The Magnolia gazette. [volume] (Magnolia, Miss.) 1872-current, 1880-07-09
A Reminiscence OF Early California
DAYS.

Uh1bs
Away back in 1862 there was dispute
over a placer mine in Yuba river, at Park
Bar, in California. Stephen ]. Field
was retained Suit was brought before
Justice Of the Peace for an alleged
forcible entry and detainer, form Of
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 jury
had received 5000 to summon parties
named by the other side. This fact was
ascertained beyond controversy by evil
dence placed in the hands Of Mr.. Field.
While in bed at Park Bar he overheard
a conversation between n 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 a 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-
bic verdict.
Gentlemen" said he, in closing his
argument, tive 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. VIII you per-
jure your souls? 1 know that you
(pointing to juror) have been APP
preached. Did you spurn the wretch
that made the proposal, or did You hold
secret counsel with him? 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 was there, and know the details
of the foul bargain"
At this an om1nous "click, click,
click" was heard. A score Of pistols
we're cooked.
"There IS no terror in your pistols
gentlemen" continued Mr.. Field, in Z
thrilling tone. " You cannot win YOU
case by shooting me. You can win il
only by showing title to the property
You can never win it by bribery o.
threats Of violence. openly charge at
tempted bribery. III it is untrue, let til,
jurors speak from their seats. Attempt
ed bribery, say-whether successful d
not will depend upon what may occm
hereafter. Jurors, you have invoked
the vengeance of Heaven upon YOU
souls if you fail to render a verdict nc
cording to the evidence. If you arr
willing to sell your souls, decide agains
us.
The address was effectual. After aI
absence of few minutes the jury re
turned verdict in favor of Mr.. Field
client. Some admitted that they haC
been corruptly approached, but adde'
that they were not SO base as to be in
fuenced in that way. Within two week
the owners took from the placer owe
800. 900 in gold dust.