Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1886-01-26
JOHNSON GETS ONE YEAR
SENTENCED TO HIGHT LABOR IN
ALBANY's PENITENrIARH.

6is Counsel Paints from Exclamation
while Asking for New Trial-the
Jury's accommodation saves th9
Prisoner from a seversr Penslty-A
Motion for New Trial to be MADE
The sentencing of Thomas johnson by
Judge Speer, in the United States Circuit
Court room yesterday morning was atten-
ded by quite a sensational scene.
johnson was convicted on saturday
niglh Of cOnspirlng TO induce w. I. Glenn
ents, a deputy collector Of Internal Reve-
nue.. TO abandon the search for an Illicit
still in Montgomery county. The penal
" for the otfense is a fine Of not less than
$500 nor more than $4,000, or imprison-
ment with or without hard labor not less
than six months nor more than six years,
Or both such tine and imprisonment.
Upon motion of District Attorney Oar
nell Judge Speer proceeded to pass SEN
1ence. His Honor, in referring to the ver-
dict, observed that johnson had been
sound guilty Of a very grave ofense, con-
spiracy against the officers Of his Govern
ment. The Jury IN the kindness Of their
hearts had recommended that the court
should show him the utmost clemency.
In accordance with that recommends
fiOn the court had decided to make the SEN
fence only one year in the Albany ( y. \. y
penitentiaFy without hard labor, and the
Costs of prosecution. johnson listened to
sthe court without moving muscle or
changing his facial expression in the
slightest, so phlegmatic is his tempera-
ment.
Several were present in court, and they
noticed that Mr.. 5. b. Adams. when he
arose to make some remarks about new
trial for the prisoner. looked badly. He
seemed very nervous, and Was evidently
surprised at JOhnsOn's sentence, as there
was an impression that the penalty would
Include the alternative Of a tine. Dir.
Adams asked that his client be allowed
20 give Dail until motion for new trial
could be argued, if Johnson desires new
trial. Judge Speer replied that bail could
not be taken, and stated that Johnson
would have to be taken in custody by the
Marshal.
Mr.. Adams asked for a weeks time,
Rnd some discussion followed between
ISunsel and the court.
Judge Speer observing the counsel
fotter remarked, "Mr. Adams, you seem
unwell."
Il am quite unweH" answered the
counsel. And as he spoke he sank heay-
lly into his chair. His head dropped to
One side, his face blRnched and the next
moment ne lost consciousness. Marshal
w ade, District Attorney Darnell and
some other gentlemen sprang to Mr.. Ad-
ANS side and removed him to Judge
bpeer's private room, at the opposite
end OF the corridor. RestoratiVes
were applied, and in a half hour the gen.
tleman revived sufficiently TO be
taken home. There was no little excite
ment in the court room the moment Mr..
Adams tainted, the first impression being
that it was an apoplectic attack. The
Judge afterward granted the prisoner 10
nays in which 10 move for new trial. In
the meantime he will be detained in the
county jan.
MIR. Adams attack was duo. to over
work. He has taken the deepest interest
in the Johnson case, and has OvereXerted
himself. On Saturday, when be argued
the case before the jury he remarked that
he was sick, and his appearance showed
plainly that he was almost exhausted.