New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1879-10-23
THE RLAIR VERDICT

The persistence OF the Court in keeping ont the
jury in the Blair murder case in New-Jrrsey has
been justified by the event, a verdict OF " Not
Gufyn having been finally reached. This has IN
doubleday been tine result OF an honest and patent
consideration of this remarkable case. and the de-
cslon ofthc Jurors Is all the valuable because
il has not been reached in a perianctory way.
There seems 90 be no reason IN tie notion that a
Juror should. IN nltter OF life and death. be able
To- make up his mind in Twelve or even IN twenty
four hours nor is there anything discredii able in
his changing his opinion. thought or discussion
may present the mlttnr TO BIN differently. The
jurors are shut mp together that each have tine
benefit Of LIS fellows views and reflections and
debate may be rs valuable in the juN-ro1m ~ 10
the chambers OF legislation Especially is TINS
likely 10 De So wien the point at issue is differ
enco rs 10 the degree of crime. There WAS no
question here o. tie actual commission 81 the ~
putcd murder ly the prisoner. No one else could
have done the deed. The point was whether he
was justified IN doing 1t, and everybody who has
read tine evidence VIII that it difficult and
delicate one to determine.
Jron the whole we think that the best part OF
tie public VIII be satisfied with the finding. what
ever criticism It may evoke in prejudiced quarters.
The evidence shows pretty concusiycy that Mr..
BLAIR had to deal with exceedingly angry rs well
s armed man, VINO nj the moment was lrgaily
n trr-passer though he had been fairly warned 10
leave the premises Mr. Blair had clearly right to
use any force necessary to eject hun. His possess
sion Of pistol put the coachman in the cate cory Of
the midnight burglar. who might ar any moment
add ASSASSINATION 20 robbery. Nor the question
for the jury whether. under such difficult cucum-
stances, nr. Blair exercised tie highest po siblo
discretion IN his action. some allowance must be
made for the iniimity Of human judgment. If
man, under such circumstances, actually believes
his life ia danger and defends 1t by the rcadiest
means there being sufficient cy dence % show prob
able cause for such apprehension, he will he ali
solved from any extreme consequence OF ms self
defence. even though bee may not have reasoned
with absolute accuracy. Il would he unfair 10 hold
that tie danger the moment should present Itself
exactly TO his mind. II does TO those who estimate
it aiterwarl and at leisure.
Although he has been pronounced innocent OF
murder. Mr. Blair is entitled quite as much TO our
sympathy as our congratulations. 1t is 10 small
matter for 4 man in his pos tion TO Doe arrdigned
a feon. and 20 be put in peril of his life before
criminal tribunal. He would b. less than human if
be should eyercoasc TO reg r tine Mcntclair episode
with deep regret. A. husband ana q father he
must have ict kernly tine sorrow which has 50 long
lrooded over LIS home and lis family. But after q
fllland fair trial lac has b en- declared innocent of
all guilty intention. and this. with the satisfaction
of good conscience. ought in tolerable measure To
modify the regrets which 1t Is impossible for him
not to entertain.