Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1880-07-28

Away back in 1852 there was q dispute
over q placer mine In Yuba river, at Parl
Bar, in California. Stephen J. Field wa.
retained. Suit was brought before 8
Justice of the Peace for an alleged forcibl,
entry and detainer, Q form of action il
vogue for the recovery of mining claims,
because the title to the land was vested in
the United States. 1t was prosecuted
solely as a possessory action. The con
stable who summoned the jury had receiv.
ed 5000 to summon the parties named BY
the other side. THIS fact was ascertained
beyond controversy by evidence placed IN
the hands of MIR. Field. While in bed al
Park Bar he overheard q conversation be-
tween juror and one of the opposite
parties in an adjoining tent. The juror
assured the party that everything was fixed,
and that the jury had agreed to render q
verdict in his favor. The trial was held in
a saloon crowded with spectators, most of
whom were favorable to the other side
In summing up Mr.. Field addressed the
jury for three hours. He showed conclu-
sively that his client was entitled to a
favorable verdict.
Gentlemen" said he in closing his ar
gunient, ''we have not endeavored to influ-
ence 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
ere not satisfied to allow you to weigh
the evidence. They have endesvored TO
corrupt your minds and pervert your judg-
ment. With uplifted hands you declared
by the ever living God that you would re-
turn verdict according TO law. Will you
perjure your souls? l know that you
(pointing to juror have been approached.
Did you spurn the wretch that made the
proposal, or did you hold secret counsel
with him? know that you (pointing tn
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 l was
there, and know the details of the foul
bargain"
At this an ominous "click, click, click"
was hSoiu- a oSoiS "a PASeoiS "SAe hcoAb-
"There is no terror in yoLr pistols, gen
tlemen, continued Mr.. Field, in an thrill
ling tone. "You cannot win your case by
me- You can win it only by show
ing title to the property. You can never win
il by bribery or threats of violence. open
ly charge attempted bribery. If it is un-
true, let the jurors speak from their seats.
bribery l say-whether success
ful or not will depend upon what may oc-
cur hereafter. Jurors, you have invoked
he vengeance of Heaven upon your souls if
you fail to render q verdict according TO
he evidence. If you are willing to sell
your souls, decide against U.s. The address
was effectual. After an absence of few
minutes the jury returned verdict in favor
1f Mr.. Fields client. Some admitted that
hey had been corruptly approached, but
added that they were not 50 base as to be
influenced in that way. Within two weeks
he owners took from the placer over $780,
300 in gold dust.