Richland beacon. [volume] (Rayville, La.) 1869-1890, 1880-07-17
Reminiscence OF Early California
Days.

Away back in 1852 there was dispute
over placer mine in Yuba river, at Park
Bar, in California. Stephen j. Field
was retained Suit was brought before
Justice OF the Peace for an alleged
forcible entry and detainer, form c:
action in vogue for the recovery of min
ing claims. because the title to the land
was vested in the United States. 1t was
prosecuted solely as possessory action.
The constable who summoned the iury
had received 5000 to summon parties
named by the other side. This fact was
ascertained beyond controversy by evi-
dence placed in the hands of Mr.. Field.
While in bed at Park Bar he overheard
q conversation between q juror and one
of the opposite parties in an adjoining
tent. The juror assured the party that
everything was fixed, and that tho jury
had agreed to render . verdict in his
favor.
The trial was held in saloon crowded
with spectators, most of whom were
favorable to the other side. In sum-
ming up Mr.. Field addressed the jury
for three hours. He showed cOnclusively
that his client was entitled to favora-
ble verdict.
Gentlemen" said he, in closing his
argument, Eve have not endeavored to
influence your verdict, except by the
evidence. We have neither approached
you secretly nor sought to control you.
We have relied solely upon the law and
the evidence to maintain our right to
this property. But our opponents have
not thus acted. They are not satisfied
to allow you to weigh the evidence.
They have endeavOred to corrupt your
minds and pervert your judgment. With
uplifted hands you declared by the ever
living God that you would return ver-
dict according to law. Will you per-
jure your souls? I know that you
(pointing to o juror have been ap-
preached. Did you spurn the wretch
that made the proposal, or did you hold
secret counsel with him? I know that
you (pointing to another Juror talked
over this case last night, for overheard
the conversation, the promises, and your
pledge. Canvas houses are as one here.
Words uttered in one are voices in all.
You did not dream that you were heard,
but I was there, and I know the details
of the foul bargain"
At this an omnous "click, click,
click" was heard. A score of pistols
were cooked.
"There Ii no terror in your pistols,
gentlemen" continued Mr.. Field, in a
thrilling tone. "You cannot win your
case by shooting me. You can win it
only by showing title to the property.
You can never win it by bribery or
threats of violence. openly charge at
tempted bribery. II it is untrue, let the
jurors speak from their seats. Attempt
ed bribery, say-whether successful or
not will depend upon what may occur
hereafter. Jurors, you have invoked
the vengeance of Heaven upon your
souls if you fail to render o verdict &C.
cording to the evidence. If you are
willing to sell your souls, decide against
u.s."
The address was effectual. After M
absence Of a few minutes the jury re-
turned q verdict in favor of Mr.. Fields
client. Some admitted that they had
been corruptly approached, but added
that they were not so base As to be in
fuenced in that way. Within two weeks
the owners took from the placer over
$40. 900 in gold dust.