Morning journal and courier., 1881-12-08
Mrs. Coleman Sentenced.

Four Years in the PeniteutIary-The Prisoner Screams Aloud and Pretends to Faint.
 [From the New York Herald of Tuesdny.l Mrs. Elizabeth Coleman was arraigned for sentence in theOyer and Terminer Court yes terday morning. The room was uncomfort- ably crowded and large number of ladies were among the auditors. Mrs. Coleman was accompanied by her mother, cousin and the three children the baby being carried by the mulatto nurse girl who has won distinc- tion by giggling most of the time during thes trial, and was very nervous and hysterical Her counsel, MT. William F. Howe, sat be- side her, and in answer to Chief Justice Da- wis said that he had nothing to suggest to the court. Mrs. Coleman stood up, and in re- ply to Clerk Sparks inquiry said in low voice that she had nothing to say why the sentence of the law should not be passed. Judge Davis then told the prisoner that she might sit down. She did as suggested bur jed her head in her hands and cried softly. The chief justice said
 Elizabeth Coleman, it seldom falls to the lot of the court to discharge so painful 8 duty as devolves upon it in this case. The court entertains the hope that the lesson and example of your sad fate may reach many households in this city. A few months ago you had happy home. You were surround ed by family of young children, four of whom are now living. You had husband, who, according to your own statements, loved you as tenderly as could any man the partner of his hosomsRut by your fal!ss and the follya perhaps, of another, you put yourself in the way of temptation"
 At this point the judge was interrupted by the violent weeping of the prisoner. Her cries subsided when his .honor ceased talking and Judge Davis continued:
 t'What want to impress on all who hear me in this court, on all mothers and on all young women in this community, IS the danger of frequenting without proper es- cort theatres and other places of amusement. They meet there with class of Hbertines who are continually watching for prey. Your afflicted husband is too broken hearted to be present at this sad scene. The jury have been remarkably lenient toward you, but the court will do them the justice to say that they were too honest to listen to the pretext of insanity advanced in your behalf. If any man had shot a woman under similar clrcum- stanceslhe could not escape the extreme pen alty of the law. The consequences of your folly are that your home is broken, your family dispersed and you are convict. It only remains for the court to pronounce the sentence prescribed by law. Under the yer dict rendered against you the law gives me discretion, but I would not do justice if I exercised that discretion. All persons must know that in this land of law the law must be enforced and no persons no matter what the provocation, must take it into their own hands to take the life of another. The sentence of the court is that you be confined in the penitentiary for four years"
 Mrs. Coleman at the words -four years" uttered piercing shriek and fell back in her chair with her eyes closed. Then she flung her arms in the air and shrieked again, s'Oh, my Goal" and slid off the chair to the floor where she remained quietly. Most people in the audience supposed that she had tainted, but those near her saw that her face was flushed and there was nothing but her pas siveness to denote inconsistencies. Deputy sheriffs carried her out. She will be taken to the penitentiary this morning.