Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1894-04-19
THE WOMAN WINS.
v.rdict for $4,000 Damages for Miss
Pollard In the Famous Trial.

Washington awarded Madeleine V.
Pollard $4,000 damages in her SUIT
against Congressman W. P. c, Breck,
inridge of Kentucky for breach OF
promise. She claimed $4,000 dam
ages. The whole of last week was
"a ken up with arguments of counsel.
Mr. Carlisle led off for the plaintiff IN
a calm, dispassionate presentation OF
the evidence. He was followed by
Phil. Thompson, of Kentucky, for the
defense who made a coarse, vulgar
harangue that probably did his client
more harm than good, for its indecency
called forth rebuke from the Judge
while it was being delivered and
pointed rebuke when the jury was
charged. Major Butterworth made
fine argument for Col. Breckenridge
treating the subject in clean, dlgnl-.
fed manner. The greatest effort OF
them all, though, was the closing
speech of Judge Jere Wilson for Miss
| Pollard. 1t was a great speech, de-
livered in fearless and impressive
manner, and was scathing IN It's de-
nunciation of the gray-haired defend
ant. The argument was concluded on
Saturday, and the Judge delivered his
charge to the Jury after the noon recess
The Jury retired about o'clock,
and in an hour and a-half had agreed
upon verdict. The first ballot taken
was upon the merits Of the case, leay-
ing out of consideration the question
of the amount of damages 1t resulted
in eleven votes for a verdict IN favor
Of the plaintiff and one vote for the
defendant. Thereupon the dissenting
gentleman was fguratively cornered
by his colleagues, and for some time
was argued at. They laid the case
fully before the obdurate juryman,
called for the grounds Of his belief,
and were finally able to overcome HIM
by sheer force Of logic. The next
question to be settled was the figure
at which the damages should be rated,
and upon this matter there was the
widest possible difference. Two or
three Jurors thought the full amount
sued for $50, OO0) should be awarded. |
Foreman Cole said that verdict Of
one dollar would vindicate Miss Pol
lard and punish Colonel Breckenridge
sufficiently, and he thought it was
unnecessary to impose any great fnan-
cial punishment upon him. Discussion
of this matter followed until the usual
course was adopted-each juror writ
ing the amount he considered just
upon slip of paper and balance
being struck. The amounts ranged
from 81 to $4,000, and $4,000 was
the average. Several ballots were
taken before the final result was
reached.
The hands of the clock stood at
thirty-fve minutes after four when
the Jurors, IN single file, entered at the
little door to the right of the Judges
desk. Every one saw at once that
they brought verdict and had not
returned for instructions, as is often a
disappointing habit with juries, be-
cause they carried their coats and
hats. Almost at the moment the
Jurors entered, the outer door at the
Judges left was thrust open, the silvery |
head of Congressman Breckenridge |
surveying the room for an instant !
before he entered. Following him
came his son. Desha Breckenridge, |
and his counsel. Before the clerk !
polled the jury Judge Bradley stretched |
out his hand warningly to say
when this verdict is announced
for l am informed that verdict has
been agreed upon-there must be no
demonstrations, either of approval or
disapproval.'
The clerk called the roll of the jury, |
then grumbled loudly an interrogatory,
which being interpreted was Gen
tlemen of the jury, have you agreed
upon your verdict ?"
I'VE have, responded Foreman
Cole rising and thrusting out his blue
envelope 1--WE find for the plaintiff"
An inarticulate murmur started
which the bailifs quickly hushed
Following this, an awkward pause
Finally the Judge asked, For how
much ?"
Fifteen thousand dollars" an
nounced the foreman of the jury.
Another rustic like the first arose,
but was speedily quenched.
Colonel Breckenridge rose slowly
to his feet, and all eyes were turned
toward him Those who saw his face
said that 1t was nearly as white as his
beard, but his voice was clear as usual
when he spoke in hesitating way,
saying, II do not know the practice
Of this court, but l wish to give the
usual notice of motion for a new
trial. He dropped into a seat beside
his son, hardly less pale than himself
Judge Bradley thanked the Jurors
IN the stereotyped formula for their
attention and services in the case.
The clerk yelled like the war whoop
of an Indian above the rush of the
crowd for the door: Gentlemen of
the jury, step into the marshal S office
and draw your fees !"
Nobody waited to hear the formal :
adjournment. The jurors filed out 6
Colonel Breckenridge pulled his SLOUGH I
hat over his eyes and followed after
them, with his son in his wake, elbow
ing their way across the hall to the
marshal's office. The jurors were Just
ahead Of him in the outer Office, and {
be pressed through them to the green :
Oalze door before the private Office