Grand Rapids morning telegram., 1884-12-25
WILLARD ACQUITTED.
CLOSING SCENES or THE TRIAL.
The Jury Return Verdict of "Not
Guilty After Being Out About
Two Hours and a Halt.

At the opening ef the court yesterday
morning Maj. A. b. Morse occupied the first
forty minutes in d critical review of some Of
the more important testimony closing with
an eloquent plea for the acquittal of the res
pondent. Hon. j. G. blanchard followed
occupying the remainder of the forenoon.
1t was an effort characteristic for It's clear
analysis of the testimony, favored with such
eloquence and pathos as brought tears 10
many of the auditors, and especially the
friends and relatives of the accused who
were present. 1t would be impossible TO
give Mr. Blanchard's address justice in a
descriptive way. II was one of the most
eloquent and effective addresses ever listened
10 in Grand Rapids court.
In the afternoon Mr.. Mitchell began the
closing address for the prosecution CON-
mencing at O'Clock and ending at half past
five. 1t was noticeable for embracing every
conceivable argument and point that could
possibly be CLEANED from the testimony,
likewise for It's long -windedness, bluster and
noise. Upon the conclusion of Mr.. Nit
chell's remarks Judge Montgomery delivered
his charge to the jury. He instructed the
jury upon the law bearing upon
the case and cautioned them 10
measure their verdict according TO the law
and the evidence only. lie finished shortly
after six, and the jury retired 10 the jury
room, after which the court adjourned until
s O'Clock. At half past-seven the crowd com
menced 10 pour into the court room, and by
5 o'clock the room was well FILL
ed. The respondent and his father
and mother sat in their accustomed
place just inside the rail. The look of ter
rible suspense upon their countenances told
of the struggle that was going on within, a
look that no pen-picture could convey. At
half-past eight Judge Montgomery entered
and the court was called to order. Deputy
Sheriff Brewer appeared at the door
and behind him could be seen
one of the jurors, and the
whisper went around ''they have agreed"
They slowly filed in, their faces fixed and
solemn, an indication that their conclusion
had been reached deliberately and firmly.
Matthew Millard did not appear to notice
them. His eyes were fixed and immovable
and not muscle of his face moved. His
countenance was pale, and so expression
less it looked as though the
heart might have suspended its beating
and circulation stopped for the time. As
soon as the jury had reached their seats they
replied to the clerk who inquired if they had
agreed, that they had. When the foreman
stated the verdict, Not Guilty." the crowd
cheerd Justify. entirely ignoring the
Sheriff's pounding for order. The
prisoner buried his face in his
hands and gave full vent to
the emotion which was agonizing his soul
within. Tears of JOY were shed. A name
that had been sullied for the past two years
with suspicion of the darkest crime in the
calendar had been vindicated. The remark
of the prisoner TO lady who congratulated
him showed his sense of humiliation: II
have lost everything" he said, "and my
liberty is all have left" His aged father
and mother wept and smiled for JOY. ALI
the ladies in the room were applying their
handkerchiefs to their eyes. 1t was pa
thetic scene, intensely dramatic yet impress
sive, insomuch as il fastens itself perma-
nently in the mind of the spectator. To-day
will be MERRY Christmas" for the Millard
family, and thus ehds one of the most re-
markable criminal cases in the history of the