The Bennington banner. [volume] (Bennington, Vt.) 1858-1894, 1891-07-31
The Bridget Malone Libel Case,

This case, which has attracted wide at
tention, was continued from Friday af-
ternoon until Monday, after the pre-
hminary diminishing by counsel, during
which time both sides accepted the
Municipal Court as competent to try the
cause. On Monday continuance was
had until Tuesday, when the state put in
its evidence. The defense Ioffered
none and the arguments were heard in
the afternoon. The complaint charged
Bridget Malone with falsely &C
cusing the Rev. VIM. Bogert Walker
with improper conduct while she was
domestic in his family.
The court found her guilty of
criminal libel. Sentence was reserved
until yesterday morning, when the sent
ence was imposed of one year in the
Work House at Rutland and to pay 500
and costs, with the usual Alternative
sentence if this fine and cost were not
paid within twenty-four hours. The
case was appealed to County Court and
the bail fixed at $1,000. VIM. H. Brad
ford and VIM r. Morgan became sureties
and the prisoner was set at liberty.
There is much food for reflection in q
case like this in connection with one of
our most respected citizens. Without
making direct reference to any particu-
lar case, the BANNER takes the ground
that it is sound principle in morals as
well as in law that person should be
considered innocent until proven guilty.
1t is shame upon our civilization, how
ever, that in nine cases out of ten the
princi pie is reversed. What does society
or humanity gain by this coursepReputa-
tions are soiled, homes blighted, the
of ~ ,,,ov1ns,.aA on1
less harm done, all at the wag of some
scandal-monger's lying tongue. How
does it come about? A servant is dis
missed, an employee, found derelict in
in duty, is reprimanded. Like viper
the object turns and strikes the hand
that nursed it, strikes in a most vital
point and with a note that is sure to
catch the public ear and earn for the ac-
cuser the notoriety and applause that OBJ
security and worthlessness could never
otherwise secure. At the mere wag of
a williams tongue, woman, the best and
purest of her kind, with only innocence
and good deeds behind her, may become
the talk of the community for days.
'There is nothing in it, but then we
must talk" What suffering is thus en-
tailed upon the innocent. To aid and
abet such work is not merely wicked, it
is devilish. Men spotless in public and
private life are wantonly assaulted by the
most corrupt and red-handedin the COM
munity, and the social world listens
willingly, gladly, and takes part by pass
ing the tale along. Is that the practice
of the golden rule that you want applied
to your Let him that is without sin
cast the first stone.
IL ia No oradit 70 q oommunitv fh n
scandal is readily propagated in its
midst. 1t is impurity and uncleanness
that lends willing ear to every local
scandal-monger's tale.
This condition of things impairs the
safety of every man and woman in the
community. Reader, are you exemptf
You think SO. Wait until your scandal
monger enemy can report some innocent
word or act of yours that may be mis-
understood or misapplied. You'll know
how it is youself, then. In all this the
BANNER makes no defense of wrong OF
crime, and it would in no case lend itsell
to shield the guilty. 1t merely takes the
ground that it is wrong, uncharitable,
unchristian, inhuman and Satanic fol
malicious tongues to deal carelessly and
criminally with the fair fame of woman
or man.
1t may be said that there is more Oh
less good law upon our statute books fol
the punishment of those who defame
the Just, and its operation is only ques
ton of courage on the part of the man OIL
woman who is slandered. If this law is
not appealed to as matter of Furnishing
some of the leaders in wickedness in the
future we do not read the signs Alright
That this town can furnish more thar
one subject for its application all fair
minded people in Bennington will admit