Saint Mary's beacon. [volume] (Leonard Town, Md.) 1867-1983, 1881-04-07
LOCAL DoTTINcs.
Court Proceedings Continued.


Wednesday, March 30th. The only case left
for trial at this Term, viz. The State, vs.. Jas.
L. and Alfred w. Stone, indicted for malicious
destruction Of property, occupied the entire ses-
sion of the Court this day; and resulted in a
verdict Of guilty. The State was represented by
our efficient States's Attorney, Danl. @. Ham
Hett Esq, and the accused by Messrs. Camaer
Abel. Notwithstanding the mastery and in
genious effort of the young advocate Of the ac-
cused, Enoch B. Abel, Esq, whose maiden
speech was made in their behalf, the Jury, after
short deliberation, brought in a verdict ofguil-
ty. The Petit Jury were then discharged for the
Term after being handsomely complimented by
the Court and receiving its thanks for their
promptattendance.
Thursday, March 31st. His Honor, Judge
Ford, this day sentenced James T. and Alfred
w. Stone, convicted yesterday of malicious des-
trnction Of property, to confinement in the Ma
ryland Penitentiary for the period Of two years.
He told them that they had been tried by jury
of their peers, had been ably defended by coun-
sci learned in the law, and had been found gull
ty by the jurv That he fully concurred in the
verdict of the Jury and was satisfied oftheir guilt,
but that as il was their first offence, notwth-
standing the shocking character OF the outrage
they had perpetrated, he was disposed TO deal
with them lenienty, particularly the younger
brother, who, from all the facts and circumstan-
ees in the case, he was convinced had been led
to the commission of the offense by the bad eX-
ample and evil counseng Of his older brother
He would therefore impose the lightesi penalty
provided by the law for the punishment Of this
oifense, confinement to the Penitentiary for two
years and he expressed the hope that their pun
ishment would prove effcacious in deterring them
from any future violation Of the laws Of the land,
and in reforming their lives so that when they
were released from imprisonment they might he
come useful and moral members Of society. lie
spoke Of their deceased father whom he knew
we'll, and characterized him as an upright and
honest man, and most useful member Of socie-
tv. aud expressed regret that his good example
had not borne better fruits. The prisoners were
then remanded to the jail, where they will re-
main until Monday next, v hen they viii be car
red to the peni;euliary b. Deputy Sheriff, Jas.
r. Abel After returning to the jail, lhe Older
brother, James T Stone, sent for Judge Ford aud
expressed the desire 70 take upon himself 'bc pun
ishmcnt melted out 70 his brother Alfred. This
Of course, could not be done, hui showed that
James was not withoutsomc redeemiug trait and
that he realized that bis brother crime snd'di1
grace we're owing to bic own bad dyiceaud eS
| ample.
The facts aud circumstances connected with
this case are too fresh IN the memory Of our read
ers to require amy further reference 70 Il by as
the oncnsc having at The time Of Its Preparation
aroused sucha feeling oriudigualiou in The wbol,
community and such determined purpose {,
! bring The offenders 10 justice. as we have ncye,
seen cquallcd.
His Honor, Judge Chew, took bis departure
on Thursday hy steamer Arsonsmitbr leaving
behind him many warm friends made during Boil
stay with us. aud followed by hopes shat he mal
be retained after ,hc election this Val! TO- th
/ high place to which be was appointed by Gov
Hamilton. and " hicb be 20 well fits,