to before the Grand Jury. She sald shc
didn't know what she had told the GRAND jury
she was so frightened and nervous In conse-
ouence of what had been said to her outside,
that she had no recollection about II. Inc
State Attorney was then proceeding to refresh
the memory Of the witness by leading questions,
when the counsel for the defence interposed o.
jections. A long discussion cDsued, and there
Other witnesses, Sergcants Selbod and House,
and the foreman of The Grand Jury. VIM. H..
Bruno, esq.,, we're severaly called by the State,
and it was sought to be shown by their evidence
what Mrs. LawesS had said upon the subject.
Objections were raised 10 every case by the de-
fence. Finally, the Judge decided 10 effect that
it was not in the power of the State to impeach
its Own witness. except by legal evidence that
would first establish the commission of the OF.
fence, having shown that the declarations OF
Mrs. Lawless to Sergeant Seibold and others
would become admissible, even though it went
to the length of impeaching her.
The States Attorney then gave notice that
he would file bill of EXCEPTIONS and added
that he had no more testimony to offer. ,,
Counsel for the defence said they would call
no witnesses and the case was submitted 10
the jury, who rendered a verdict ct acqulttal
without leaving their seats.
Mrs. Lswless was again committed to Jail,
at the request of the States Attorney, for rea-
sons which. he stated, were withheld for the
present.-BaH. Am.
The Mrs. LawIess spoken Of above left Balll:
more soon after her appearance before the grand
Jury and came to this city, where she obtained
employment, and where she remained until
arrested and carried hack to Baltimore last
Thursday. Sheis delicate looking woman ap;;
pareutly twenty eight or thirty years DID, aud
of rather q pleasing conntenapce: She Is
widow, carrying on the dress making buslocss'
and was neatly dressed.