The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1894-06-06

It was a number of years ago that a
boy was placed on trial at Springfield.
H.. charged with the murder Of a COM
panion. He was but a lad. probably
eighteen years Of age, and seemingly OF
a good bringing up. He told his story in
a straightforward manner.
He claimed 10 have come from Ohio.
where he had left home to avoid some
threatened punishment for a trivial
offense Upon reaching the vicinity Of
Springfield. III. he had entered a corn
Held for the purpose OF obtaining some
roasting ears, upon which he intended
TO make a meal. As he was thus en-
gagged he was discovered by the son Of
the owner Of the field upon which he was
trespassing. A hot quarrel ensued, and
the lads adjourned to the railroad track
near by for the purpose of settling the
dispute. In the fight which ensued the
stranger. seeing that he was being
worsted. seized an iron coupling pin lying
near and dealt the other a terrific blow.
The victim fell dead on the spot ana
his assailant, terrified at what he had
done, FASTENED away Two days later
the crime was traced to its author and he
was placed under arrest. The grand
jury at its next sitting returned an in
dictment against him for the murder
Of the farmers boy and his trial was
SCI AOl al ear ~ AlEt1A MS
Celebrated Case.
The case got into the papers and at
tracted some attention because of the
defendants tender years. The trial be
gan and the lad was apparently too pen
niless and friendiess to secure much OF
a defense. The farmer whose boy had
been murdered was wealthy and deter
mined that his sons slayer should suffer
the full penalty of the law. The prose
cution. of which Gen. Palmer was one of
the lawyers, pushed the case vigorously.
The trial had not been long one.
Prosecution and defense had finished
and there remained nothing to be done
except the charging Of the jury by the
Judge and the rendering Of their verdict.
The defense had been miserably weak
and the prosecution exceedingly strong.
The enormity of the crime had been fully
enlarged upon, and the boy was repre-
scented to be OF a most villainOus nature.
It was plain to all that it would go hard
with him. The last lawyer had closed
his speech and the case was about TO go
to the jury.
During the trial the figure Of an old
man was seen seated within the bar.
He had been in constant attendance. Du-
his presence had attracted no remark.
He was plainly clad and appeared 10 be
a farmer of the better class. who had
come up town to attend court. He car
ried an old, gray tile and wore home
spun trousers and a hickory shirt with
O white collar buttoned to it. He had
been an attentive listener to the entire
proceedings, but had spoken to scarcely
any one and was little observed. It was
therefore with some surprise that he
was seen a this point TO arise and ad-
dress the court.
The Old Mans Speech.
"Your honor" he said. i've been lis
tening to this here case and if no one
has any objection I'd just like to say a
few words"
Again taking his seat the old man
awaited the judges answer Everybody
looked surprised and an amused smile
went round. The judge asked the gen
tlemen of the prosecution If they had
any objection to the stranger addressing
the jury. Thinking 10 have some fun
out Of the old man they readily as
scented.
81 fear you are almost too late" said
the judge. II was about to give the
case to the jury; but since the prosecu-
ton has assented you may address the
jury if you so desire"
The old man arose and advanced to
the table before the twelve men who
were to decide the boys fate. Placing
his hat upon it, he began:
Gentlemen" he said, I'm only
country justice of the peace. 1 never
had any schooling to mention. I don't
know much about the law. And before
] begin / want to ask you TO overlook
my grammar, because I'm liable TO make
a sight of mistakes"
Also from Ohio.
With these words he launched forth
into his speech He said he had come
on from Ohio. He told how he lived in
g little country town, the home Of this