New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1892-03-09
TIE TRUTH ABOUT THE WEBSTER TRIAL.


Albert B. Wood, the sturdy foreman OF the
Jury before which Burton c. Webster was tried
has received threatening letters since the trial
on account Of the position which he took in the
Jury room. Mr.. Wood deserves the support Of
every friend of public order, and OF every one
who believes in the punishment of murderers.
In letter which Mr.. Wood has written in reply
70 some of the attacks made upon him, he de
claes that he "both loathes and dcspises cow
ardly aSassins Of unarmed men," In these
words he has expressed Justly and focibly the
exact truth about tho murder OF Charles Il.
Goodwin by Burton c. Webster. II was a
cowardly assassination Every dastardy black
guard who plots against the lives Of honest men
was rejoiced beyond measure that the jury dis
agreed and failed to bring in a proper verdict
Webster had the active sympathy OF every rns-
cal. every lawbreaker every man who practSes
or sympa.hizeS with crime. The TRIBUNE
has already expressed its conviction that the
prosecution was not conducted with nearly so
much ability as was the case with the defence
Il still adheres 10 this conviction. 1t was not
Intended to intimate that the Assistant District
Attorneys who had charge of the prosecution
deliberately suppressed or held back any test
mony; but it was intended 10 assert that the
prosecution might have been conducted with far
more ingenuity. skill and thorOghneSs. The
prosecution was no match for the defence.
There were several amazing things about this
trial, bun the most amazing OF all was the charge
delivered by Judge Cowing. In delivering this
charge Judge Cowing did not appear TO he filled
with anxiety for the protection Of human life
in this community. He did not make 1t clear
to the Jury, as he ought 10 have done, that an
armed assassin who follows an unarIned man
10 the victims own room Is trcSpas~r upon
the room OF that victim. and that Goodwin had
a prfec. right TO eject Webster from his apart
ment lie did not point out to the jury in d.
rect and effective language, as no ough, to have
done that Webster's action in following Good
win and entering his room was in Itself s'iiii-
Gent to bring suspicion OF murdcmus intent upon
Webster because Webster wa, man OF violence.
a rufan and the associate OF ruiiians, man
who had always been in tho habit of carrying u
pistol and a man who from his way Of life and
his character would not hesitate 70 use deadly
weapon at any time. Judge COwing seems 20
have been nfuenced-unoonsciously, no doubt
in favor Of the prisoner rather than in favor Of
his victim. Here was an honest man, earning
an honest living, shot down in his own ROOM 10y
q vile backlog BIT 50 far a. the charge 10
the jury was concerned, the death d Goodwin
might have resulted from quarrel in the stree,
between two men, one OF whom was rs well
prepared TO repel assault as the other. Insult
cient stress was laid upon the fact that Webster
carried a pistol while Goodwin was unarmed
The charge Of Judge Coving aroused the ut
most enthusiasm on the part Of the prisoner and
on the par. of his counsel, and was hailed With
acclamations Of rejoicing and approval IN every
poolroom in New-York, and among all the worst
elements that can be found In our population.
IL was a most unfortunate error on the part Of
the Judge not TO present tho case to the jury in
It's proper light; and il was most hanontab.c that
tho prosecution had not taken Sufficient pains
TO secure all intelligent and minded jury.
The eight men who voted for tho acquittll of
this cowardly assassin were lacking in conSidera-
ton of public order and of public deccncy, and
in respect for human life. Mr. Wood is eiIitcd
to great credit for his complete mastery Of the
case, his thorough understanding of tho mat
ter, and his frmncSS in adhering TO his own con
vctons The acquittal Of Webster would have
been regarded everywhere by people who com
pretended the case as victory Of lawlessness,
a triumph Of assassination. 1t ought to have
been possible to get before the jury moro clearly
and effectively the Infamous character both OF
tho assassin himself and Of the woman who in
stigatcd his crime, and to have shown to the
Jury in a way that would have dwelt in their
memories the fact that Goodwin was liked, es
tened respected among his business associates,
and held an excellent position in the regard of
many leading merchants in the drygoods district.