The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1885-05-16
GENERAL FOREIGN NEWS.
Proving an Abb for Cunningham.

Proving an A1ibi for Cunningham.
LONDON, May l6-The evidence for the
crown in the case of Cunningham and Bur-
ton, the alleged dynamiters, was completed
Friday. The last witnesses introduced by
the crown were Drs Ford and Dupre, the
government chemists, who testified
with regard to the power OF the
explosives and chemicals contained in
the detonator found in Burton's
trunk. The case for the defense was then
opened. Mary O'Brien, the first witness
called, swore positively that Cunningham
was at the house of Miss Cannon at the
time of the explosion at the Cover street
station Of the underground railroad. Cath
crime White, the next witness. fully corrob-
GRATED the OBrien womans testimony.
Burton's counsel submitted that no evidence
had been adduced to show that there was a
conspiracy. The judge declared that the
jury must decide that question
At the conclusion of the evidence for the
defense, Burton was granted permission to
address the jury in his own behalf. He ex-
planned his presence in England at the time
of the explosions by asserting that he had
left America because of failing health. He
then went on to explain his movements dur
disconnected manner, and concluded by
calling on God to witness that he was inno-
cent. Burton spoke for over an hour, and at
times worked himself up to high pitch Of
excitement During the delivery of his har-
rangue he frequently struck dramatic post
ures and his violent gestures caused consid-
cradle excitement in the trial-room. His
remarks had anything but favorable eff
feet
Burton was followed by his counsel Mr.
Frederick Little who argued that the evil
dence for the crown failed to prove that his
client was implicated in any way with
the explosion.
Mr.. Little, at the conclusion Of his ad :
dress, stated that he rested the case for his
client. He called no witnesses in defense of
Burton, and the court adjourned for the
day.
Phelps Receives a Royal Reception.
SOUTHAMPTON, May 16-Tbe steamship
Elbe, with Mr.. E. J. Phelps, the new United
States minister to England, on board, ar
rived off the Lizard at 6 o'clock Friday
morning, and reached heJe at o'clock u.
m. Immediately on the vessel being sighted
off this port, the steamer specially chartered
by the new minister's friends started
out to meet the Elbe and welcome
the new minister Minister Phelps will be
presented to Earl Granville, secretary Of
state for foreign affairs, by retiring minis
ter Lowell on Saturday. On Monday Min
lister Lowell. accompanied by the new min
lister, will have an audience with the queen
and present his letters of recall and intro
duce Mr.. Phelps, who will present his ere
dentials as minister plenipotentiary and en-
vey extraordinary of the United States to
the court of St James.
The streets and piers were crowded with
people anxious to welcome Minister
Phelps. Two tugs with steam up and
having on board the mayor and
corporation of Southampton, Mr. Henry
White, secretary of legation, and Consul
William Thompson we're waiting for the ap-
pearance of the Eibe. They went out and
met the steamship and escorted her to hei
dock where the mayor presented Minister
Phelps with a highly eulogistic address.
The weather was fine and the ceremonies
at the landing were marked by heartiness
seldom exhibited on similar occasions Mr..
Lowell has been prevented from being pres
eat owing to his having received com
mand from the queen to dine with her al
Windsor.
The steamship arrived here shortly altar
Sp. m. The large crowds which had gath
cred on the piers enthusiastically cheered
the party on landing. The town was beau
tifully decorated with flags and bunting in
honor of the new minister
At the conclusion of the address by th'
mayor and after other formalities Of his re
ception had concluded, Minister Phelps
accompanied by Mrs. Phelps, drove through
the town. Minister Phelps refused the offel
of special train to London and proceeded
thither in the regular train.