The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1897-01-16
A STORY ABOUT M'SWEENEy.
His Pathetic Fancy Picture Cleared
His Client.
From the Chicago Times-Herald.

From the Chicago Times Herald.
John McSweeney, of Ohio, chief
counsel in the famous Star Route
trials in Washington. was one of the
most eloquent pleaders who ever prac-
tlced at the American bar. His success
III jury trials was phenomenal and he
rarely failed to capture the Jury with
ms eloquence, no matter how adverse
the evidence might be.
AS rule" he once remarked 81
believe lawyers do not watch the Jury
poX closely enough. I've seen many a
case talked to death after it was won.
study my jurors from the very be-
ginning of the case and believe 7 can
tell pretty nearly what they are think
ing about. Whenever | find that the
jury is with me l quit, no matter where
II leaves my speech. I've often stopped
speaking ever before l reached the
gerous to mans reputation as an ora
tor, but it doesn't impair his useful
ness as a successful attorney"
ON one occasion Mr.. McSWeeney was
engaged as counsel for the defence in
California murder trial. The case
looked hopeless. There was not a link
missing in the chain of guilt which the
prosecution had welded. To the sur
prise OF everybody Mr.. McSweeney sub
mitted no evidence for the defence, Be
HFEng that the trial was won, the
states attorney made only a few per-
functory remarks in conclusion, and
then the great Ohio pleader faced the
jury to make the concluding argu-
ment.
He began in a quiet, friendly, con-
Versational tone, such as one might use
in discussing the weather. No refer
ence was made to the murder even in
directly, but the boyhood of the pris-
oner was quietly and rapidly sketched
with master hand-hs school davs
his emharkation in business. his love
affairs, his courtship and marriage. his
struggles to earn little home 70? his
wife and his loved ones.
The jurors were deeply interested and
We're following the narrative intentIv.
Mr.. McSWeeney stepped closer. In q
manner which seemed almost cOnfiden-
tial he drew vivid word picture of a
pretty country cottage, with a doorvard
bright with flowers and roses climbing
over the porch. Within he showed a
faithful and loving wife preparing sup
per-the table partially set, the tea
kettle steaming and singing on the
stove. On the dooryaTd gate three
ruddy-faced youngsters were swinging
and looking up the road to see who
should be the first to catch a glimpse
of papa" coming home to supper.
Suddenly the speaker stopped. Draw
ing himself up to the full height of his
splendid proportions he exclaimed. in
tone which startled the whole court
room by its explosive vehemence:
"Gcntlemen, you must send him home
to them!"
The effect was electrical. A roar of
applause followed, and one old grizzled
Juror, brushing away a tear blurted
out with an oath: by, sir. wen
do it, too"
Mr., McSweeney instantly stopped
and sat down. The jury brought in a
verdict of acquital without leaving
their seats.
Foremost among those who pressed
forward to congratulate the elouuent
Ohioan was the prisoner himself, who.
with tears streaming down his cheeks,
wrung his counsels hands and thanked
him again and again. But between
his sobs he managed to say: mo other
man in the world could have done that,
Why, sir, ] have no wife nor children.
never was even married you know"