The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1889-09-25
MRS. HAMILTON CONVICTED.
Sentenced TO Two Years imprisonment In
the state Prison at Trenton, ~. j.


MAYS LANDING. n. j.. Sept. 19.-The arcu-
ments of the counsel in the case against Mrs.
Eva Hamilton for the atrOcious assault upon
Nurse Mary Donnelly were concluded this
forenoon, and Immediately upon the reassem-
bling of court this afternoon udge Reed begaa
his charge to the jury. His charge was clearly
against the prisoner He set aside all the facts
which it was said led up to the cutting. He
instructed the jury to give her the benefit of
any doubt as to the character of the crime.
They might bring in a verdict of assault and
battery if they thought her knife-thrust
not malicious, but If they viewed the matter
from the standpoint that she reached around
10 stab the nurse then there was no reason why
they should not return a verdict in accordance
with the indictment.
The jury then fled out = of the room and
within short time returned, bringing ver-
diet of guilty of atrociOus assault.
The closing scenes of the trial were exceed
ingy dramatic. When word was sent to Mrs.
Hamilton that the jury were out deliberating
whether she was guilty or not, she excitedly
paced her attic prison and frequently looked
out OF her window upon the courthouse wherein
the jury were balloting. Itwas precisely o'clock
when the jury announced that they had arrived
at verdict and filed into their respective seats.
The courtroom was crowded. A civil suit was
pending before the court and the crowd waited
impatiently for its conclusion.
At fifteen minutes past o'clock Sheriff
Johnson led in the defendant through the side
door of the court house. Mrs. Hamilton looked
pale and fatigued but walked with firm de-
meanor through the narrow passage-way, ard
paid no attention to the scrutinizing gaze of
the crowd on both sides of her. When brought
within the railing she sank YEARLY into the
arm chair, directly facing the jury. She was
dressed the same as yesterday, except that the
navy blue drectoire was missing. When seated
she nervously twisted her fingers, her hands
being covered with pearl colored gloves.
/ Her counsel took a position be-
hind her and smiled at the jury as
II expecting a victory, and whispered to
his client who nodded her downcast head as if
in approval. Her head was turned aside from
the prosecuting attorney, who sat in close
proximity. Within five minutes after the now
thoroughly broken spirited woman faced the
jury, the clerk OF the court called the jury and
its foreman's response in stentorian voice was:
I've find the defendant guilty as charged in
the indictment"
Mrs. Hamilton gave perceptible start and
lifted her head for the first time, turning
toward her counsel with an appeal
members me- Sn9'' of the juTg, Ty %ho %]'u looted
her in the face. Then her head sank upon
her breast, but she uttered no comment
Counselor Perry asked the court to poll the
jury. As each one replied to the query of the
clerk, guilty" the scene became almost tragic
u
friend in the courtroom to offer her consola-
ton, even her husband having gone away as
unwilling to remain TO witness her distress.
The jury took two ballots. The first resulted
in a vote of IL for conviction and for acquit-
tai The man who voted for acquittal said he
would agree to q verdict Of guilty OF assault
and battery, but not for atrociOus assault
Finding the other eleven men determined, he
finally submitted to the will of the majority.
The silence of the court room only
ken bN- hp ush Of Tel
the verdict TO the newspapers.
Judge Reed sternly said: "Evangeline Ham
ilton" then hestated and after a moments
pause said, stand up" The woman arose with
an effort and faced the judge, Counselor Perry
standing beside her. "You have been convicted
of grave charge that of atrOciOus assault upon
Mary Ann DOnnelly, the extreme penalty for
which is ten years. But there are eXtenuating
circumstances in this case, and the sentence |
am about to impose should be considered leni-
ent in case of conviction for atrOcious as
sault. / sentence you to two years conhne-
ment In the state prison at Trenton, and you
shall stand committed until the costs OF the
case shall be paid"
Not by movement or look did the con-
demned woman betray any emotion. She stood
in a listening attitude while Counselor Perry
advised her to bear up and be of good cheer
She resumed her seat and conversed with
eral reporters, who took advantage OF the Ocea-
sion to ply her with questions until interfered
it has been TO prevent any
communication between his prisoner and pres
representatives. Mrs. Hamilton condemned
her husbands apparent desertion and made
several remarks concerning his relationship
with the nurse previous to the affray which has
landed her in Jail. She said the sentence
hard to bear. She was willing and apparently
anxious to talk but was led away by the sheriff.
She looked pale but was not agitated. She en-
tered the sheriff's residence through the front
door and proceeded to her attic prison which
had been furnished luxuriousy by her in
fatuated husband when she was first incar-
cerated and before the full exposure of her
past career and the deception practced upon
him had caused him to leave her to her fate.
Mrs. Hamilton will be taken to the states
prison next Saturday morning in company
with half a dozen criminals convicted at this
term of court She will have to serve a twenty
months term, providing she gets the usual al
lowance of two months per annum for good be-
havior. 1t is said that Mrs. Hamilton repeat
edly solicited an interview with her husband
while he was here about some personal matters,
but he declined to go near her.