Democratic Sentinel, Volume 6, Number 34, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 22 September 1882 — THE STAR-ROUTE TRIALS. [ARTICLE]

THE STAR-ROUTE TRIALS.

Conclusion of the Long and Tedious Case. A Mixed Verdict. The jurors came into court at 10 o’clock on Monday morning, the 11th inst Judge Wylie asked if a verdict had been reached, to which che foreirian replied that there had been no change since Saturday, when a conclusion had been reached as to four of the tler'endants. The Judge, therefore, sent chem back, and announced a recess until 2 i>. in. At that time the jury returned, and, ifter answering to their names, reported lire ugh their foreman that no further progress had been made. Judge Wylie hesitated for a minute and then said: “ I have decided to accept your verdict. Marshal, call the defendants. ” Brady and Dorsey failed to respond on the first call, and it was suggested that they were out of the court-room, and a Deputy Marshal was sent after them. In a few minutes they elbowed their way through the throng and took positions facing the court at the defense table. The customary question was put to the jury as to whether they bad agreed upon a verdict, to which Foreman Dickson replied: “ I am instructed by the jury upon this indictment to make the following return: “As to John M. Peck and William H. Turner, not guilty. “As to John R. Miner and Montford C. Rerdell, guilty: “As to John W. Dorsey, Stephen W. Dorsey, Harvey M. Vaile and Thomas J. Brady, the jury are unable tc agree.”* There was a painful pause in the proceedings, and all eyes were directed to the spot where the defendants sat. Brady appeared as if stunned by a heavy blow, and, with head sunk low, presented a very different appearance from the defiant, flaunting personage of the day before. Dorsev leaned forward, as if in doubt as to what he had beard, while Miner and Rerdell were deathly pale. The court, after the Clerk had put the usual questions, discharged the jury, and was about to adjourn, when he was interrupted by the counsel for Rerdell and Miner with a motion in arrest of judgment and notice for a new trial The court then directed the Marshal to take Miner and Rerdell into custody pending a hearing on the question of a new trial. Foreman Dickson addressed the court in relation to the charge of bribery that has arisen in this case. He inquired if it would be proper at this time to present to the court the additional information in his possession as to the approaches that had been made to the jury. Judge Wylie replied that this was not the time nor the occasion for anything of the sort The matter would be investigated by the law officers of the Government at the proper time. He had been told that certain scoundrels had attempted this abominable and censurable crime, and when an examination took place, if the charge was proven, he would punish the scoundrel, provided a jury could be found to convict him. Foreman Dickson was approached as to how the jury had voted, and stated substantially that there were twelve ballots taken, and that after the fourth ballot there were no changes from the verdict as announced in court The vote stood as follows on the last ballot: To convict Brady, 10; to acquit, 2 (Messrs. Dickson and Brown). To convict John W. Dorsey, 10; to acquit, 2 (Messrs. Brown and Holmead). To convict Stephen W. Dorsey, 9; to acquit, 3 (Messrs. Brown, Dickson and Holmead). To convict Vaile, 11; to acquit, 1 (Holmead). Brown, who held out stubbornly against the conviction of Brady and the Dorsey-broth-ers, is one of the two colored jurors.

It is maintained by Dr. E. S. Wood, of Harvard Medical College, that lead poisoning presents this singular feature: “Of two mendiers of the same family exposed to as nearly as possible the same influences, one may l>e affected with symptoms of lead poisoning in a short time and the other not for many months. ” A fashion item says the belle of the period now wears at her waist-belt a little music-box, faintly playing a single tune. The average American girl can put on enough airs without attaching a music-box to her waist. — Norristown Herald. Velvet flowers on repped silk will be the most elegant brocades of the autumn and winter goods.