New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-04-13
THE ERADICATION OF GLEASON.

Courtroom scenes arc common in modern
dromas Sometimes they are amusing ana
sometimes stupid but whether they succeed or
foil in their purpose they arc generally ac-
conted as burlesques, bearing only just enough
resemblance TO actual proceedings under the
lo,y 70 suggest the reality without deceiving
ANYBODY. But no playwright has ever aepiceeu
trial by Judge or jury more grotesque than 'haO
which was conducted in Long Island City Oh
Friday by Justice Maney. The case was that
of John Reilly, cardriver, against Patrick Glea-
son. AlayOr. The charge was assault, anu INC
defence was a general denial The SIDE issues
werc alleged drunkenness on the part OF the
nlaintiff and Hunters Point politics. The result
was aCqulttal.
II is only few months since Mayor Gleason
was convicted of assault and lodged Ill Jall
for brief period. His executive acts Whlie
he was under lock and key were valld' and the
CITY suffered no inconvenience from his incar-
ceration. On the contrary, 1t was dis'lHct
advantage to the community to have the bel
Eoerent magistrate under physical restraint, ana
;f his terms of imprisonment and of Office had
only been coterminous there would have been
cause for general rejoicing. His victim on that oc-
casion was properly commended for the courage
and pers;stence with which he sought repara-
ton, and the judge and jury were praised 1of
their independence. 1t was even thought posi-
BILE that the notorious cheftain, who is a terror
by day and by night to the community OF whlch
he is tho official head, might learn uselul
lesson of prudence from the discovery that
Justice was not absolutely crippled and help
less in his baiwick, and altogether the EPISODE
was welcome and refreshing.
Mayor Gleason's latest experience as de-
PENDANT in a criminal trial has resulted more
70 his personal satisfaction, but it Is with the
incidents rather than the result OF the legal
performance of Friday that we are concerned
lust now. 1t was farce from beginning 70
end. but instead Of being quiet farce, as IL
might have been, it was a roaring farce, Tor
Gleason possesses great lung power and he
neglected no chance to employ it. The pialntlii $
brother and his lawyer are not deficient III
explosive energy, and they contributed their full
share to the universal uproar. Each OF them
called somebody else liar with great deci-
sion and emphasis, TO the delight OF hall the
spectators, and neither paid the least attention
TO the mild request of the Mayors lawyer that
they would respect the Court. We are lett In
doubt of the Courts desire to be respected, but
assume that Justice Manley perceived the hope
lessness of the situation. While the case was
in progress the honors, as well as His Honor,
seemed to be easy, but the verdict was nota-
BILE triumph for the Geasonites, while the ants
dispersed in a gloomy and detected state. AS
the Mayor took occasion to remark, for the
benefit of all present, he has been elected -four
| times to his exalted Office, and Fridays yndica-
ton puts him in fine running shape for fifth
term. So far as we can see, he is likely to ne
main Mayor of Long Island City until the con-
solidation act goes through and then he will
be eligible for election on the Tammany ticket
to the best thing going.