The Evening critic., 1882-10-17
ALEXANDRIA AFFAIRS.

The trial OF James Gin, Indicted for the
shooting OF his young wife, Matte Clin, undor
the Wilkes,street railroad tunnel, on tho l1th
and kill her, was called In the Corporation
Court yesterday about 10 O'Clock. 1t will be
remembered that Clir on tho day named on.
ticod his wifc under the tunnel and shot her
five times, throe OF the balls taking offoct In
the head and two in tho body. DR.. James eX-
tracted two OF the balls from the head and tho
two from the body, ono still remaining i'm
bedded In tho ear. Mr.. Leonard Marbury
conducted the prosecution, and Mr.. S. q.
Brent, by assignment OF tho Court, appeared
for the prisoner. Mr.. Brent, In opening for
the defense, said he would show that the wife
OF the prisoner had been guilty OF many
indiscreet acts, which were calculated to pro-
duce in her husband, especially In his en-
feebled condition, having been suffering from
severe hemorrhages, impulsive insanity, but
ho did not intend to reflect upon the charac-
called as tho first Witness Mollle Cllr, tho wlfo
OF the prisoner, who has apparently entirely
recovered from her injuries. The witness
positively refused to answer any questions,
and all that could bo gotten out OF her was u
giggle. To every question she would laugh In
the face OF the Commonwoalth's attorney, and
ings continued until tho large crowd
present also commenced laughing, which
tho city sergeant was called 80, upon
changed until Judge Meade, after having re-
peatedly and kindly warned the girl, com.
mitted tho obstinate witness to the custody or
hour. Upon the reassembllng OF tho court,
Mrs. Clin was again put upon the stand, aud,
after some persuasion, she told the Jury what
she knew aboutthe shooting. Other witnesses
proved tho shooting, and showed that 1t was
without Justification, save.in the jealous fancy
one; that, Notwithstanding the woman, alone
and In the darkness OF the long tunnel, plead
with her husband for mercy, he continued
nring until every chamber lime IN s,o his
tempted to arise he would force her back TO tho
damp ground and 1ire at her again. There
can be no doubt that tho assault was muir
derous one, and the Commonwealth's attorney
expected to send the man TO the penitentlary,
but Mr. Brent, for the defense, handled the
impulsiye insanity plea so we'll that tho Jury,
after n short deliberation, about six o'clock
last night, brought in n verdict, 10 the surprise
OF all, even the counsel for tho prisoner, OF not
guilty. Tho man was then discharged and Is
now at liberty. The sweeping verdict OF ac-
quittal was great surprise to all, and has
caused considerable comment. The prisoner
and his wife, the woman he attempted to
murder in cold blood, left tho courtroom to-
gether, and proceeded homo arm In arm,
evidently enjoying the notoriety they had
gained.
musical festival for tho benefit of Grace
Church, to continue three nights, was COM
menced IN Armory Hall last night. A portion
OF the Marine Band was present and rendered
some excellent music, which was greatly ap'
preciated by the large crowd In attendance.
There was also some good music, vocal and In.
strumental, by local talent.
Tho third anniversary OF the Alexandria Re-
form Club takes place In the NJ Il. Church TO-
night. Among the speakers Will be Rev. DR..
Poulson, Rev. Mr.. Bayle, Mr.. Charles Ney, and
Rev. Mr. Pearce, tho latter the founder OF the
club. After the ceremonies at the club, which
will consist OF the reading of the annual report
by President II. NJ. Foltz, speeches and music,
a grand banquet will be held at the club hall,
free to all the members, some 45O.
Mayor Lamb, of Norfolk, an eloquent Read
juster speaker, will address the citlzens OF
Alexandria Thursday night. Major Tom Wal
lace, of Orange, will address the Young Mems
Democratic Club tomorrow night. Mr.. George
A. Mushback, who was also announced to
speak, has declined to take any part, although
president OF the club, and this decllnation Is
looked upon by many as Indifference on the
tho part OF Mr.. M.