Democratic Sentinel, Volume 9, Number 8, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 20 March 1885 — MUST “DO TIME." [ARTICLE]

MUST “DO TIME."

Judge Blodgett Imposes Senfence on Messrs. Mackin and Gallagher. They Go to the Penitentiary for Two Years and Pay a Fine of $5,000 Each. FChicago telegram.* Two years’ imprisonment in the penitentiary and a fine of $5,000 was the sentence which Judge Blodgett imposed upon. Mackin and Gallagher, convicted of conspiracy to tamper with the returns of a* election in the Second Precinct of the Eighteenth Ward. The case of Gleason, convicted of a like offense, was not considered, and the probabilities are that hewill be let off with a nominal sentence. After listening to arguments counsel urging a new trial, the Judge ordered the defendants to come forward, when. Deputy Marshal Jones, who had taken a stand behind Mackin while the colloquy between the attorneys had been going on, gave the chief defendant a little push, at which. Mr. Mackin looked very angry. His face assumed its usual expression of defiance,, however, and he marched up to the judgment seat, followed by Gallagher, who wasundoubtedly the calmer of the two. Asthey stood facing the Judge, a physiognomist of the keenness of a Lavater could not have told what passed in their thoughts, so perfectly had they themselves under self-control. Judge never glanced at them, but read rapidly from a paper which, he had prepared while the arguments were not yet finished: “The sentence and judgment of the court is that you, Joseph C. Mackin, and yon, William J. Gallagher, be now remanded totha custody of the United States Marshal, and that that officer of- the court convey you to the penitentiary at Joliet, within theperiod of ten days, to remain there committed, each of you, for the term of two-i years, and that each of you pay a fine of.' $5,000. ” There-was a dead silence in the room when the Judge ceased speaking. The defendants never flinched. Mackin heaved a convulsive breath, but bis face did not move. His eyes were almost completely ( hidden by his shaggy brows. Gallagher looked straight ahead, as if he saw clear through the stern Judge, through the massive wall, and out into freedom, which had. just been ent off from him for two years. “The punishment does not commence," Judge Blodgett broke the silence, “until the defen dents reach the penitentiary. Thereare ten days till then, during which the defendants are in the custody of the Marshal, and will be accessible for any legal steps immediately to be taken by ..the -defense. With reference to Gleason the case standsas left by the jury. His attorney is prevented by sickness from pressing any immediate motion, and the case will come up- ( in its regular order. ” T heir Judge Blodgett quickly slid from his seat and hobbled into his private office. The defendants, now prisoners, were taken charge of by the Deputy Marshals and were rapidly inarched off toward the Marshal'soffice. The crowd followed, jostling each, other, some silent, some triumphant, and some cursing until the air was streaked with blue—all were eager to catch a glimpse at the stolid faces of the prisoners, but they were thwarted in their efforts. People in the Marshal’s office were ready for the emergency. The door of the apartment was open when the column appeared, audit was locked as soon as the prisoners and their ’ escort were fairly within. No one was allowed to enter after them. There are some forms of legal procedure yet to be gone through, but none of the friends of the prisoners expect any favorable results from these formalities. Executive clemency now seems to be the last anchor of hope for the ex-Secretary and his friend.