New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1879-07-04


JOSEPH A. BLAIR's RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE DEATH
OF HIS CoACHMAN-FoUR OF TIE JURORS FA-
voR A VERDICT OF JUsIIFIABLE HOMICIDE
The inquest In the case of the dead coachman,
John Armstrong, who was shot by his employer,
Joseph A. Blair. at MontClair n. j.. on June 26'
was closed Yesterday at Newark and resulted in
verdict of manslaughter; four of the jurors how
ever favoring q verdict Of justihable homicide
The testimony of the cook Ophelia Dyer, and the
statement of Mr.. Blair excited much interest
EVIDENCE AND Mr.. BLAlRS STATEMENT
There was a large gathering of auditors at
the Court House in Newark yesterday morning anxious
20 hear the closing testimony in the Investigation OF
the death OF John Armstrong, the eoaohman' Inc
room remained crowded through the morning
session when the evidence OF Opheha Dyer inc
Young woman employed as cook at the bar
residence until the day after the shooting was TAKEN
Later in the day the intense heat drove many from te
room. and at the time the verdict was rs'urhe" Wy ~
iugy there were comparatively few persons present
MI Blair as on the former day, sat within the par,
behind his counsel, and accompanied oy group OIL MS
Montclar friends, among whom were MISS keOecca d.
Draper and lady friend. The eldest brother OF Mr.
Blair J. j. Blair. of Brooklyn. was present during the
day and also George Anguish, Of Chutensngo county
n v his father-in-law. Mr. Blair appeared sad
and depressed as the previous day. lie gave
very careful attention TO all the testimony
and particularly TO that OF Opbeha Dyer Az
fines he conyersed with another Of his counsel
OF with friend.
The only smile that has boen noticed his face dur
ing the whole proceedings provoked by the Coro
ners absenmiuded alusion to what he termed "irIey
eront" testimony
ARMSTRONG; CONFLICTING STATEMENTS.
The first witness, Dr. John W. Pinkham, of Montelair
testified that he Armstrong at the hospital
on the following day, subsequently to tho time
of his ante-mortem statement 10 County physician
Hewlett or about o'clock IN the afternoon Armstrong
nsked for drink OF water. Some askedH 1t would
not be dangerous give HIM water on account OF the IN
hammatiOn. Armstrong rOusing up saidi :" Inc IN
hammation is dangerous, them and am going TO de
Dr. Pinkham thought this seemed to be the first time
that Armstrong fully realized that his case
was hopeless. He then made statement to
Dr. Pnkham regarding the Affair." In which
he said contrary to the assertion in his ante-mortem
statement, that Mr. Blair shot him on the stairs
James H. Duffy, Of No. 444 West Thirty-e ighth-st,
New-York testified that he had known John Armstrong
since he was child born in Dublin, aud after
ward lived IN County Westmeath, where the Witness
knew him. his father well-to-do farmer ana he
had three brothers and sister now living IN Ireland
who were respectable persons. Armstrong was once
guardsman in the employ of the Midland and Great
Western Railroad Company. He first came to this
country I'm 1872 and had returned to Ireland ON
visit two years ago His last place OF occupation before
going TO Mr.. BlaiTs, was at Green's Farms, Conn.
Armstrong left this place for Minnesota, where he
had an uncle reaching NewYork he found that he
had not money enough, ana therefore sought employ
meut of Mr.. Blair. Mr. Duffy SAID Armstrong was
quiet man. never out temper and he not TO
swearing He produced a un-type picture Of the man,
which was passed about among the counsel and Jury
\ delay was hore occasoned by Prosecutor Abeelwho
demanded to know whether Justice PnlsbuIy Constable
Boeardus Albert Belden bundle of keys and parcel
OF the effects Of the dead man. in tie room. None
Of these persons articles being present. constable
was sent TO Moutcair, armed with authority to bring
them all quickly 10 Newark
on examination by Mr.. Arnoux It was learned from
Mr. Duffy that Armstrong had been employed as
,ongshoreman in New-YOrk for several months at one
time and that there were long periods IN late years
when he had rarely Armstrong. Mr. Duffy per
sisted in the that Armstrong was peace
able, quiet centlemanly young man.
Mary l. Gallagher neatly dressed young person,
from No 372 East Tenth-st., New-York testified to
having known Armstrong in 1878 and 1874, while they
were both at service Dr. Dunhams at 1rvingtOn-On-
the-Hudson. The picture Of Armstrong was her prop
erty She corroDoratcd the evidence Of Duffy as 10
Armstrong; former good character.
TESTIMONY OF TIE COOK.
The calling Of OphcIa Dyer at this point caused q
considerable sensation among the audience Miss Dyera
rather eshy but somewhat prepossessng young woman
testified length and promptly as to what she saw and
heard at the time of the shooting, stating previously
that she now lived at No. 157 Aleu-st., in NewYork,
her residence, that she could be summoned when it
was necessary.
was engaged al No 20 COncOrd-st Brooklyn" said
Miss Dyer week previous TO the day ofthc shooting
The evening the shooting occurred, alter 10, while l
was working il the kitchen heard loud talking at the
stable Walking the laundry, heard Mr.. Blair and
Johu ouarrcIng. heard John swear hut cannot tell
what be said Mr. BlaiI's voice louder than usual
but not as loud as Johns then went into the dining
room 10 clean the table and next Nj Blair run In
very fast at tbs back door, and into the hall stepped
toward the hall and said:
"'Oh Mr. Blair, don't got out Of patience with that
man.
Hold your jaw he replied, Il am running this
business
Then taxing out his keys, MI. Blair started
mn stairs Directly ne came down and passed
the hall on the way TO the barn. I next saw
him standing III the yard with his pistol IN
ais hand ] the diDing-rOOm from
the hall. and heard Mr.. Blair say to lis wife, Miss
Draper and the children who on the lawn, An go
into the house. They went in, and then heard him
cav 1t must be Done and then, again, 4 cannot help
St IL must be done. He near the back stoop and
then went toward the barn. went 20 where the
ladies were. and l said TO Mrs Blair, Can't you stop
himP she said: NO. can't.' said: That's an
fu thing to shoot a down. Mrs. Blair then began
crying, and much excited.
'Miss Draper present at tins time. then heard
the two and heard John cry out, Murder three
times Mr.. Blair came into the house. said 'Did
John shoot Mr. BlairP MI Blair, said No; Mr.. Blair
shot John / asked Mr. Blair twice. Did you shoot
John and be REPLIED Yes shot him, and sorry.
then saw some men come in, and l got some brandy
and gave to John, who lying near the sta0e-dcor
Mr. Blair came up while was there and John said to
him. Il am a dying Go away! You are muir
derous william. Before my God never had pistol III
ny band'
." Mr. Blair said something at this time. but don't
know, what / was very much excited / Mr..