The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1886-05-26
ALDERMAN JAEHNE,
OF New York City, Gets Nine Years and Ten
Months in the State Prison.
Observations of Judge Barrett in PrOnounc-
ing Sentence-TempOraryS stay of Pro-
ceedings Secured From Judge
Daniels.

New YORK, May 20-The Court of Oyer
and Terminer was filled this morning with
spectators, anxious to hear Judge Barrett
pronounce sentence upon Alderman Henry
w. Jaehne, who was convicted of bribery in
connection with the Broadway Railroad fran
chise. Jaehne was In attendance, guarded
by Deputy Sheriff. His face was pale and
his eyes had a weary look. After the Judge
had taken his seat the District Attorney
moved for sentence to be passed on the
prisoner. General Pryor, of Jaehne's coun-
sci, made a motion for an arrest of judg
ment upon the following grounds: () That
the Indictment was insufficient in substance.
(2) That the count, in the indictment upon
which the verdict was returned, is INSULT
cient to sustain the verdict. (3) That be-
cause in law there can be no judgment upon
the Indictment and verdict Counsel moved
for a new trial upon two grounds: (1) Mis-
direction of the jury in matters of law. (2l
Because the verdict was contrary to law and
against the evidence. The motions were
both denied by Judge Barrett The counsel
then took an exception to the denial of each
motion.
Jaehne then stood up for sentence, and in
n
gave his age as thirty-six years, and his resi-
dence as 43 Vandam street. He said also
that he had learned the jewelry trade. He
was asked what he had to say why judgment
should not be pronounced against him &C
cording to law. He made no reply, but kept
his eyes fixed upon the rail in front of him.
Judge Barrett then sentenced the prisoner to
nine years and ten months in the State
Prison. He said the prisoner had been con-
victed after a fair trial; that he had every ad-
vantage that defendant could have and able
counsel. He had the services of two of the
most eminent members of the bar, one
eteran of the criminal bar, noted for his
over and force, and another gentleman of
tied ability, whose services were ever ready
the command of the poor, unfortunate and
pressed. The case was sad one. LII was
Dumiliating spectacle that man who was
ected to public office in this city should
We so heniOusly betrayed his trust as the
soner had. 1t was humiliating to the peo-
of the city, State and county that such a
ctacle should be presented in a free
Vernment as person betraying his
st as the prisoner had. 1t was sad
see a man with the prisoners adj
tages in the position in which he now is.
ould not be unmoved at the spectacle of
lr weeping wife and broken.hearted
her, but the saddest thing of all aoout
ar case is the doubt which pervaded many
and honest minds of your conviction.
re was not doubt of your guilt. 1t was
lversally conceded when the evidence was
hat the case against you was clear, con-
cling and overwhelming. There was no
'lbt of your guilt, but there was doubt
corning the chances of convicting you.
convicting you the first doubt seems to
We arisen from lack of faith in the effici-
~ of the jury system, the zeal OF our pub
prosecutor and the efficiency of our po-
O" e. These doubts will be dispelled by your
4 teaches mD0rtQnt
ine majority of our people in public life
lave not their price. Let me again say at
iuis point that your offense was not tech
nical bribery, but stupendous bribery for
The furtherance of a stupendous transaction.
Have the people of this city ceased to re-
member the fate of Tweed, of Genet, of
Crowley, of Fish and of Ward? The people
are not all honeycombed with corruption.
According to the testimony In your case, the
two only honest men in the Board were
sneered at by you as dudes. Our worthy
Sheriff. rant-refused the proffered bride,
and it is entirely lmmaterial, as was sug-
gested, whether they expected the reward
Grant to run for Mayor and O'Connor for
Governor"
In conclusion Judge Barrett said: at only
remains for me to now pass sentence. In
your case the maximum penalty of the law
will not be imposed. Under q recent statute
whenever the maximum penalty is abridged
ditiOn to his Communication for good behavior
he can leave the State Prison between the
months of March and MAY. Appeals have
been made to me to be merciful in your case
am not unmindful of the suffering of your
family. No undue severity will be exercised
toward you. L have, therefore, instructed
the Sheriff not to move you Immediately to
the State Prison. You will be conveyed to
the city prison where you will have an OPP
portunity to consult with your counsel in
regard to the pending appeal in your case.
The sentence is nine years and ten months"
Lawyer Newcomb, on affidavits made by
himself and Jaehne, and containing the le-
gal points raised during the trial and the
exceptions taken, secured from Judge DAN
iels temporary stay of proceedings and an
order to show cause why the stay should not
be made permanent. pending appeal. Argu-
ment Will be heard this afternoon at 3
o'clock. Copies of the order were served on
Sheriff Grant, District Attorney MARITIME and
Warden Finn, of the Toombs. Jaehne is in
the custody of the warden, who assigned him
to cell No. H. on the third tier. According
to the remission made for good behavior,
Jaehne will actually have to serve six years,
four months and elevan days.