The New York herald., 1879-10-17
JUSTICE, NOT MERCY"


JOSEPH A. BLAIR's COUNSEL MAKES MOVING
APPEAL 40 THE JUnt-HE CLAIMS THAT THE
ACCUSED WAS OBLIGED BY DUTY TO SHOOT
HIS coAcHMAN--IMPREssrvE SCENE IN COURT.
Ihe Newark Court House was crowded yesterday
WIN persons Interested in tho result of the trial OF
Joseph A. Blair for the murder OF his coachman.
curiousiy enough. tho ladies in the majority.
not only within the bar but outside the rails the
space devoted to the general public The working
classes OF. both sexes were almost as well repre-
sented as tho wealthier part of the COM
munity' ana 1t Is evident that the in
terest felt in the trial is intense. Blair,s
lady friends wore out in greater strength
than ever yesterday. giving striking confirmation to
the boast OF tho counsel for the defence that all
Blair's friends held him free from blame in tho
killing Of John Armstrong. There was certain
solemnity in the proceedings well betting the oc-
casion. The defence were to urge their last arm.
ments on the attention OF the jury in whose mas
rests the fate of the prisoner at the
life. and the effect Of the appeal
hung the future of young wife and two helpless
stances. that men and women crowded in to hear
Mr. Courtland Parker's address to the jury. It was
an eloquent and powerful speech, well calculated to
move the hearers to sympathy with the prisoner.
JUSTICE, NOT MERCY"
Mr.. Parker said that Mr.. Blair asked for Justice.
not for mercy. He knew himself to be nnocent
His hands unstained. for it IL guilt and not
blood that stains. He considered the relations be-
tween Blair and Armstrong as employer and en-
ploye When dismissed, enploy6 forfeits his
right to remain on the premises, and his election
with necessary force is the right of the employer
after reasonable time.
Mr. Blair got his pistol; was he wrong in thisf
The man was ,, raging like wild beast % t. and had
it. for he had given him the'weapon. and feared that
he then had it on his person. He said. II will blow
pistol. Night was falling. What should Blair dor
Go away and call the Justice. Where would he find
him and who would he be? He knew none, and had
asked Rosselot who the Justice Should he 90
and leave this enraged man there with his property
and family? He might have done it.. But did the
law require him to do 1t and leave this wild man
raging there?
Mr. Parker considered tho Stato's theory concern
ing the shooting and said 1t made Blair monster
of cruelty and perjured villain Part Of this theory
is that he returned to the barn and got Armstrongs
revolver Fortunately Blair another eye saw the
occurrence-Mrs. Wheeler, delicate woman, who
was friend of the defendant not even knowing
him. She says sho saw Blair come ont of the barn
aud walk toward the house with something in his
hand She heard him say to his wife. "Here is what
he was going to shoot me with" He held out both
of his hands and seemed to have something in both
hands.
APPEALING TO THE JURY.
Murder implies evil-heartedness-intent to kill
or, IT not then to infict great bodily HARM which
has resulted in dcath-urged the advocate. It in-
wolves and requires guilt. moral evil can you be-
life. his surroundings? Is it consistent with his
conduct before and after the event which has bowed
him down to the earth in sorrow? Before. what was
he? The of quiet self-restraint, calm forbear-
After the dreadful necessity passed what
was hep Who such friend to the poor, un-
happy victim OF his own rage as he? Who found
the doctors? Who brought the restoratives? VINO
sent for the pillows and the cushionsa Who saw to
it that the very consultations OF his religious faith
provided him? What wicked man, what
cruel man, what guilty acted
with solf-defence, with having acted with Of
duty to himself not only, but to those for whose
consistent with any other Had he intended to kill
would he in a moment have become an angel OF
mercy? Had Aad ne meant to in,ure; though nos
struck in heat Of blood, carried away by the
excitement of tho wrongs which he suffered. would
he at once have striven earnestly yet gently so
considerably, to bind up the wounds inficted2
Adopt his allegation that he meant only to
% him and death and all is clear and and consist
ent. Though blood flowed from his act
there is :o no blood on his hands They are pure
There is no man who knows him that hesitates now
or will hesitate hereafter to clasp those hands in
friendship. My learned and eloquent adversary
Joined you to remember your duty. join with
him, gentlemen. in the request.
FROM sENsE OF DUTY.
My client. through me. does it. said the speaker.
It not through malice that he inflicted this
sense of duty alone. For it not duty to pre-.
serve ones life? Is 1t not duty to project
ones home wife and children? Had you been in mia
place would you have done otherwise? Has not the
God who gave life prompted the wish to preserve
it, and does not the law of nature inculcate this
duty?
Gentlemen. + will detain you no longer. God guide
you to u rightful verdict anticipate 1t with con-
fdence You cannot find it in your hearts to make
it other than one of acquttal This unhappy family
will be reunited They will enter again upon that
happiness from which they have been torn This
wife will again be radiant with love and joy. This
husband will once more be respected and trusted.
These children will grow up. twning like young
vines around them. aud as ago creeps supporting
and uphoding them. And what happiness for yous
when you shall hear and it ALL to be able to say
81 was of the jury whose decision did all this. I
helped give liberty to him that deserved it." What
greater happiness than that in doing this you know